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Three Janesville residents injured in Columbia County crash
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 31, 2008
From the WCLO Newsroom: Three Janesville residents are hospitalized after an Interstate crash in Columbia County Wednesday. State Patrol officials say 80-year-old Vanthong Phoulavan appears to have lost control of his vehicle on I-39 near De Forest. The vehicle crossed all three northbound lanes and collided with a tow truck ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Accused woman free on $5,000 bond
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on December 31, 2008
A woman charged with stabbing her boyfriend in Beloit Township made her first appearance in Rock County Court today. Tanya Y. Greer, 1938 Harrison Ave., Beloit, was charged with first-degree reckless injury. She is free on a $5,000 cash bond. Her boyfriend, James A. Holzbauer, 29, is listed in critical ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Lake Geneva woman cited in Interstate crash
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 31, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: State Patrol officials say a Lake Geneva woman is being cited for her first OWI offense after a crash on the Interstate that backed up traffic for miles. The crash occurred early Wednesday afternoon on westbound I-90 near Stoughton. Authorities say 47-year-old Pamela Stept was traveling ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Teen dies in snowmobile crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 31, 2008
TOWN OF ELDORADO, Wis. (AP) — A 16-year-old Van Dyne boy has died in a snowmobile crash in Fond du Lac County. Sheriff’s officials Eric Schumacher was alone on the snowmobile, hit a drainage ditch and lost control Tuesday about 7:30 p.m. The crash happened about 12 miles south of ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Freedom Graphics lays off 30
Posted by on December 31, 2008
Freedom Graphics, the largest private employer in Milton, laid off 30 people Monday, a company official confirmed this morning. The company has seen a 15 to 30 percent drop in orders since the economic downturn, Executive Vice President Richard Greene said. The company is laying off employees at its other ...Read more, view comments (55) »
Death investigation at Tomah VA center
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 31, 2008
TOMAH, Wis. (AP) — The FBI is involved in a death investigation at the Tomah VA Medical Center. VA spokeswoman Laura Bishop says the body of a veteran was found in his van on the campus Tuesday by VA police. Bishop says the man lived on campus under the Veterans ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit's infant mortality rate on the rise
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 31, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: New statistics show the racial disparity of infant mortality in Beloit is growing. Rock County Health Department Nursing Supervisor Janet Zoellner says 17.7 African American infants died per one thousand live births in 2007, an increase from 16.8 per one thousand the year before. That's compared ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Morning Gazette planned Wednesday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 30, 2008
The Janesville Gazette will publish in the morning Wednesday so that its readers and employees can get an early start to the New Year's holiday. Look for your home-delivered paper before 8 a.m., and papers also will be available at newsstands in the morning. The Gazette will not publish New ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Stabbing victim in critical condition
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 30, 2008
The Beloit man stabbed with a kitchen knife early this morning is in critical condition at University Hospital, Madison, a hospital spokeswoman said. James Holzbauer, 29, was taken to Beloit Memorial Hospital and then flown to University Hospital after police found him with a stab wound in his neck at ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Man shot by officer dies
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 30, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A man shot in the head in what Milwaukee police say was an exchange of gunfire has died. The 25-year-old man was wounded early Sunday morning and died Monday evening at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital. Police say the man shot at a police officer and missed, then ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Case Feed building "unfit for human habitation"
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 30, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: One of Janesville's oldest buildings is in danger of collapse. Gale Price, manager of building and development services, says city inspectors examined the vacant Case Feed building at Rockport Road and Center Avenue at the request of City Councilman Bill Truman, who noticed a door wasn't ...Read more, view comments (68) »
Hazmat team called to Madison sewerage plant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 29, 2008
MADISON (AP) —Two people were taken taken to a hospital after getting sick from chlorine gas at the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District plant Monday. The plant’s assistant chief engineer, Mike Simon, says two chemicals were mistakenly mixed together creating the chlorine gas. The Madison Fire Department’s hazardous materials team was ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Medical helicopter service answers 100-plus calls
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 29, 2008
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — Flight for Life has made more than 100 flights from Fond du Lac since opening a base there Aug. 4. Flight paramedic Neil Plummer says the medical helicopter service made 103 trips through Dec. 24. Plummer and others working from Fond du Lac say ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis. may join other Midwest states in buying salt
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 29, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin officials say they would considering joining with other Midwest states to get a better deal on road salt. Ohio officials have been calling for Midwestern states to band together to buy road salt after an investigation found some local governments there were paying twice as much ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Modular home industry hit by recession
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 29, 2008
MARSHFIELD, Wis. (AP) — Prefabricated and modular homes are a segment of the housing market also hit hard by the current recession. Wick Building Systems in Marshfield has laid off about 70 employees and has taken the unprecedented step of closing the local plant for two months — in January ...Read more, view comments (13) »
City of Janesville evaluates recruitment costs
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 29, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The City of Janesville could adapt its employee recruitment strategies to fit the difficult economy. City Manager Eric Levitt says the public works director, police chief and city manager are the most recent department head positions hired. The cost of recruiting candidates for those positions ranged ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Getting results with tougher drunk driving laws
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on December 28, 2008
MCT Regional News By Gina Barton Milwaukee Journal Sentinel If lawmakers want to reduce the number of drinking-related fatalities on Wisconsin roads, they should look across the border to Iowa. It’s not that Iowans are teetotalers. While Wisconsin ranked first in binge drinking last year, Iowa was close behind at ...Read more, view comments (45) »
State Legislature facing ugly budget shortfall
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 28, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State lawmakers will have plenty to deal with in the upcoming year including: — Budget: The projected record-high $5.4 billion budget shortfall should dominate lawmakers’ time in 2009. The shortfall is blamed on the national recession, poor state budgeting that in the past relied on accounting ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Fond Du Lac trio want to build a 8,300-cow dairy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 28, 2008
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — Three men who want to expand a dairy farm to become Wisconsin’s largest are awaiting a public hearing next month that will help determine whether the project moves forward. Jim Ostrom, John Vosters and Todd Willer want to expand their town of Rosendale farm ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Fog causing airport delays in Milwaukee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 27, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Dense fog is making for tough travel in Milwaukee, as scores of flights have been delayed or canceled. Pat Rowe is a spokeswoman for Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport. She said more than 100 flights were affected Saturday after fog began rolling in Friday evening. She says ...Read more, add a comment »
Irony of the week: State hiring workers to deal with unemployment claims
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 27, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state has hired 83 more workers to deal with a surge in unemployment claims. Department of Workforce Development spokesman Richard Jones says the new short-term workers have already been hired and will boost the group by 20 percent. Some are agency retirees and will start ...Read more, view comments (33) »
