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Pigs attack in Crawford County
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 31, 2008
SOLDIERS GROVE About a half dozen pigs attacked a woman who fell on a Crawford County farm. In a news release, the Crawfor County Sheriff’s Office reported that officials there received a 911 call about 11:30 a.m. Friday at a farm four miles northwest of Soldiers Grove. The department says ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Dove season opens Monday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 31, 2008
MADISON Another Wisconsin mourning dove season opens Monday. The Natural Resources Board created the hunt in 2000, generating a firestorm of controversy. The mourning dove was Wisconsin’s symbol of peace during the Vietnam War. Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Cranes and Doves successfully sued to block the first season, but an ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Two die in Vilas County boating accidents
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 31, 2008
EAGLE RIVER Two men are dead after separate boating accidents in Vilas County over the Labor Day weekend. The Vila County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 38-year-old man from Wauwatosa died Saturday night in a tubing accident on Saint Germain Lake in St. Germain. Three and a half hours later, ...Read more, add a comment »
Police seek hit-run driver
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 31, 2008
CALEDONIA Police in the Racine County community of Caledonia asked for help from the public to find the driver involved in a hit-run accident that killed a 22-year-old Illinois man. According to police, the body of Justin Hammons of South Roxana, Ill., was found just after 2 a.m. Saturday in ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Rabies vaccine in short supply
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 31, 2008
Routed to 0830RABIES-PAGE-NEWS by GLITTLE at 8/30/2008 9:14:08 PM BC-WI--Rabies Vaccine,0126 Officials warn of rabies vaccine shortage Eds: APNewsNow. WEST BEND The rabies vaccine is apparently in short supply. The Washington County health department says manufacturing problems and high demands are causing the shortage of the vaccine. Officials say the ...Read more, add a comment »
Garbage strike continues
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 31, 2008
MILWAUKEE Union leaders say a 10-hour bargaining session with a federal mediator Saturday failed to settle a dispute that has led to a five-day strike against Waste Management Inc., affecting garbage pickup in southeastern Wisconsin. Teamsters Local 200 represents 212 workers who went on strike against Waste Management over the ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Arson suspected in Janesville fire
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 30, 2008
JANESVILLE Police are investigating as possible arson a fire that did about $200,000 damage to a business on Janesville’s south side early Saturday morning. Firefighters found flames and smoke shooting into the sky when they responded at 3:02 a.m. Saturday to Tigre USA, 2315 Beloit Ave., the Janesville Fire Department ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Husband, wife dead in apparent murder-suicide
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on August 30, 2008
JANESVILLE A husband apparently killed his wife with several gunshots, then killed himself in their Janesville home Saturday morning, Janesville police reported Saturday afternoon. Dead are Rexhep Menxhiqi, 54, and his wife, Shukrije Menxhiqi, 38. Four of the couple’s five children were home at the time. One of them called ...Read more, view comments (39) »
2 shot dead in Janesville home
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on August 30, 2008
JANESVILLE A man and a woman apparently were shot to death at 12 N. Washington St. in Janesville sometime Saturday morning. Police were called to the home just north of West Court Street in Janesville at 9:05 a.m. Saturday. At 12:36 p.m., Janesville police released the following: “Officers were called ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Police shoot pit bull
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 29, 2008
BELOIT TOWNSHIP Town of Beloit police officers shot and killed an apparently stray pit bull that attacked them and a township resident Friday morning. At 5:40 a.m., officers were called to 2137 Creedy Road after being told that a vicious pit bull had charged the homeowner. When the dog charged ...Read more, view comments (105) »
Sewer work to close streets
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 29, 2008
JANESVILLE Because of the summer floods, storm sewers will be replaced next week on Beloit Avenue and Palmer Drive. Beloit Avenue between Delavan Drive and Palmer Drive is scheduled to be closed to through traffic for one day beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Palmer Drive between Beloit Avenue and South ...Read more, add a comment »
Cain appointed acting public health officer
Posted by GINA DUWE on August 29, 2008
JANESVILLE—Rock County Administrator Craig Knutson announced today he has appointed Karen Cain as acting public health officer at the Rock County Health Department. Cain will official assume her responsibilities leading the department on Wednesday, following the departure of Dr. Joseph Schurhammer. Knutson said the county will be moving forward with ...Read more, add a comment »
General Motors recalling 944,000 vehicles
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 29, 2008
WASHINGTON—General Motors is recalling 944,000 vehicles because of a problem with the windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire. The recall involves more than 850,000 sport utility vehicles, trucks and passenger cars in the U.S. and nearly 100,000 vehicles in Canada, Mexico and the Middle East. It ...Read more, view comments (40) »
Wis. woman sentenced to prison for travel fraud
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 29, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Marshfield travel agent will spend more than two years in federal prison for ripping off travelers. U.S. District Judge Barbara C. Crabb sentenced 47-year-old Marcia Meshak on Thursday to two years and nine months behind bars. Meshak ran Travel Pro travel agency in Marshfield. Federal ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Another boy fatally shot in Milwaukee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 29, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Another young man has been shot and killed on Milwaukee’s north side, the second victim in as many days. Police said Friday a 17-year-old boy was killed about 11 p.m. Thursday. The shooting follows the death of 16-year-old Nicholas White, who was fatally shot Wednesday night while ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Body recovered from Madison lake identified
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 29, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A body recovered from Lake Monona in Madison has been identified as that of a missing swimmer. The body was recovered Thursday at the south side of Madison’s isthmus. Coroner John Stanley said Thursday night the body was that of the missing man, 40-year-old Erik Jensen ...Read more, add a comment »
Sandbag collection site will remain open in Rock County
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 28, 2008
JANESVILLE—Rock County will continue to collect sandbags through the fall, according to a press release from Assistant Rock County Administrator Phil Boutwell. The county planned to close sandbag collection sites in August, but many sandbags still remain in place in shoreland and floodplain areas. Federal and state law, Wisconsin Department ...Read more, add a comment »
Badgers will be on Charter
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on August 28, 2008
College football fans can stand up and cheer. As of Thursday afternoon, the Big Ten Network (BTN) is on the air in Janesville and other communities served by Charter Communications. Subscribers to Charter’s expanded basic package or Charter HD will be able to watch the Badgers’ match up against Akron ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Brewers top 3 million in ticket sales
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 28, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Baseball fans are filling Miller Park in record numbers this season. The Milwaukee Brewers said Thursday the team has reached the 3 million mark in total tickets sold for the season. The Brewers have sold out 21 consecutive home games so far, and have 37 sellouts for ...Read more, view comments (5) »
City of Janesville holiday hours
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on August 28, 2008
The city of Janesville has announced its hours for the Labor Day holiday. Most city facilities, including the municipal building, city services center, the Senior Center and the sanitary and demolition landfills will be closed. The Hedberg Public Library and the Janesville Ice Skating Center will be closed Sunday and ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Wis. Technical College System runs out of grants
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 28, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — An estimated 4,000 low-income technical college students may get less aid this fall because the state has run out of grant money for them. The state Higher Educational Aids Board stopped giving Wisconsin Higher Education Grants to students in the Wisconsin Technical College System on Aug. 21. ...Read more, view comment (1) »
More and more Wisconsinities are taking the train
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 28, 2008
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsinites are riding on trains at a record-setting pace. That's pushing demand that could help the state expand train service into the Fox Valley. The popular Amtrak Hiawatha service that takes passengers between Chicago and Milwaukee had 607,000 riders in the last 10 months. That's up ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Elections officials vote against voter penalties
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 27, 2008
State elections officials have refused a state Republican Party request to force voters who fail identification checks to cast a provisional ballot this fall. Federal law requires each state to build a statewide voter registration list and cross-reference names with other state databases to verify identity and address. It's up ...Read more, view comments (8) »
No serious injuries in bridge crashes
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 27, 2008
JANESVILLE No one was seriously injured in a pair of two-vehicle accidents shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday on Veterans Memorial Bridge in Janesville, police reported. Police blocked eastbound traffic on Memorial Drive over the bridge to allow officers and firefighters time and space to investigate the accidents and clean the ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Nearly a quarter of Wis. voters fail check
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 27, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nearly a quarter of Wisconsin residents who have registered to vote since Aug. 6 have failed identification checks. That’s according to state Government Accountability Board staff members. Federal law requires each state to build a statewide voter registration list and cross-reference names with other state databases ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Laid off paper mill workers to get job training
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 27, 2008
KIMBERLY, Wis. (AP) — The state of Wisconsin says state and federal help will be available for about 600 workers laid off by the NewPage paper mill in Kimberly. The mill has already let at least 125 workers go, and the remaining 475 will be out of work when production ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Charter to carry Big Ten Network
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 27, 2008
Charter Communications and the Big Ten Network have reached a multi-year agreement, according to a joint statement released this morning. Charter will carry the channel on its basic expanded cable lineup, the release said. It remains unclear if the channel will be available in time for the opening of the ...Read more, view comments (48) »
Homeowners’ flood claims denied
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 27, 2008
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — The Oshkosh City Council denied flood damage claims for at least 20 homeowners during an emotional meeting Tuesday night. Heavy rain in June flooded streets and homes around Wisconsin, including some in Oshkosh. The homeowners blame the city’s sewer system which failed to handle the water. ...Read more, view comments (12) »
More wells being found contaminated
Posted by STAN STRICKER on August 27, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A high number of Rock County wells are testing unsafe for drinking water. The problems stem from the flood early this summer. Rick Wietersen tells WCLO's Stan Milam Show the Rock County Health Department is having a busy summer testing well water. Of the almost 600 ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Janesville School Board passes budget
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on August 26, 2008
JANESVILLE — The Janesville School Board passed a 2008-09 budget after lengthy debate Tuesday night. The board approved numerous cuts and other budget adjustments to reduce the proposed tax increase. The board did not increase any fees for sports, as one board member had proposed. Numerous parents, students and coaches ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Lake dredging could be $1.75 million
Posted by GINA DUWE on August 26, 2008
The Evansville public works committee recommended wording to the council tonight on an advisory referendum to dredge Lake Leota at a cost of no more than $1.75 million. The committee unanimously proposed the wording: “Shall the Evansville Common Council approve spending an amount not to exceed $1.75 million in order ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Charter close to deal on Big Ten Network
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 26, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Most of Wisconsin will be able to see the Badgers this fall on cable. Now it appears that Charter Communications, which services Madison, is close to an agreement with the Big Ten Network, too. A Charter spokesman tells the Wisconsin State Journal that they are in active ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Teamsters strike Waste Management
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 26, 2008
MILWAUKEE -- Waste Management drivers represented by Local 200 of the Teamsters walked off the job this morning in a contract dispute, union officials said. Bill Plunkett, a Waste Management spokesman, said company and union negotiators were at a bargaining session at a suburban hotel when the Teamsters walked out ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Rep. Baldwin to address Democratic convention at 6:18 p.m.
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on August 26, 2008
Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., announced she will tell the story of a Beloit woman's struggle when she addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver tonight. Baldwin is scheduled to speak at 6:18 p.m. Central Time. Baldwin's speech will be about " the plight of uninsured and underinsured women and families ...Read more, view comments (10) »
DNR approves ethanol permit
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 26, 2008
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved United Ethanol's request to install a new piece of equipment the plant says will address noise, odor and emission complaints. The DNR sent a letter dated Thursday saying it will issue a construction permit for United Ethanol to install a new regenerative ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Mother in drug death wants Len Bias law revised
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 26, 2008
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — The mother of man who died of a drug overdose in Winnebago County wants the state’s Len Bias law to include all drugs that take a person’s life. The Len Bias law allows prosecutors to file a reckless homicide charge against anyone who sells or distributes ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Rotary Gardens to charge fee
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on August 26, 2008
A stroll through Rotary Gardens will cost $5 after the Janesville City Council on Monday voted unanimously to allow the board to set an entrance fee. The board for years has dealt with a budget deficit but has been successful in avoiding an admission fee for almost 20 years now, ...Read more, view comments (43) »
Security of Janesville's municipal building a concern for council
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 26, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville City Council votes against a policy change that would allow state and federal candidate forums in City Hall. The policy change comes in response to a League of Women Voters request to host a congressional candidate forum in city council chambers. City Attorney Wald ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Edgerton High to lose block schedule
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 25, 2008
Edgerton High School will switch from a four-period block schedule to a traditional eight-period schedule in 2010-11 under a plan approved by the school board Monday. Associate Principal Clark Bretthauer presented the plan to switch to an eight-period day and lower graduation requirements to make up for staff cuts the ...Read more, add a comment »
Edgerton superintendent to retire
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 25, 2008
Edgerton Superintendent Norm Fjelstad intends to retire at the end of the 2009-10 school year, he told the school board tonight. He gave the board two years notice so it has plenty of time to find a replacement, he said. Fjelstad is in his 21st year as Edgerton superintendent. He ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. Gov. Doyle to stress economy in Dem address
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 25, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle and Rep. Tammy Baldwin say they’ll use speeches at the Democratic National Convention to contrast Sen. Barack Obama’s plans for the economy with those of Sen. John McCain. Doyle and Baldwin are among dozens of top party leaders who will address the convention ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Buggy-cycle crash kills 1, injures 11
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 25, 2008
DARLINGTON, Wis. (AP) — A collision between a horse-drawn buggy and a motorcycle has killed one person and injured 11 others in southern Wisconsin. Lafayette County sheriff’s officials say the driver of the motorcycle missed a curve on Highway F Sunday about 6 p.m. near the entrance to Yellowstone Lake ...Read more, view comments (30) »
City Council to consider Monterey Stadium ramp
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 25, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The City of Janesville and School District of Janesville are working together to design an accessibility ramp at Monterey Stadium. City Engineer Jack Messer says he's reviewed the plans and ensure they meet ADA requirements and the quality of construction that would go along with a ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Wisconsin residents killed in plane crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 24, 2008
At least two Wisconsin residents were among 10 killed in a plane crash in Guatemala today. Sarah Jensen, a 19-year-old who survived the crash with minor cuts and bruises, said she and her family were headed to a village in El Estor to build homes for CHOICE Humanitarian, a group ...Read more, view comment (1) »
City announces manager candidates
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 24, 2008