Shovelers can stay home
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 27, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers no longer need help-at least not with shoveling. The Packers had originally said snow on Christmas resulted in enough accumulation to require shoveling at Lambeau Field. But Packers spokesman Aaron Popkey says the rain melted the snow in time for Sunday’s ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Didn't we just go through this? Flood warning issued for the Sugar River.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 27, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The National Weather Service predicts heavy rain and melting snow may lead to flooding in southern Wisconsin. The weather service has issued a flood warning for the Sugar River at Brodhead from Sunday morning until Wednesday afternoon. At 9:15 a.m. today the Sugar River at Brodhead was ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Leaping Leroy: Celebrating the Lambeau Leap
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 26, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Fifteen years ago, safety Leroy Butler invented one of the most popular ways for a Green Bay Packer to celebrate: the Lambeau Leap. It was Dec. 26, 1993, when defensive end Reggie White scooped up a fumble by Los Angeles Raiders running back Randy Jordan ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Fog, flooding possible tonight & Saturday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 26, 2008
SULLIVAN–The National Weather Service has declared a flash flood watch for Friday night through Saturday evening for much of southern Wisconsin. Also, a dense fog advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday. Heavy rain and melting snow “will likely lead to some flooding problems,” the NWS reports. “Urban and ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Downtown Janesville snow removal Sunday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 26, 2008
JANESVILLE--The City of Janesville has scheduled downtown snow removal activities for 9 a.m. Sunday. Work will take place Sunday and continue through Monday morning. During this time, citizens are encouraged to refrain from parking in on-street stalls and public parking facilities in the downtown area. Business owners in the downtown ...Read more, add a comment »
Snowmobile crash victim identified
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 26, 2008
MADISON — A snowmobiler is dead after he drove off a Dane County trail into the path of a milk truck Thursday. The man was identified Friday as Steven J. Twing, 44, of Windsor Township. In a news release, the Dane County Sheriff's Office said Twing was driving a snowmobile ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Highway 14 blockage reported
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 26, 2008
JANESVILLE -- Highway 14 is expected to be open very soon -- if it isn't open already -- after an accident this morning near the intersection with Ruger Avenue in Janesville.Read more, view comments (20) »
State lawmakers say they’re forced to accept raise
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on December 26, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — With the state facing a $5.4 billion budget shortfall, state legislators say they have no control over the $2,500 pay raises they’re scheduled to receive next year. Lawmakers’ annual salaries will rise $2,530, or 5.3 percent, to $49,943, according to the state Department of Administration. The ...Read more, view comments (23) »
UPDATE: McDonald's reopens after fire
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 24, 2008
The grill fire at the Newville McDonald's, 11117 N. Goede Road, has been put out and the restaurant has reopened for business, a manager said. The manager said she couldn't comment on damage to the restaurant.Read more, view comments (5) »
Travel update: Snow tapering off this afternoon
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 24, 2008
Your best bet for travel today might be late afternoon, said Alex Lamers, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sullivan. Lamers predicts a few more hours of light to moderate snow, tapering off in the mid- to late afternoon. After the snow, the wind will pick up with gusts ...Read more, add a comment »
Grill fire at Newville McDonald's
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 24, 2008
Local fire departments are responding to a grill fire at McDonald's, 11117 N. Goede Road, Edgerton. The call came in at 9:47 a.m., a dispatcher at the Rock County Communications Center said. The building has been evacuated, she said.Read more, view comments (20) »
Money worries keep people home for the holidays
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 24, 2008
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) — Fewer people may be traveling this holiday because of worries about money. Wisconsin AAA spokesman Larry Kamholz says there might be a decrease in travel for the first time since December 2002. Kamholz says 9.6 million people are expected to travel for the holidays in ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Janesville area has highest unemployment in Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 24, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Janesville area has the highest unemployment rate in the state. New figures from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development show unemployment in the Janesville area was 7.4 percent in November, up from 6.6 percent the month before. Those figures do not include the 1,200 workers ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Salvation Army pleased with amount of Red Kettle donations
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve is the last day of donations into the Salvations Army's red kettles. Janesville Salvation Army Captain Kirk Schuetz says the campaign is still about $45,000 short of goal, but that's not as bad as he had feared. Schuetz was expecting a slower year than last year due to ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Judge denies motion to dismiss triple homicide case
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on December 24, 2008
Janesville’s triple homicide suspect believes evidence proving his innocence was lost when the crime scene was destroyed nine months after the killings. James Koepp, 49, also believes evidence collected off his shirt and jeans was obtained from an illegal search. Koepp’s attorney wants the case dismissed based on the trailer ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Morning Gazette planned Wednesday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 23, 2008
The Janesville Gazette will publish in the morning Wednesday so that its readers and employees can get an early start to the Christmas holiday. Look for your home-delivered paper before 8 a.m., and papers also will be available at newsstands in the morning. The Gazette will not publish Christmas Day. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Janesville snow emergency starts 8 a.m. Wednesday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 23, 2008
JANESVILLE -- The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. To ensure that you do not receive a parking ticket, move ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Interstate travel inadvisable
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on December 23, 2008
The Wisconsin State Patrol is asking people not to travel on Interstate 90/39 unless it is an emergency, said Sgt. Candy Knoz of the state patrol. Road conditions have deteriorated, and more snow is expected. Towing has been suspended between mile markers 171 and 177. Mile marker 171 is near ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Rock County Snowmobile trail opens
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 23, 2008
Janesville--The Rock County Snowmobile Trail is now open throughout the county. Trail conditions are reported as good with 6 to 8 inches of snow. Trails are being continuously groomed and more snow is expected to fall in the next few days. Snowmobilers are reminded to curtail their trail activities when ...Read more, view comment (1) »
UPDATE: Officials ask drivers to stay off the Interstate
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 23, 2008
The Janesville Streets Department supervisor is asking people not to use Interstate 90/39 around Janesville, said the patrol supervisor at the Janesville Police Department. Road runoffs are so frequent, and the Wisconsin State Patrol prohibited tow trucks on the Interstate until about 11:30 a.m. Drifting snow is the biggest problem, ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Road conditions deteriorating in Rock County
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on December 23, 2008
Road conditions are worsening due to drifting snow, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office reports. East-west roads are being hit hard, Lt. Gary Groelle of the sheriff’s office said at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday. Highway 11/14 east of Janesville is in particularly bad shape, made worse by a car-versus-semi accident just east ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Last SUV ceremony
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 23, 2008
A ceremony took place to mark the end of SUV production at the GM plant in Janesville. Click here to listenRead more, view comments (12) »
Reports from the GM plant
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 23, 2008
Janesville Gazette business editor Jim Leute reports from the GM plant where workers await a ceremony marking the end of SUV productionJanesville Gazette business editor Jim Leute reports from the GM plant where the last SUV is off the line.