The city of Janesville will consider six candidates in its second round of interviews for the position of city manager, said Amy Loasching, council president. They are: -Gary Dumas, director of operations in Fayetteville, Ark. -Eric Levitt, city manager in Sedona, Ariz. -Phillip Nelson, city manager in Troy, Mich. -James ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Suspect to enter plea in Packer home break-in
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 24, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A plea hearing is scheduled Monday for one of the two men accused of burglarizing the home of Packers running back Noah Herron, who hit one of them over the head with a bedpost. Twenty-year-old Joel Mullin-Romo and 31-year-old Yeshua Tate are charged with two ...Read more, view comments (6) »
UPDATED: Police investigate stabbing
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 23, 2008
Janesville police are investigating a stabbing incident that happened early this morning, Sgt. Terry Sheridan said. Though police originally believed the stabbing happened at a party, it now appears it did not happen at a party, Sheridan said. Police have not yet been able to determine where the stabbing occurred. ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Officer charged in apparent road rage incident
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 23, 2008
A Superior, Wis., police officer is charged with second-degree assault for allegedly pulling a gun and pointing it at a motorist in an apparent road rage incident. Ross W. Magnuson, 45, of Knife River also faces charges of making terroristic threats, recklessly handling a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. A ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Obama introduces Biden at rally
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 23, 2008
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--Barack Obama introduced Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware on Saturday as a man "ready to step in and be president," and the newly minted running mate quickly converted his debut on the Democratic ticket into a slashing attack on Republicans seeking four more years in the White House. Sen. ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Man arrested after throwing rock at sheriff's office
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 23, 2008
A 51-year-old man was arrested Friday evening after repeatedly throwing a large stone at the front doors and windows of the Rock County Sheriff's Office, according to a news release from the office. According to the release: Jeffrey M. Hansen, rural Beloit, told correctional officers he was checking to see ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Obama picks Biden as VP
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 23, 2008
WASHINGTON--Barack Obama selected Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware late Friday night to be his vice presidential running mate, according to a Democratic official, balancing his ticket with an older congressional veteran well-versed in foreign and defense issues. Biden, who has twice sought the White House, is a Catholic with blue-collar ...Read more, view comments (46) »
Local 95 approves GM contract
Posted by JIM LEUTE on August 22, 2008
By an overwhelming margin, members of United Auto Workers Local 95 ratified a four-year local contract with General Motors on Friday. The signed contract is considered an important part of a presentation community leaders will make to GM officials in an effort to retain a GM presence in Janesville. The ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Milton teachers, district reach tentative contract
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 22, 2008
The Milton School District and Milton Education Association reached a tentative agreement on a teachers contract after a 10-hour mediation session Thursday, the two sides announced in a news release today. The agreement applies to the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school year. The previous contract expired July 1, 2007. Details of ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Wis. confiscates more illegal cigarettes since tax hike
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin revenue officials are confiscating more illegal cigarettes. State Revenue Department spokeswoman Jessica Iverson says one reason for the increase is because smokers are trying to avoid paying a higher tax. The state increased the cigarette tax by $1, to $1.77 a pack on Jan. 1. ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Increased costs force proposed reductions in Head Start
Posted by GINA DUWE on August 22, 2008
Increased expenses without a matching increase in funding has forced the federal Head Start program to propose cuts in Rock and Walworth counties. Head Start programs at Phoenix Middle School in Delavan and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Janesville would be reduced, while the program at J.C. McKenna Middle School ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Janesville paramedics are making do with four ambulances at five stations
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 22, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville Fire Department is making do with four ambulances for five fire stations. Fire Station Three on Crosby Avenue partially relies on nearby stations. Fire Chief Larry Grorud says, "Our ultimate goal for ambulance service to the City of Janesville is to have a paramedic ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Mail delivery suspended in Olde Towne Mall
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 21, 2008
JANESVILLE The U.S. Postal Service has suspended mail delivery into the Olde Towne Mall, 20 S. Main St., until further notice. Postmaster Michael A. Baldocchi delivered a letter Thursday afternoon informing the mall’s 14 tenants and Jackie Wood, co-owner, of the decision. “I’m just trying to keep everyone safe,’’ Baldocchi ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Obama to campaign in Eau Claire on Sunday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 21, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Sen. Barack Obama will campaign in Wisconsin for the first time in two months this weekend. His campaign says the Illinois senator will stop in the western city of Eau Claire on Sunday. The event is part of a tour of battleground states leading up to ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Outgoing UW leader rips business lobby’s tactics
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 21, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Outgoing University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor John Wiley says the state’s largest business lobby has been taken over by "political extremists“ and has become an obstacle to economic development. Wiley is using a 3,000-word essay in Madison Magazine to slam Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and state lawmakers ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Streets resurfacing to start Friday
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 21, 2008
JANESVILLE--Street resurfacing activities will begin Friday and continue through Sept. 5 on the following streets: Barham Avenue from Washington Street to Oakhill Avenue, Grant Avenue from Ravine Street to Mineral Point Road, Mount Zion Avenue from Milton Avenue to Sumac Drive and Ruger Avenue from Garfield Avenue to Randall Avenue. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Rotary Gardens board wants to charge an admission fee
Posted by STEVE BENTON on August 21, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: JANESVILLE — Janesville City Manager, Steve Sheiffer, says he would like to place an item regarding Janesville's Rotary Gardens on Monday's city council agenda. Sheiffer says a letter from the Rotary Gardens Board Chair indicates they need to begin charging an admission fee because fund raising ...Read more, view comments (87) »
City Council to discuss manager candidates today
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 21, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville's City Council will scrutinize applications from eight city manager candidates in closed session Thursday. Council President Amy Loasching says the consulting group is providing the eight applicants for the council to review. Of the eight, three were considered during the last search and brought back ...Read more, add a comment »
Former jail officer faces felony charge stemming from relationship with inmate
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on August 20, 2008
ELKHORN -- A former Walworth County correctional officer accused of having a relationship with an inmate and illegally passing him a greeting card will appear in court Friday on a felony charge. Ellen L. Madl, 49, of 616 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, is charged with delivery of illegal articles to ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Nader seeks to add name to Wisconsin ballot
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 20, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Supporters of independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader are gathering signatures to get him on the November ballot in Wisconsin. Nader volunteer Briana Nestler says she and others have gathered more than 1,900 of the 2,000 Nader needs to qualify. She says they hope to gather 4,000 ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wis. officials defend mercury emission rules
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 20, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin pollution officials are defending a plan to force utilities to dramatically reduce their mercury emissions. Mercury is a byproduct of burning coal at power plants. It can cause neurological damage. The Department of Natural Resources adopted rules this summer requiring utilities to cut mercury emissions ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Man arrested in computer theft
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 20, 2008
JANESVILLE--Timothy W. Shetler, 22, of 1515 Holiday Drive, Janesville, was arrested on charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage and probation warrant, at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at his apartment after the burglar alarm sounded at Team Electronics, 1701 Holiday Drive, Janesville. Janesville police officers found a window broken out at the ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Janesville schools told to cut insurance spending
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 20, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Insurance consultants say they do not know why the Janesville School District's insurance claims are down. Nearly $30 million in charges were turned in in Janesville, more than $15 million of those were denied and nobody complained. A representative from the teachers union says, "only a ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Police looking for dog that bit man
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on August 19, 2008
WHITEWATER—Police are seeking information about a dog that bit a 34-year-old man about 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the 500 block of South Franklin Street. The dog is described as a medium-sized, black, brown and gray “mutt.” The dog was wearing a black collar with a tag. The man, who lives ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Local 95, GM reach tentative deal
Posted by JIM LEUTE on August 19, 2008
After nearly 14 months of negotiations, United Auto Workers Local 95 and General Motors have agreed on a tentative local contract. Last fall, the UAW ratified a four-year national contract with GM. Negotiations on a local contract, which cover operations in Janesville, started last summer but have been delayed by ...Read more, view comments (118) »
Rock County opens Old 92
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 19, 2008
JANESVILLE--Hal Mayer, highway superintendent for the Rock County Department of Public Works, announced that Old 92 from West Spring Valley Road to Highway 213 in Spring Valley Township has been reopened following flood damage. Contact Hal Mayer at (608) 757-5465 with questions.Read more, view comments (3) »
Baldwin to address Democratic Convention on Tues.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin is scheduled to address the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, the second night of the party gathering in Denver. Baldwin was a high-profile supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton. She’ll be speaking on the same night Sen. Clinton is scheduled to speak, a ...Read more, view comments (4) »
State settles prison suicide case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state has settled a lawsuit filed by the family of a woman who committed suicide while at the Taycheedah Correctional Institution. Federal court documents say the state will pay Angela Enoch’s family $635,000 without admitting liability. The 18-year-old woman used pieces of her pillow to ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Janesville BID clears first hurdle
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 19, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville's Business Improvement District (BID) clears its first hurdle with approval from the city's plan commission after a lengthy public hearing. The proposal now moves to the city council, unless owners of 40% of the property to be assessed file petitions against the BID. Plan Commission ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Pawlenty derides Obama’s ’minimalist’ energy plan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 18, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, often mentioned as a potential running mate for Sen. John McCain, promoted McCain’s energy policy and critiqued his rival’s as he campaigned across Wisconsin on Monday. Pawlenty said Democratic Sen. Barack Obama would “slam the door shut” on additional nuclear power and ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Siren testing will start Sept. 3 in Rock County
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on August 18, 2008
JANESVILLE--Tornado siren testing will resume at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The test signal will be one to two minutes long. When sirens sound, residents should not call the Rock County Communications Center. If residents discover a non-working siren in their neighborhood, they should call (608)758-8440. Sirens will not ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Two bodies found in Edgerton home
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 18, 2008
EDGERTON—Police this morning were investigating two bodies found inside the home at 39 Mildred Ave., Police Chief Tom Klubertanz said. Police were dispatched at 8:08 a.m. for a “check welfare” at the address. They were not releasing names, cause of death or any other details by The Janesville Gazette’s deadline ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Less driving means less pollution in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 18, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — High gas prices are helping reduce pollution in Wisconsin. Federal statistics show motorists drove 1.1 billion miles less in the first six months of the year compared to the same time a year ago. That’s largely because gas costs about $1 more per gallon now. Fewer miles ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Racine bus drivers on strike
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 18, 2008
RACINE, Wis. (AP) — Unionized bus drivers have put the brakes on Racine’s transit system. Teamsters Local 43 called a strike beginning Monday over stalled contract talks. Local president Wes Gable says it’s unfair that it came to this, but union members have to protect their families’ rights. Gable says ...Read more, view comments (4) »
BID task force members address concerns about the proposal
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 18, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Some downtown Janesville business owners are expressing concern that if they oppose the Business Improvement District, or BID, proposal they'll lose business from supporters of the BID. BID task force member Larry Squire says they shouldn't worry. "I've heard nothing from anybody from the city, I've ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Body pulled from Lake Monona
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 17, 2008
MADISON — Authorities have recovered a man’s body from Lake Monona in Madison. Dane County sheriff’s officials say a caller reported seeing someone floating off the shoreline Sunday morning. Crews found the submerged body of a man. He was dead at the scene. The name of the victim has not ...Read more, add a comment »
Want to talk about the emerald ash borer?
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 17, 2008
MADISON -- Wisconsinites will have a chance to question state and federal authorities about the tree-killing emerald ash borer at a meeting Tuesday. The state Department of Natural Resources will have representatives at the meeting in the Washington County Fair Park Pavilion. Others planning to be there are from the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Man found dead on Madison porch
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 17, 2008
MADISON — Madison police say an unidentified male has been found dead on a porch after a night of drinking. The house is near the UW-Madison campus. A person who lives there called 911 about 5 p.m. Saturday after finding the man on the porch, not breathing. Authorities say the ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Green Bay man steals ATM with $11,000
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 17, 2008
GREEN BAY — A Green Bay man accused of using a forklift to steal an automated teller machine this summer has pleaded not guilty to a pair of felonies. Steven Powers, 46, was arraigned Friday in Brown County Court. He's accused of stealing the ATM in June from the Resch ...Read more, view comments (10) »
DNR: Good season for duck hunters
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 16, 2008
MADISON -- Duck hunters should have a good season this year, despite flooding in the southern part of Wisconsin. Department of Natural Resources migratory game bird ecologist Kent Van Horn says there was some concern about waterfowl populations because of the flooding, but they turned out healthy and abundant. The ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Jail food poisoning may not be solved
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 16, 2008
APPLETON (AP) -- The cause of how one-third of the inmates came down with a mild case of food poisoning at the Outagamie County Jail may never be determined. Sheriff's department spokesman Capt. Mike Jobe said Friday officials are looking into the incident but believes it will be almost impossible ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Madison man accused of squeezing officer's groin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 16, 2008
FITCHBURG, Wis. (AP) — A Madison man's disorderly conduct might have only landed him a misdemeanor or two. But when he allegedly grabbed an officer below the belt and squeezed, the offense became a felony. Keith Stendahl, 29, was charged Friday with battery of a police officer, a felony. He ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Wis. man charged with abandoning 3 dogs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 15, 2008
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP)--A Sheboygan man is charged with abandoning three dogs in his apartment while he was on the run from police. The three misdemeanor charges filed Friday against 49-year-old Robert W. Collins carry a maximum penalty of two years and three months in jail. The criminal complaint says residents ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Report warns of growing demand for UW counseling
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new report says the number of students seeking mental health services on University of Wisconsin campuses is increasing but staffing levels are not. The report warns the wait for services is likely to increase if campuses do not add more counselors or find ways to ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wisconsin property values increase 3 percent