More from Janesville Gazette business editor ...
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Milton thieves target unlocked cars
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 23, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Thieves in Milton are targeting unlocked cars. Police Sergeant John Conger says the thieves are taking change and small valuables from vehicles that are left unlocked on the streets, in driveways and occasionally within an unlocked garage. He suspects the thieves are juveniles or young adults, ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Rep. Baldwin named to inaugural post
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 22, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The presidential inaugural committee announced that Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is one of 15 people named honorary co-chairpersons for the inauguration of Barack Obama. The list includes three former presidents, three U.S. Senators, four members of the House of Representatives, the mayor of the District of Columbia, ...Read more, view comments (13) »
G & J hot cocoa gift sets recalled
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 22, 2008
MADISON – Three cocoa products packaged for Christmas sale and sold through Shopko and Big Lots stores have been recalled because they may contain melamine, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reports. No illnesses have been reported from consumption of these products, which have been voluntarily recalled ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Progress for nursing degree program
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on December 22, 2008
Officials working to establish a Janesville-based, bachelor’s-degree nursing program announced a significant step forward late this morning. The UW System has approved a faculty position for UW-Oshkosh. The person in that position will establish and teach in a collaborative nursing degree program at UW-Rock County in Janesville. The announcement was ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Judge expected to decide on UW student's 911 call
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Dane County judge is expected to decide Monday whether to release a 911 call from a slain University of Wisconsin-Madison student. Media outlets are suing the county under the state open records law for a copy of the call made from Brittany Zimmermann's cell phone ...Read more, view comments (6) »
I-90 rollover could cause traffic problems
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 22, 2008
Traffic is moving slowly near a one-vehicle rollover accident near the 171 mile marker in the northbound lanes of Interstate 90/39. The Wisconsin State Patrol and Janesville Fire Department are responding to the call, which came in at 8:12 a.m. Further details are unavailable at this time.Read more, view comments (13) »
Packers' season also disappoints retailers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 22, 2008
Green Bay, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers aren't having a great year, and neither are the businesses dependent on them. Sports apparel manufacturers, hotels and souvenir shops say business is down this year. The bad economy, a losing season and the loss of Brett Favre have all taken ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Winter weather will continue
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 22, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee has issued a winter weather advisory for snow, which is in effect from 3 am Tuesday to midnight Tuesday night. A winter storm watch has also been issued. This winter storm watch is in effect from late Tuesday night ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Historical items missing in Hudson
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 21, 2008
HUDSON, Wis. (AP) — A historical society in western Wisconsin says 45 items from its collection are missing. The books and pamphlets are missing from the History Room at the Hudson Area Joint Library. The room houses hundreds of historical books and documents about Hudson and the surrounding area. Nancy ...Read more, view comments (6) »
12-car pile-up in Ozaukee County
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 21, 2008
BELGIUM, Wis. (AP) — Authorities say at least a dozen vehicles were involved in a pileup Sunday on Interstate 43 that shut down the southbound lanes for a time. Southbound Interstate 43 has been reopened after the multiple crashes, which happened just before noon near the town of Belgium in ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Sheriff's Office: Limit driving today
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 21, 2008
From the Rock County Sheriff's Office: A winter driving alert remains in effect through Monday morning.The National Weather Service is predicting widespread blowing snow and scattered flurries before noon Sunday, then widespread blowing snow and a chance of snow showers. Increasing clouds and cold, with a high near 4 degrees. ...Read more, view comments (12) »
One killed in Milton Township crash
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 21, 2008
The Rock County Sheriff's Office suspects alcohol, speed and slippery road conditions were factors in a crash that killed a Milton woman Saturday night, according to a sheriff's office news release. Sharon L. Stanford, 45, died after she lost control of her car on Highway 59 north of Jacobs Drive ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Water scam targets senior
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 20, 2008
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. (AP) — Pleasant Prairie police say two scammers pretending to be with the local water department came armed with a fake bill and a promise of a refund — and they wound up stealing a woman’s money and jewelry. According to police, the two stopped at the ...Read more, view comments (2) »
State warns of coming snowstorm
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 20, 2008
From the Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center: The State of Wisconsin is monitoring another major winter storm that will hit Wisconsin today bringing more heavy snow, winds and bitter cold temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for the following counties: Adams, Ashland, Baron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Hundreds turn out for food drive
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 20, 2008
The impending end of SUV production at the Janesville General Motors plant wasn't enough to keep hundreds of GM workers, family members and community members from volunteering at the annual UAW/GM Food Drive this morning. Volunteers bagged two weeks' worth of groceries for 350 families, and volunteer drivers will deliver ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Wis. man accused of eBay scamming
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 20, 2008
BARABOO, Wis. (AP) — A Baraboo man is accused of trying to scam people with a vintage electric guitar offered for sale on the eBay auction site. According to court records, 28-year-old David Waldrop put the 1961 Gibson ES-355 guitar up for sale in early October. A buyer in Pennsylvania ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Sun Prairie leads state in growth
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 19, 2008
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (AP) — Sun Prairie is Wisconsin’s fastest-growing city with a 24 percent growth rate since 2000. The Madison suburb has nearly 27,800 residents, and estimates show the population could reach 40,000 by 2030. Some longtime residents say that’s more than enough. They complain of increased traffic, noise ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Jefferson County deer tests positive for CWD
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 19, 2008
Farmington Township--A white-tailed deer from a hunting preserve in Jefferson County tested positive for chronic wasting disease, according to a Friday news release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The 7-year-old buck was owned by Steve Hookstead, Helenville, and was killed Dec. 1, the release said. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Winter storm watch issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 19, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee has issued a winter storm watch for snow and blowing snow, which is in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon. Another winter storm will develop over the mid Mississippi river valley Saturday morning and strengthen over the great ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Janesville School District director retiring