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Residential property values in Wisconsin increased 3 percent last year overall, while the worth of existing homes increased just 1 percent. The increase is the smallest in 21 years and will make local budgets even tighter since property values help determine how much can be collected ...Read more, view comments (5) »
U. of Denver official to lead Wis. college program
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A University of Denver official with Wisconsin roots will be the first leader of the state’s new program to promote access to higher education. Gov. Jim Doyle says Amy Bechtum will start next month as the director of the Office of the Wisconsin Covenant. Bechtum is ...Read more, add a comment »
Sustainability committee begins green education
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 15, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville's new sustainability committee is focusing on education. Chairwoman Nancy Sonntag says the next meeting will be a presentation and discussion about what projects have been done in the City of Janesville. Sonntag says she also hopes to get someone from the City of Beloit to ...Read more, view comments (9) »
County board tells staff to apply for flood mitigation grants
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on August 14, 2008
JANESVILLE--The Rock County Board tonight approved a request by the county planning department to apply for two grants to buy out and demolish some houses damaged by flooding along the Rock River. Up to 80 houses in Beloit, Rock, Janesville, Milton and Fulton townships could be damaged and need to ...Read more, add a comment »
UW System wants expansion funding
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 14, 2008
MADISON — UW System President Kevin Reilly said he’ll ask taxpayers to invest more to continue plans to produce more college graduates. Reilly is recommending the system ask the Legislature and Gov. Jim Doyle for $37.5 million in tax money and $13.4 million in student fees to support the so-called ...Read more, view comments (7) »
City opens boat launches
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on August 14, 2008
Two of Janesville’s boat launches will reopen Saturday and another one in a week. The boat launches were closed due to the June flood. Riverside and the Rock River Parkway boat launch will open Saturday. The Traxler Park boat launch will open Saturday, Aug. 23. The North Traxler Park boat ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Janesville's Riverside Park to reopen
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 14, 2008
JANESVILLE -- Riverside Park will open 5 p.m. Friday, the city announced. The boat launch will open Saturday. Flooding has kept the park closed for most of the summer. City workers and volunteers have cleared debris and cleaned streets, trails, buildings, the boat launch, benches and picnic tables, according to ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Wisconsin officials: No upward trend in drownings
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 14, 2008
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — State officials and news reports have documented at least 27 drownings in Wisconsin so far this year. But officials say there is no evidence of an increase in those accidental deaths. The state Department of Health says 55 people died in drownings in 2006 in the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
SBA disaster loan centers closing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 14, 2008
LANCASTER, Wis. (AP) — The U.S. Small Business Administration says it will close disaster loan centers in Janesville, Lancaster and Portage on Friday. The SBA is urging homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding to visit the centers before they close. The agency says ...Read more, add a comment »
First hearing on Janesville BID set for Monday
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 14, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville Plan Commission will soon hear from downtown property owners about a Business Improvement District (BID), a project that could dramatically change the city's downtown. City Development Specialist Al Hulick says the BID is intended to begin the process of stabilizing downtown improvements, ensure those ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Whitewater police searching for robbery suspects
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on August 13, 2008
WHITEWATER – The Whitewater Police Department continues to investigate a robbery this afternoon stemming from a man getting jumped for his athletic shoes and iPod. A 20-year-old man told police he was jogging in Cravath Lakefront Park at 6:30 p.m. Monday when two teenaged men robbed him, according to a ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Wis. legislative candidates raise record cash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 13, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Legislative candidates and their fundraising committees have raised a record $3.4 million in Wisconsin during the first half of 2008. That’s according to a new report from government watchdog group Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. The old legislative record for the first six months of an election year ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Fire destroys Madison office building
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 13, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Fire destroyed an office building on Madison’s west side early Wednesday, causing more than $2 million in damage to the structure alone. Fire department spokeswoman Lori Wirth says flames were shooting 20 to 40 feet in the air as firefighters arrived about 4 a.m. The billowing ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Attempted armed robbery reported in Janesville
Posted by STEVE BENTON on August 13, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: Janesville police are looking for a man who reportedly tried to rob the Stop-n-Go store at 714 Center Avenue early Wednesday morning. The female clerk told police a man, with a nylon stocking over his head, came into the store around 2:20 and demanded cash. The ...Read more, view comments (42) »
City council supports children's museum
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 13, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville's City Council gives the go-ahead to a children's museum. Council member Tom McDonald says he supports the project, but the $5 million price tag for something the city wants but doesn't need might be a hard pill to swallow for taxpayers. Other council members said ...Read more, view comments (70) »
Evansville council elects new alderman
Posted by GINA DUWE on August 12, 2008
EVANSVILLE Todd A. Culbertson is the newest member of the Evansville City Council. The council selected Culbertson, 438 Almeron St., at its meeting tonight to fill the remainder of the District 4 term vacated by John Sornson, who resigned effective July 31. The council interviewed the two candidates who had ...Read more, add a comment »
Dane County to reprint bad primary ballots
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Dane County officials will have to reprint 75,500 ballots for the Sept. 9 primary election after municipal clerks received copies riddled with errors. The mistakes mean absentee voters will have to wait until at least Friday to get ballots. Ballots were supposed to be available today. ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Downtown postal center temporarily closes
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 12, 2008
JANESVILLE—Due to safety and health concerns, the downtown postal customer service center in the Olde Towne Mall, 20 S. Main St., closed at the end of business today. Suspension of this service is temporary and every effort will be made to return service as soon as possible, said Michael A. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Menards embezzler sentenced to jail
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 12, 2008
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — An Eau Claire man who pleaded no contest to embezzling more than $100,000 from Menards has been sentenced to a year in jail and six years probation. Tyler Hansen admitted stealing $120,000 from Menards, but the home improvement company claimed more than $620,000 was taken. ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Packers’ Lambeau conduct code
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 12, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers say the team has an "enhanced“ code of conduct for fans at Lambeau Field. The Packers are putting up more signs detailing conduct expectations at the stadium parking lots, at concession stands and in the concourses. Behavior guidelines are also included ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Tyson plant reopens in Jefferson, production cut
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 12, 2008
JEFFERSON, Wis. (AP) — The flood-damaged Tyson foods plant in Jefferson has reopened, but without nearly half its workforce. More than 200 of the 480 jobs are being permanently cut because of reduced production. Operations vice president Mark Odom says the company has analyzed flood damage and decided some equipment ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Forward Janesville announces top economic ideas for city
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 12, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: The City of Janesville and Forward Janesville are working to put economic development ideas from a brainstorming session to work. Dan Cunningham, Forward Janesville's Vice President of Government Relations, says the session in June generated 400 ideas to improve the business climate in the city. The ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Edgerton school levy could drop
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 11, 2008
An early budget estimate for the Edgerton School District shows its levy and tax rate dropping in 2008-09 despite the budget crunch the district finds itself in. A handful of residents and staff members, along with the Edgerton School Board, approved the preliminary budget at the annual meeting tonight. The ...Read more, add a comment »
Walworth County deputy injured in crash with alleged drunken driver
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 11, 2008
LYONS TOWNSHIP—A Walworth County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured by an alleged drunken driver while on duty early Monday morning. Deputy Richard Johnson was patrolling in a marked 2008 Crown Victoria on Highway 12 south of Sheridan Springs at 3:20 a.m. when Walworth County dispatchers got a report of a ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Health official: No cause yet for jail sickness
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 11, 2008
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — Outagamie County health officials say they are testing food to find out what made 135 inmates at the county jail sick with stomach cramps and diarrhea. The inmates began getting sick early Friday morning, but none required hospitalization. Outagamie County Public Health Manager Melody Bockenfeld says ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Caledonia Road closed for two months
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 11, 2008
Caledonia Road between Casey and Raymond Roads in Porter Township is scheduled to be closed for two months starting Wednesday. Crews will be replacing a bridge on the road, according to the Rock County Public Works Department. It is unknown if there will be a marked detour around the closure.Read more, add a comment »
Clinton suing downtown building owner
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on August 11, 2008
The village of Clinton has filed a lawsuit in Rock County Court that could end in the razing of a former bar on Allen Street. The village wants the court to determine the crumbling building is a public nuisance and order property owner Alan Wiedmer to fix it. If he ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Rock Aqua Jays finish second at nationals
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 11, 2008
The Rock Aqua Jays skied to a second-place finish during the weekend’s 2008 Division I National Show Ski Championship Tournament on Lake Wazeecha in South Wood County Park at Wisconsin Rapids. Janesville’s amateur water ski show team earned a total of 1,981 points, finishing 88 points behind the winning Mad ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Drunk drivers to be targeted
Posted by STAN STRICKER on August 11, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: Local law enforcement plans to step up efforts to arrest drunk drivers for the rest of the summer. Janesville Police Captain Danny Davis says most area departments are joining in a state sponsored program called, ”Drunk Driving—Over the Limit—Under Arrest”. Davis hopes drivers get the message. ...Read more, view comments (58) »
Hearings scheduled for inspection fee increases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 10, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The public will get a chance this week to comment on a proposal to increase fees on everything from operating a tattoo parlor to running a religious camp in Wisconsin. The higher fees are being proposed to plug a $2.5 million hole in the state Department ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Brewers, former Chicks will honor Bears
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 10, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers and others will honor the city’s professional black baseball team and its historic ballpark during a ceremony Monday morning. The Milwaukee Bears represented the city in the Negro National League during the 1923 season. The Brewers and the Bears played at Athletic Park, which ...Read more, add a comment »
Kenosha eyes smoking ban
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 10, 2008
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A new ordinance could mean the end of smoking at nearly all public places in Kenosha, including all bars and restaurants. The Public Safety and Welfare Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal Monday. The ordinance would also cover places of employment and some outdoor arenas. ...Read more, view comments (9) »
One dead after Beloit stabbing
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 09, 2008
BELOIT--Beloit police are investigating a stabbing that killed one person and left two wounded Saturday morning. Preliminary investigation showed suspect Donyil L. Anderson, 35, stabbed Stacy M. Hosey, 31, and Branden D. Beavers-Jackson, 23, in the 2300 block of Pioneer Drive, Beloit, according to a news statement from the Beloit ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Sheboygan man arrested after abducting estranged wife
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 09, 2008
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) — A 50-year-old man has been arrested in Marinette County on tentative charges that he abducted his estranged wife from Sheboygan County. Sheboygan authorities say the 52-year-old woman was kidnapped at knifepoint Friday from her Herman Township home, then bound, drugged and put in a van. Deputies ...Read more, add a comment »
Badger Ammunition could become part of trail
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 09, 2008
BARABOO — Hikers someday could walk across a land swept flat by ancient glaciers on a trail from Devil’s Lake State Park to the Wisconsin River. But that’s still years away at the site of the vast Badger Army Ammunition Plant near Baraboo. The Army classified the 7,354-acre plant as ...Read more, view comments (2) »
DeForest man dies after motorcycle chase
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 09, 2008
A motorcyclist running from authorities is dead after a head-on crash with a suspected drunk driver in Dane County. The car’s driver, a Sun Prairie woman, had significant injuries but is expected to survive. Michael Paul, 33, of DeForest, started speeding away from a Dane County Sheriff’s Office deputy at ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Minnesota baby rolls straight eights
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 08, 2008
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — Hailey Jo Hauer was born on on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008. At 8:08 a.m. And you’re not going to believe what she weighed. Yes: eight pounds, eight ounces. When staff at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls told Lindsay Hauer ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Whole Foods recalling possibly contaminated beef
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on August 08, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) — Whole Foods Market is recalling fresh ground beef sold between June 2 and Aug. 6 in 23 states, including Wisconsin, because the beef might be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The company has received reports that seven people in Massachusetts and two people in Pennsylvania who shopped ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Slow, no wake lifted in Milton Township
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 08, 2008
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office lifted the slow, no wake zone on portions of the Rock River that flows through Milton Township this afternoon, heeding a request from the town board chair. The river has had the slow, no wake zone in place since the record June flooding began June ...Read more, add a comment »
Doyle restates support for studying nuclear power
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 08, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle said Friday that his support for exploring nuclear power is in line with the position of presidential candidate Barack Obama. Obama believes nuclear power should be an option, but only if key issues such as security and disposal of waste can be ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Norovirus may have sickened campers at Wis. event
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 08, 2008
PARDEEVILLE, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin health officials say norovirus is the likely cause of an illness that struck more than 60 campers in Pardeeville last weekend. About 700 people attended the annual Wet and Wild weekend at the Pride of America Campground. Campground manager Mike Hagen says dozens began dry ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Manufacturer coming to Janesville
Posted by JIM LEUTE on August 08, 2008
In a summer marked by horrible economic news for Janesville, a new manufacturer is coming to town with plans for a $20 million investment and 90 family-supporting jobs. LiquiPur Holdings plans to pull out of a Chicago suburb and begin bottling operations Jan. 1 in 62,500 square feet of space ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Three injured in Town of Beloit crash
Posted by STEVE BENTON on August 08, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A 27-year-old Beloit man is facing charges following a car accident Friday morning. Town of Beloit police arrested Adam Hess for causing injury by the intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. Hess is accused of losing control of his car and smashing into a tree around ...Read more, view comments (18) »
High schoolers may get college credit
Posted by STAN STRICKER on August 08, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: High school students in Janesville may soon earn college credit in their regular classroom. Many high school students in Janesville already take Advanced Placement courses to prepare them for college. Craig High School Principal Mike Kuehne says the district may take those classes one step further. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Former fire chief denies theft charge stemming from misuse of town’s credit card
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on August 07, 2008
ELKHORN -- The former Lyons Township fire chief accused of using the fire department’s credit card to buy gas for his personal vehicle pleaded not guilty this afternoon to misdemeanor theft. Craig A. Amann, 34, of 2400 N. Arizona Ave., No. 1052, Chandler, Ariz., remains free on a $200 cash ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Slow, no wake to be lifted on Rock River