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on December 19, 2008
JANESVILLE -- Doug Bunton, who has managed the Janesville School District's finances since 1986, will retire in June, the district announced this morning. Superintendent Tom Evert, who also is retiring in June, praised Bunton's service and said the school board may want to take this opportunity to examine and possibly ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Gazette delivery delays expected
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 19, 2008
JANESVILLE -- The Janesville Gazette anticipates that today’s delivery will be late and, in some cases, carriers may not be able to deliver. Due to last night’s severe winter storm, the Gazette advises carriers, particularly those in rural areas, to cease delivery if they believe it is unsafe to continue. ...Read more, view comment (1) »
ECHO toy distribution postponed until Saturday
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 19, 2008
ECHO has pushed back its Christmas toy distribution from today to Saturday. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Drive. Volunteers, for the first shift, should report at 8 a.m. Additional volunteers will be needed, particularly those with SUVs ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville schools, many others, closed
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 19, 2008
Click here for the latest closings and delays. Click here for Rock County traffic cameras.Read more, view comments (18) »
Health department warns of hypothermia risks
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 19, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: If you're not looking forward to a long day of shoveling Friday, the Rock County Health Department has good news. Acting Health Officer Karen Cain says hypothermia and frostbite can occur even when you're shoveling the sidewalk in temperatures above freezing. She recommends taking frequent breaks ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin unveils road hot line just before storm
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 18, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new hot line for Wisconsin road information is ready to go just in time for another winter storm. The 511 Traveler Information System replaces the state Transportation Department's 1-800 ROAD WIS line. Wisconsin transportation officials say the 511 system offers 267 lines, five times as ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wis. hospitals want a bailout
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 18, 2008
MADISON — Wisconsin hospitals say they need federal help as their income drops and requests for charity care soar. A Wisconsin Hospitals Association report released today says charity care costs will jump nearly 20 percent this year compared with 2007. In 2007, hospitals say, they provided free care to nearly ...Read more, view comments (52) »
Garbage, recycling pickup canceled Friday
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on December 18, 2008
In anticipation of the approaching snowstorm, the city has canceled garbage and recycling pickup Friday. Garbage and recycling scheduled for pickup Friday will be picked up Friday, Dec. 26. The landfill also will be closed Friday but will reopen Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call ...Read more, view comments (10) »
City declares snow emergency for midnight
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on December 18, 2008
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency starting at midnight today. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. To ensure that you do not receive a parking ticket, move your vehicle before ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Weather-related announcements
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 18, 2008
Organizations are announcing closings, cancellations, and delays in anticipation of a winter storm. Click here for the latest closings and delays. Read more, view comments (22) »Judge overturns state board decision in Larson Acres case
Posted by GINA DUWE on December 18, 2008
A Rock County judge has overturned a state board’s decision on a permit for a barn at Larson Acres, though the case likely is destined for a state appeals court. Judge James Welker issued a 20-page written decision Monday in the case that the town of Magnolia and a group ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Public works director to leave
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 18, 2008
Jack Messer, Janesville’s director of public works/city engineer, has resigned his position and will return to Kansas. Messer started work here in May 2005. He had been a civil engineer consultant in Manhattan, Kansas. Messer will work as a consultant Kansas City. Messer said he is returning to Kansas to ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Rock County Sheriff's Winter Emergency Plan in effect
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 18, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Rock County Sheriff's Office is preparing for Thursday's impending winter storm with its Winter Emergency Plan. The plan has three phases. Level Three is in effect now, and includes planning and directing personnel for the anticipated increase in law enforcement calls. Authorities will monitor road ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Janesville man pleads guilty in son's death
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on December 17, 2008
JANESVILLE -- A Janesville man pleaded guilty in Rock County Court this morning to a felony charge stemming from the death of his son. Charles S. Rivers, 35, pleaded guilty to child neglect resulting in death in the December 2007 death of his son, Israel Gordon. A misdemeanor charge of ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Outside groups set record spending on Wis. races
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 17, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Special interest groups spent a record $7.1 million on Wisconsin legislative races this year. That's according to a report released Wednesday by the government watchdog group the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. The top spender was the state's teachers' union. The Wisconsin Education Association Council spent $2.1 million ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Small plane lands on golf course
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 17, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A small plane ran out of fuel before reaching the Dane County Regional Airport and had to land at a nearby golf course. A Dane County 911 Center supervisor says the plane was about 200 yards short of the airport about 11 p.m. Tuesday when the ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Winter Storm Watch update
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 17, 2008
From the National Weather Service: A winter storm watch remains in effect from Thursday evening through Friday morning. A powerful winter system will develop over southeast Colorado Thursday morning and track across northern Missouri, central Illinois, and northern Indiana Thursday night. Widespread snow will develop late Thursday afternoon and become ...Read more, view comments (46) »
Minor derailment back on track
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 16, 2008
A Wisconsin & Southern Railroad engine was involved in a "very minor derailment" in Janesville this morning and has since been put back on the rail, a Wisconsin & Southern spokesman said. Ken Lucht said one wheel of the engine came off the track at Johnson Street west of Pearl ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Births at Medford come in twos
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 16, 2008
MEDFORD, Wis. (AP) — Babies at Medford hospital's birthing center have been coming in twos recently. Doctors at Memorial Health Center have delivered six sets of twins in the last six months — the latest set just a few weeks ago. Dr. Amy Wagoner says it's highly unusual for a ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Sustainable Janesville Committee to examine comprehensive plan
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 16, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Sustainable Janesville Committee explores the city's comprehensive plan in greater detail Tuesday. Committee Chairman Tom McDonald says the first chapters to be reviewed are land use, natural resources and agriculture. The committee previously decided to ask the city council to delay adoption of the comprehensive ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Snow may hit area twice this week
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 15, 2008
The first of two snowfalls this week is expected Tuesday. The National Weather Service predicts 3 to 7 inches of snow will fall in Rock and Walworth counties between noontime Tuesday and Tuesday night. Chances of snow Tuesday were put at 90 percent. Tuesday's high temperature is expected to be ...Read more, view comments (40) »
Harley-Davidson CEO Jim Ziemer to retire in 2009
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 15, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson Inc. said Monday its president and chief executive, Jim Ziemer, plans to retire next year, ending his 40-year career with the company. The Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker said in a news release the 58-year-old Ziemer told the board of directors Monday that he intends to retire in ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Bliss to stop publishing Jotter
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 15, 2008
Bliss Communications, publisher of The Janesville Gazette, will stop publishing the Jotter early in 2009. The Jotter, a shopping publication distributed in Rock County each Tuesday, has been a source of advertising for garage sales, used merchandise, auctions, automobiles and other goods and services. Bliss acquired The Janesville Messenger when ...Read more, view comments (48) »
Wisconsin gets $234,700 in Mattel settlement
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will get $234,700 in a multistate settlement with Mattel, Inc., and Fisher-Price, Inc., over excessive lead paint in the companies' toys. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled about 2 million Mattel and Fisher-Price toys made in China between August and October 2007. The ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Wis. lawmaker arrested on OWI, marijuana charges
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin lawmaker arrested on drunken driving and possession of marijuana charges apologized Monday for acting irresponsibly. Rep. Jeffrey Wood, who in November became the first independent in decades elected to the Legislature, was arrested early Friday by the Wisconsin State Patrol. A deputy at the ...Read more, view comments (98) »
Stark temperature contrast
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Dangerous wind chills replaced rain in parts of Wisconsin, while some roads to the far north remained impassable. After a weekend of unseasonably mild temperatures, the bottom dropped out Monday when the mercury was below zero in northern Wisconsin and struggled to make it to double ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville School Board to discuss IT Dept audit
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 15, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A review of the Janesville school district computer system could cost thousands of dollars. The school board Monday night will discuss the purpose of an audit of the district's Information Technology Department. According to a memo from the Director of Business Services, if the purpose of ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville family to honor missing WWII soldier
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 14, 2008
JANESVILLE--Janseville resident Randy Grutza and family will go to Milwaukee this week to attend Grutza’s uncle’s funeral. The uncle, U.S. Army Air Force Cpl. Richard Grutza, was a gunner in a B-25 Mitchell bomber that was shot down in Papua New Guinea during World War II. A visitation is planned ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Milwaukee officers dragged by motorist
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 14, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee police say two officers were injured after a motorist dragged them during a traffic stop. The officers pulled over a vehicle in the 2600 block of South 63rd Street early Sunday morning. Police say one of the officers ordered the driver to shut off the car’s ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Green Bay fire causes $2 million in damage
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 14, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A warehouse fire in Green Bay is blamed for causing damage estimated by fire officials at about $2 million. The Green Bay Fire Department said the fire was reported about 2 a.m. Saturday by a security guard at a power plant near the Great Lakes ...Read more, add a comment »
DNR adds to northern Wisconsin park
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on December 13, 2008
The state Natural Resources Board on Wednesday approved spending $646,000 to acquire an additional 64 acres for Harrington Beach State Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Ozaukee County. Funds for acquiring two parcels -- 10 acres from Michael Ansay and 54 acres from Family Enterprises, which is associated ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Ohio ticket takes $207 million
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 13, 2008
ATLANTA (AP) — A single winner has taken the $207 million jackpot from the latest drawing of the multistate Mega Millions lottery. The only ticket to match all the winnings numbers from Friday night’s drawing was sold in Piqua, Ohio. The next Mega Millions drawing will be on Tuesday night ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Child, two adults rescued from Milwaukee fire
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on December 12, 2008
By Linda Spice Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MCT) MILWAUKEE--Milwaukee Fire Department paramedics resuscitated two adults and a 3-year-old boy who were not breathing when they were pulled from the second floor of a north side home where fire blocked them from escaping, fire officials said today. Firefighters responded to the 900 ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Army Corps asked why $9M fish barrier isn’t on
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 12, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A group of 29 U.S. senators and representatives want to know why a new electrical fish barrier isn’t being used to keep Asian carp from invading Lake Michigan. The group wrote a letter this week to the Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard asking why ...Read more, view comments (18) »
WPL will not appeal Cassville decision
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Power & Light says it won't appeal state regulators' decision rejecting the utility's proposal to build a coal-fired power plant along the Mississippi River at Cassville. The Public Service Commission said the proposed $1.3 billion plant was too expensive and would create too much air ...Read more, add a comment »
911 Dispatcher: 'It didn't register as a scream'
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The operator who mishandled a 911 call from a slain college student's cell phone said she didn't know why she didn't hear a scream or sounds of a struggle, according to records released Thursday. "If I heard the initial 'scream,' it didn't register as a scream," ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Rock County Coroner decision on hold
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 12, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The decision of whether Rock County will have a coroner or medical examiner is still on the table. Citizens addressed the Rock County Board Thursday, saying voters will be able to decide if a coroner is competent. The board decided to table the vote to rescind ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Thief takes 80 collectors guns in Weyauwega
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 11, 2008