Posted by GINA DUWE on August 07, 2008
The Rock County Sheriff's Office announced today the slow, no wake zone for the portion of the Rock River that flows through the city and town of Janesville will be lifted effective at 5 p.m. Friday.Read more, view comments (7) »
Ash borer quarantine covers 4 counties
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 07, 2008
MADISON — Officials are quarantining four counties after a second infestation of emerald ash borers was confirmed in eastern Wisconsin. The quarantine includes all of Ozaukee County, where the state's first infestation was found, as well as Washington, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. It will affect plant nurseries, firewood ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Watch Packers press conference
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 07, 2008
Click here to watch a press conference with President/CEO Mark Murphy, GM Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy regarding the trade of Brett Favre to the New York Jets.Read more, view comments (6) »
Wis. school linked to address on anthrax envelopes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Investigators say the fictitious return address left on some envelopes during the 2001 anthrax attacks may have been a reference to a Wisconsin school. The return address used on some envelopes containing anthrax was “4th GRADE, GREENDALE SCHOOL” and its significance has long puzzled investigators. A ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Nearly 5 percent of state’s population is Hispanic
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 07, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — New population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau Thursday show Wisconsin’s Hispanic population has increased by 41 percent since 2000. The figures show nearly 5 percent of the state’s population is Hispanic. That’s about 272,000 people. In that same period, from 2000 to July 1, 2007, ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Female football player, mother file lawsuit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 07, 2008
EVANSVILLE, Wis. (AP) — A former football player at Evansville High School and her mother have filed a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination by coaches and staff. Ivyanne Elborough broke her clavicle as a freshman member of the football team. The lawsuit alleges Elborough was injured because she was told to ...Read more, view comments (47) »
Two arrested after Wednesday hit and run
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 07, 2008
BRODHEAD—A Brodhead woman was is serious condition this morning at University Hospital, Madison, after a truck that fled the accident scene Wednesday night hit the backend of her car, according to the Green County Sheriff's Department. Jo Ann K. Arn, 54, of rural Brodhead, was driving her 2003 Nissan 350z ...Read more, view comments (10) »
City of Janesville may buy some flooded homes
Posted by STAN STRICKER on August 07, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: The City of Janesville may be helping buy flood damaged homes. Manager of Building and Development Services Gale Price says a flood buyout program is being conducted in cooperation with the State Department of Emergency Management. The city is hosting a hazard mitigation meeting Thursday afternoon ...Read more, view comments (6) »
GM discloses deal to salaried employees
Posted by STAN STRICKER on August 07, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: General Motors is rolling out its options for soon to be displaced salaried employees at the Janesville manufacturing plant. Plant spokeswoman Mary Fanning says about 130 salaried employees are being offered information regarding a Mutual Separation Program, which will ultimately be offered company wide. The employees ...Read more, view comments (2) »
FOX: Favre traded to Jets
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 06, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement to trade quarterback Brett Favre to the New York Jets, the team announced late Wednesday night. Terms of the trade weren't immediately available. The Packers had been talking with the Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers since deciding ...Read more, view comments (54) »
Man in Portage slaying, torture case found guilty
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 06, 2008
PORTAGE — A man charged with killing a woman and abusing her young son in one of the most horrific cases to hit south-central Wisconsin agreed to a plea deal on Wednesday that could put him behind bars for more than 136 years. Michael Sisk, 26, was found guilty of ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Milton sells land to YMCA
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 06, 2008
The YMCA and Milton have come to an agreement on the sale of five acres of land in Crossridge Park. The YMCA of Northern Rock County will pay the appraised value of $17,500 an acre -- $87,500 all together -- for the land, according to a joint news release from ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Doyle declines to wade into Favre mess
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 06, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle knows when to take a pass on a hot political issue. Doyle didn’t take a side Wednesday when asked about the Brett Favre soap opera. The Green Bay Packers quarterback came out of retirement this week and now appears to be a ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Vets official doesn’t recall warnings about aide
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 06, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The head of the Wisconsin Veterans Home says he doesn’t recall ever being warned that an aide was misusing thousands of dollars of private donations. A former home employee claims she told administrator Bill Crowley that Rich Calcut was misusing donations but he did nothing and ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Growing wolf population expands habitat
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 06, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state’s wolf population has grown to more than 500, expanding their habitat beyond a limited area of northern Wisconsin. David Mladenhoff of UW-Madison’s Forest Ecology department has researched wolf habitat for more than 16 years. Mladenhoff says that years ago, when the state’s herd numbered ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Beloit man named chief of Capitol police
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 06, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A 34-year law enforcement veteran is taking over as chief of the state Capitol police force. Charles Tubbs was named Tuesday as the new chief of the police force by state Department of Administration Secretary Michael Morgan. He will start the new position around Sept. 1. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Delavan approves Lake Lawn condos
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on August 05, 2008
DELAVAN--The city council Tuesday unanimously approved final plans for the Villas at Harbor's Edge, five condominium buildings to be built at Lake Lawn Resort. After months of negotiations, the city council also approved an amended developer's agreement between the city and the resort, which allowed the council to move ahead ...Read more, add a comment »
Winzenz named Interim City Manager
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 05, 2008
He has worked with the city since 1988.
Read more,
view comments (32) »
Judge disqualifies ex-AG’s law firm over conflict
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A judge has disqualified a lawyer representing a woman suing former state Sen. Gary George because his law firm has a conflict of interest. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb says Victor Arellano of Lawton & Cates cannot represent former Capitol staffer Delilah Tucker, who claims she ...Read more, add a comment »
UW-Madison gets federal grant for stem cell work
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-Madison is getting an $8.9 million federal grant to continue its human embryonic stem cell research. University spokesman Terry Devitt says this is one of the most significant grants the university receives. It is one of only three universities to get this kind ...Read more, view comments (17) »
State spending 29 percent more to fuel fleet
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state has spent nearly 30 percent more to fuel its fleet of vehicles so far this year compared to 2007. The Department of Administration’s Jim Langdon says through June of this year, the state spent $7.7 million on gas to keep the state fleet running. ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Tax increase proposed for Milton schools
Posted by STACY VOGEL on August 05, 2008
The lack of a teachers contract could end up costing Milton School District taxpayers this year. District business manager Dianne Meyer is estimating the district’s tax levy will increase 12.6 percent in 2008-09, even though the district isn’t adding or changing any programs. She estimates the tax rate will increase ...Read more, view comments (16) »
New developer interested in former Menards site
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 05, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A new developer is interested in Janesville's former Menards site. Gale Price, Manager of Building and Development services for the city, says there would be multiple leaseholders in the building. He says the difficulty with the site is that it was a home improvement store, which ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Severe T-storm watch issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on August 04, 2008
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois until midnight tonight. The watch includes Dane, Green, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties as well as adjoining counties to the east, west and south.Read more, add a comment »
Emerald Ash Borer found in Wis.