WAUPACA, Wis. (AP) — The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department is looking for someone who stole 80 collectors guns from a Weyauwega storage unit. Authorities say $25,000 worth of handguns and rifles were taken. They say some were specialty guns and some were foreign made. Most were in hard, black plastic ...Read more, view comments (21) »
West Allis mayor to veto pit bull ban
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 11, 2008
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (AP) — West Allis Mayor Dan Devine says he will veto an ordinance that would have banned pit bulls in the city. The ban approved by the Common Council on Dec. 2 would have been first of its kind in the Milwaukee area, although some communities have ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Governors press Congress for state fiscal relief
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 11, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) — A trio of governors is asking Congress for relief from crushing state fiscal woes caused by a huge slump in revenues as the recession deepens. The governors have already pared payrolls and cut aid to municipal government. In Capitol Hill testimony, governors such as Wisconsin Democrat Jim ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Coalition recommends changes to Wisconsin taxes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 11, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A coalition of Wisconsin business, labor and policy groups says in a new report that the state should consider reforming its tax structure to focus more on economic growth. The idea is one of many included in the Wisconsin Way's Blueprint for Change report. The report ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Audit finds questionable Wis. Medicaid payments
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 11, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An audit says the state paid a nursing home more than $1,500 to transport a Medicaid patient one mile. That flagrant overpayment is included in a report by the Legislative Audit Bureau that identified $268,000 in potentially improper payments to Medicaid providers. The questionable payments to ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Bombardier Recreational laying off one-fifth
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 11, 2008
STURTEVANT, Wis. (AP) — The power sports industry is among those hit hard by the global economic recession, causing Bombardier Recreational Products to layoff about a fifth of its workforce — or about 100 jobs. About 40 white-collar jobs and 60 hourly workers will be cut this week and next. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Rock County receives emergency flood funds from state
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 11, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Two weeks before Christmas, Rock County is receiving $500,000 in state assistance to help homeowners still recovering from this summer's floods. Dave Somppi, County Community Development Manager, says the county is working with households who need emergency heat assistance because their furnaces were damaged by floodwaters. ...Read more, add a comment »
Snow to be removed from downtown tonight
Posted by GINA DUWE on December 10, 2008
JANESVILLE--Downtown snow removal will begin at midnight tonight and continue into the early morning hours of Thursday. The following streets will be included: --Milwaukee Street from Atwood Avenue to Center Avenue --Parker Drive from Wall Street to Court Street --Main Street from Centerway to Holmes Street --High Street from Milwaukee ...Read more, view comments (5) »
UW seniors find few jobs open as graduation looms
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 10, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin-Madison students don't need a federal report to tell them there's a recession. They can see it in their job searches. Senior David Pianin calls his job hunt "frustrating and depressing." Pianin is majoring in finance at UW-Madison's School of Business and had expected ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Edgerton Hospital, SSM form affiliation
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 10, 2008
Edgerton Hospital and Health Services has formed a "limited affiliation" with SSM Health Care of Wisconsin, the parent company of St. Mary's Hospital in Madison and the new St. Mary's Janesville Hospital, the two groups announced in a news release today. Edgerton Hospital will remain under the local control of ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Robbery suspect dead after chase
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 10, 2008
LAKE GENEVA — A gas station holdup in led to a deadly chase Tuesday night. Authorities say two robbers wearing ski masks and armed with shotguns robbed the Handi Mart, N3465 County H, in Geneva Township at 9:50 p.m. Tuesday. A witness told the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office the men ...Read more, view comments (39) »
Governor: Bailout may not save Janesville plant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 10, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Without a bailout for the auto industry, there is no chance for the General Motors plant at Janesville to remain open, Gov. Jim Doyle said Tuesday. Even with a bailout along the lines of one being discussed in Congress, Doyle said chances for the plant to ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Gun crimes under closer scrutiny by Janesville Police
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 10, 2008
After noticing an increase in gun-related incidents, Janesville Police officials are improving their reporting system to highlight those crimes involving guns to better track the information.
Deputy Police Chief Dave Moore says the incidents are not limited to a certain area, but dispersed throughout the ...
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Snow depths vary around state
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 09, 2008
The first major winter snowstorm dumped up to 11 inches in parts of Wisconsin on Tuesday, closing dozens of schools and creating slick, icy roads that caused numerous semi-trucks to jackknife, authorities said. A second storm system was moving into Wisconsin and was expected to dump another 3 inches in ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Blue Angels to perform at AirFest
Posted by GINA DUWE on December 09, 2008
JANESVILLE—The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team announced today they will perform at the 8th annual Southern Wisconsin AirFest next year. AirFest will be held May 29 to 31 at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport on Highway 51 between Janesville and Beloit. Blue Angels ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Judge running for Wis. Supreme Court criticized
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 09, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A retiring Jefferson County judge takes issue with how the presiding judge and candidate for the state Supreme Court Randy Koschnick manages the office. Judge John Ullsvick tells The Capital Times in Madison that Koschnick has been very divisive. Ullsvick says he's not seeking re-election because ...Read more, view comment (1) »
I-90 re-opened after jacknifed truck
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 09, 2008
BELOIT--Southbound Interstate 90/39 has been re-opened after a semitrailer truck jackknifed near mile marker 186 late this morning, Rock County Communications spokesman Mark Elland said. Elland advises travellers that the Interstate will be slow and drivers should use extreme caution. The Janesville Gazette staff will keep posting road closings and ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Gazette delivery may be late due to weather
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 09, 2008
Due to today's winter storm, the Janesville Gazette anticipates that today's delivery will be late and, in some cases, carriers may not be able to deliver. The Gazette advises carriers, particularly those in rural areas, to cease delivery if they believe it's unsafe to continue. Any customer who does not ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Janesville declares snow emergency for 2 p.m.
Posted by GINA DUWE on December 09, 2008
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency starting at 2 p.m. today. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. To ensure that you do not receive a parking ticket, move your vehicle ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Janesville schools, many others, closed
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 09, 2008
Click here for all the latest weather-related announcements.Read more, view comments (15) »
Update on winter storm warning
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 09, 2008
Click here for the latest closings. From the National Weather Service: The winter storm warning is now in effect until 6 pm this afternoon. Snow, mixed at times with freezing rain and sleet, will change over to all snow by mid morning. Ice accumulations could approach 1/4 inch before ...Read more, view comments (4) »
City responds to plowing complaints
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 09, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville City Council members say they're getting plenty of phone calls about the condition of city streets and snow plowing. Public Works Director Jack Messer told the council Monday night that when citizens call to report problems or areas of concern, each call is logged and ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Milton schools could face shortfall next year
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 08, 2008
The Milton School District could face a $1 million shortfall in 2009-10 based on early budget projections, Business Manager Dianne Meyer told the school board tonight. Meyer created a very preliminary budget estimate holding student enrollment and state aid steady. She estimated increased expenses because of inflation and upcoming teacher ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Storm closing schools early, canceling events
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 08, 2008
Click here for the latest closings.Read more, view comments (16) »
"It's a Wonderful Life" postponed
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on December 08, 2008
Due to the pending snow/ice storm, the Janesville Performing Arts Center and WCLO has postponed the performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” originally scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. It has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. The open house for new City Manager Eric Levitt has ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Snow plowing of residential streets planned for Monday
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on December 08, 2008
The most recent weather forecast predicts moderating air and pavement temperatures through Tuesday until about 11 p.m. Freezing rain and snow are predicted for today and tomorrow. In anticipation of these conditions and with the current street conditions, the Janesville Public Works Department will begin residential street plow operations at ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Winter storm warning issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 08, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee has issued a winter storm warning for a mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow. The warning is in effect until midnight Tuesday night. Freezing rain will move into the area this afternoon, mix at times with sleet, then ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Former student pleads guilty in Wisconsin slaying
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 08, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A college dropout pleaded guilty Monday to fatally stabbing a 31-year-old Madison resident in his home — a stranger killing that shocked the city and remains something of a mystery. Adam Peterson, 20, acknowledged that he walked into Joel Marino's home near the University of Wisconsin-Madison ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Winter wallop on the way
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 08, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A major winter storm headed for Wisconsin could dump more than a foot of snow in some areas by Tuesday night. Heavy snow is expected in central, northern, western and eastern Wisconsin beginning Monday night and ending Tuesday night. Mixed precipitation, changing to all snow later is ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Former teachers union president elected for 2009
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on December 08, 2008
Dave Parr has been voted back into office as president of the Janesville public school teachers’ union. Parr said he knows he faces difficult challenges, including the local economy and probable cuts in the school district’s 2009-10 budget. Parr was co-lead negotiator during the long, contentious negotiations with the school ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville City Council learns about pipeline
Posted by STAN STRICKER on December 08, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville City Council Monday night hears a presentation from a company planning a $38 million natural gas pipeline through part of the community. Public Works Director Jack Messer says ANR Pipeline is proposing construction to begin next summer. Messer is pleased the company plans the ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Man gets 10 years for role in beating man
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 07, 2008
FOND DU LAC -- A Fond du Lac man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for kicking and burning a man who was suspended upside-down from a tree. Thirty-seven-year-old Jerrad K. Blake pleaded no contest in September to being party to the crime of aggravated battery. Prosecutors say ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Owners of closed mill will meet with officials
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 07, 2008
KIMBERLY -- The private equity firm that owns the idle NewPage Corp. paper mill in Kimberly is sending NewPage's top executive to the Fox Valley this week to meet with village officials and union leaders. The union representing workers at the closed mill has pushed for Ohio-based NewPage to either ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Black bear, wild turkey permits increase for 2009
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 07, 2008
MADISON -- Hunters have until Wednesday to apply for a permit for the 2009 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season or the 2009 black bear hunting season. More than 221,000 permits will be issued for the spring turkey season, an increase of nearly 10,000 from last spring. That hunt starts April ...Read more, add a comment »
Woman robbed outside Janesville bank
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on December 07, 2008
JANESVILLE -- A gunman robbed a woman outside a Janesville bank Saturday night. The robber surprised the 28-year-old Milton woman while she was making a night deposit at U.S. Bank, 2732 Milton Ave., at 9:19 p.m., according to a Janesville Police Department news release. The gunman took the woman’s deposit ...Read more, view comments (41) »
Winter storm watch issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 07, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Monday evening through late Tuesday night. Six to 12 inches of snow is possible across southern Wisconsin Monday night through Tuesday night as strengthening low pressure passes south of the ...Read more, view comments (42) »
Two accused of vandalizing police station
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 06, 2008
SOUTH WAYNE -- Two men have been arrested for allegedly vandalizing and robbing a southwestern Wisconsin police department. The Lafayette County Sheriff's Office said Saturday the men are being held on tentative charges of burglary and possession of stolen property. Sheriff Scott Pedley says the suspects targeted the police department ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Rock County Sheriff's Office issues winter driving alert
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on December 06, 2008
JANESVILLE -- Drivers should travel slowly Saturday due to gusty winds, snow drifts and slippery, snow-covered roads. Many roads have 2-foot-high snow drifts, according to a Rock County Sheriff's Office news release. Winds are expected to remain gusty throughout the day, and drifting is expected to continue. Motorists can expect ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Four-day deer hunt opens Thursday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 06, 2008
MADISON -- There's still more whitetail deer hunting to do in Wisconsin. A four-day hunt to shoot only does or young bucks without antlers opens Thursday. The hunt is open to bow and gun hunters. The short season follows the traditional nine-day gun hunt in which the state Department of ...Read more, add a comment »
Amid holiday bustle, don't forget to care for pets
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 06, 2008
MADISON -- As temperatures drop below freezing, a state agency reminds pet owners not to overlook their pets and livestock. Yvonne Bellay is a spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She says this is such a busy time of year that pet owners sometimes forget ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Three killed in separate snowy accidents
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 06, 2008
VERONA -- Three people have been killed in separate car accidents in Wisconsin, partly because of snowy weather and slick road conditions. Dane County authorities say a 39-year-old Madison man lost control of his vehicle early Saturday morning in Verona and was hit by a large pick up truck. He ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Stoughton Trailer warns state of possible layoffs