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on August 04, 2008
Emerald ash borers, which have killed ash trees by the millions in other states, have been identified for the first time in Wisconsin, state officials announced today. The infestation of the ash-killing beetles was found in a private woodlot near the village of Newburg in Ozaukee County. State officials said ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Boy hit by car has life-threatening injuries
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on August 04, 2008
PELL LAKE -- A 13-year-old boy remained hospitalized this morning after he was hit by a car while riding his bike in Pell Lake. Troy Kozbiel is at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa, his grandmother, Maryann Kozbiel said. He has life-threatening injuries, she said. The collision occurred at Greenview ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Foreclosure filings continue at record pace
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 04, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Foreclosure filings in Wisconsin continue at a record pace in July. New figures from the tracking company ForeclosuresWI.com released Monday show nearly 14,300 filings in the first seven months of the year. That’s a 31 percent increase over the same period last year. ForeclosureWI president Robert ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Doyle maps trade missions
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 04, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Governor Doyle has preliminary plans to talk trade in the United Arab Emirates, Scandinavia and possibly South Africa and Israel. A March memo from Doyle’s commerce secretary at the time, Jack Fischer, outlines the governor’s desire to take two major trade missions and a few “mini-missions” ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Sharon Road closes through Aug. 15
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on August 04, 2008
JANESVILLE--Sharon Road, from Todd Drive to East Delavan Drive, closed at 7 a.m. today and will open by the end of the day Friday, Aug. 15. Construction is providing sanitary sewer service for existing industrial facilities that are in the Janesville city limits. The work is being completed by R.T. ...Read more, add a comment »
Flood grant puts Rock County's unemployed to work
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 04, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: A National Emergency Grant is putting unemployed Rock County citizens to work on flood clean-up. Flood Grant Coordinator Gregg Bosak says there are some short-term positions in the county, and he has placed ten people in the City of Janesville to clean up parks. The workers ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Murphy says team will welcome Favre back
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 03, 2008
GREEN BAY (AP) — Though the Green Bay Packers say Brett Favre has put them in a difficult situation, they’re prepared to welcome him back. The NFL announced Sunday that Favre will be reinstated and added to the Packers’ active roster on Monday. Commissioner Roger Goodell had held off on ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Wis. State Fair officials warn of bogus tickets
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 03, 2008
WEST ALLIS (AP) — After a spate of useless tickets were presented, Wisconsin State Fair officials are warning people to only buy tickets from authorized sources. Fair spokeswoman Patrice Harris said unauthorized sellers outside the fair gates have been selling tickets that have already been scanned and used for admission. ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Updated: Favre to be reinstated, report to Packers Monday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 03, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Brett Favre will be reinstated and added to the Green Bay Packers’ active roster Monday. The NFL announced the move Sunday after commissioner Roger Goodell had held off on granting Favre’s request for reinstatement for nearly a week, hoping Favre and the team could resolve ...Read more, view comments (37) »
Fox Cities airport losing Midwest flight
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 03, 2008
GREENVILLE, Wis. (AP) —Outagamie County Regional Airport’s new director Marty Lenss says he’s hopeful that commercial aviation will return quickly. The airport’s paid passenger boardings though the first half of 2008 are down 9.1 percent compared to the same six months last year. Lenss learned this week that the Fox ...Read more, add a comment »
Pilot escapes injury after plane crashes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 02, 2008
CEDARBURG, Wis. (AP) — A Rhode Island pilot escaped injury on Saturday after his airplane crashed at Covered Bridge Airfield in Ozaukee County. Pilot James Brennan was attempting to take off when he said a strong cross wind took away his lift, causing the 1946 Erco 415-C to drop rapidly. ...Read more, add a comment »
Wayward driver hits parade watchers in Sheboygan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 02, 2008
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) — Three people are injured after a driver hit a parade in Sheboygan. Sheboygan County Sheriff’s dispatcher Lyn Sprengel says deputies got a report of an erratic driver around 9:15 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 43 and tried to stop the driver. They chased the vehicle toward the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Fatal crash possibly caused by two drunk drivers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 02, 2008
BROOKFIELD (AP) — Brookfield police say both drivers in a two-vehicle crash that killed one man may have been intoxicated. Driving one vehicle was a 42-year-old Pewaukee man who police says has six prior arrests for drunken driving dating to 1998. The other driver died and he is a 51-years-old ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Two I-90/39 accidents reported at Shopiere Road
Posted by GINA DUWE on August 01, 2008
Emergency crews are responding to two separate rollover accidents with injuries on Interstate 90/39 at mile marker 183 near Shopiere Road, but neither are blocking traffic, according to dispatchers. The first accident was reported at 6:46 p.m. in the westbound lanes, a Rock County dispatcher said. Two vehicles were involved, ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Interim city manager candidate considering offer
Posted by GINA DUWE on August 01, 2008
JANESVILLE—The candidate for interim city manager is taking a few days to consider the offer after meeting with Janesville City Council President Amy Loasching this afternoon, Loasching said. “He or she is considering the offer and will let us know sometime next week,” she said. Today “might have been” the ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Delavan man sentenced to jail in beating case
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on August 01, 2008
ELKHORN -- The third defendant in the nearly fatal gang-related beating of a Delavan man will spend a year in the Walworth County Jail. Renato Aranda, 25, of 6363 Linn Road, Delavan, was sentenced Friday in Walworth County Court to one year in jail and seven years probation for the ...Read more, view comments (7) »
GM posts $15.5B 2Q loss, 3rd-worst in its history
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 01, 2008
DETROIT (AP) General Motors Corp. posted a $15.5 billion second-quarter loss Friday, the third-worst quarterly performance in the company's nearly 100-year history. The loss came as North American sales plummeted and GM faced expenses due to labor unrest and a massive restructuring plan aimed at preserving cash to weather a ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Doyle says no to coal for power plants
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on August 01, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says the state should lead by example and move away from using coal at state-owned power plants in Madison. Doyle said Friday the state must lower greenhouse gas emissions and encourage new alternative energy sources. The governor’s comments come after a global warming ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Public-access channels slam Charter’s plans
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on August 01, 2008
An association of Wisconsin public-access channels on Thursday strongly criticized a Charter Communications plan to change its cable TV service. Charter’s plans would push its customers to buy into digital technology before most are ready for it, said Mary Bennin Cardona, executive director Wisconsin Association of PEG Access Channels. “We’re ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Sheridan plans legislation to protect home buyers
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on August 01, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Representative Mike Sheridan of Janesville wants to tackle a recent state supreme court decision that rules home buyers cannot sue a home seller if they knowingly misrepresent their property. Sheridan says the ruling adds more doubt into the marketplace in the time of a severe housing ...Read more, view comments (4) »