Posted by STAN STRICKER on December 06, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A local manufacturer has notified the State Department of Workforce development of planned layoffs. Stoughton Trailer has notified the state it plans a mass layoff at the facility no sooner than February 2nd. Vice President of Human Resources at Stoughton Trailer, Patrice Gillespie, informs the DWD ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Report describes Zimmerman's 911 call
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 05, 2008
MADISON—An internal investigation found that the 911 call from a UW-Madison student when she was being killed in April lasted 57 seconds, but the operator wasn’t able to hear "sounds possibly indicating an emergency.“ Records show the 911 operator did not call back to the number to determine if there ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Woman found dead in Geneva Lake
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on December 05, 2008
LINN TOWNSHIP -- An 88-year-old Linn Township woman was found dead in Geneva Lake on Friday afternoon, police said. A neighbor found the woman at 1 p.m. in about 3 feet of water, Linn Township Police Chief Dennis Wisniewski said. The woman was found in front of her lakefront property, ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Feingold to appear on talk show tonight
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on December 05, 2008
Senator Russ Feingold will appear on a popular PBS talk show Friday at 8 p.m. The Wisconsin Democrat will be on "Bill Moyers Journal." Feingold will be interviewed about the incoming presidential administration and progressive politics, according to the program's Web site.Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. regents want universities to lower book costs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Some University of Wisconsin System regents say they're frustrated campuses have made little progress toward reducing textbook costs. Regents complained Friday that some campuses have made little or no movement toward adopting book rental programs or other cost-saving strategies. Regent Jeffrey Bartell says he doesn't understand ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Lawton asks Midwest to protect jobs in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is urging Midwest Airlines to protect jobs in Wisconsin. President-elect Barack Obama also expressed concern in October about Midwest's proposed wage and benefit cuts to its union flight crew. An arbitrator is expected to rule later this month on a grievance ...Read more, add a comment »
Sheridan says door not closed on Janesville plant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 05, 2008
JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) — It's still a long shot. But, state Rep. Mike Sheridan says the door is not completely closed on future production at Janesville's General Motors plant. The Janesville Democrat met with GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, GM vice president of government relations, Ken Cole, and UAW ...Read more, view comments (112) »
Peterson to plead guilty in fatal stabbing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former University of Wisconsin-Madison student is expected to plead guilty to fatally stabbing a man during an attempted robbery. Assistant Public Defender Dennis Burke says Adam Peterson will enter the plea to first-degree intentional homicide on Monday. Burke says the defense was prepared to concede ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Janesville cuts back snow plowing
Posted by STAN STRICKER on December 05, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The City of Janesville is looking for ways to cut the snow plowing budget for the rest of the year. Public Works Director Jack Messer tells WCLO's Stan Milam Show, its because the 2007-2008 snow plowing season was the worst on record, and the budget has ...Read more, view comments (56) »
Tip leads Wisconsin to block payments to Janesville, Kenosha
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Payments from the state to Janesville and Kenosha have temporarily been blocked, and the two cities may have to pay back money they've received the past two years. The action came as the result of an anonymous tip to a lawmaker and the Legislative Audit Bureau. ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Beware holiday e-mail scams
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 04, 2008
MADISON — The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to be skeptical of e-mails that look like they’re from legitimate companies. The agency says a new string of "phishing" e-mails is making the rounds this holiday season. Phishing is a scam that uses valid-looking e-mails, usually to trick recipients ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Beloit superintendent enters race for state job
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 04, 2008
BELOIT, Wis. (AP) — The superintendent of Beloit schools is the third announced candidate seeking the state superintendent position. Beloit superintendent Lowell Holtz says he will resign his current position as of June 30. The next superintendent of Public Instruction takes office July 1. Concordia University professor Van Mobley and ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Survey finds high rate of sex assault in UW System
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 04, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) A survey of more than 13,000 University of Wisconsin System students and employees found a high rate of sexual assault on and off campuses. More than 280 people who took the voluntary survey at four universities and 13 two-year colleges reported being sexually assaulted. The majority of ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Watch testimony from automakers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 04, 2008
Click here to watch the heads of the major automakers testify on Capitol Hill about their bailout request.Read more, add a comment »
Construction begins next week on fairgrounds cell tower
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 04, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The skyline around the Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds will soon change, as construction on a new cell tower begins next week. Assistant County Administrator Phil Boutwell says it seems to be a relatively quick construction process. He says the company, Global Towers, hopes to have the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Committee prefers public awareness to plastic bag ban
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 04, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Bagging groceries in plastic is a normal part of shopping, but the Sustainable Janesville committee wants local shoppers to think twice before going that route. The committee had considered a ban on plastic bags, but is now promoting a public awareness campaign about the bags. The ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Department of Workforce Development Secretary visits Rock County
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 04, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The State Department of Workforce Development Secretary plans to talk about the economy during a visit to Rock County Thursday morning. Secretary Roberta Gassman will talk about the state budget shortfall during a tour of the Automotive Training Program at Beloit's Eclipse Charter School at 11:00.Read more, add a comment »
Snow emergency in Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 03, 2008
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency starting at 6 p.m. today, Wednesday. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. "To ensure that you do not receive a parking ticket, please move ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Slick roads will create messy commute
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 03, 2008
Rock County roads are snow-covered and slippery, which could make for a treacherous commute this afternoon. A dispatcher at the Rock County Communications Center said there have been many accidents on county roads but none serious. County snowplows are out. In the city of Janesville, trucks have been salting roads ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Weather announcements
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 03, 2008
Click here for the latest weather related closings.Read more, view comments (6) »
Shopko lays off 43 at headquarters
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 03, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Soft consumer spending is causing the discount retailer Shopko to trim 6 percent of its headquarters staff. Forty-three people have been notified they will lose their jobs because of the weak economy. Shopko's CEO Michael MacDonald says the difficult economic environment is expected to continue well ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Computer virus at Janesville schools prompts upgrades in Beloit
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 03, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Beloit School District is taking a lesson from the Janesville School District's problems with a computer virus. Network Engineer Ed Scoville says Beloit is revamping its computer disaster recovery plans. He says the district might also upgrade its security programs. The district is also implementing ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter weather advisory issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 03, 2008
From the National Weather Service: A winter weather advisory remains in effect from 6 am Wednesday morning to 8 pm Wednesday evening. Snow will develop this morning across south central and portions of southeast Wisconsin, mainly between 6 am and 10 am. The snow will be moderate at times later ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Deer hunt numbers down
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 02, 2008
WAUSAU — Wisconsin wildlife officials say hunters killed 20 percent fewer deer during the nine-day gun hunt than a year ago. Department of Natural Resources deer expert Keith Warnke said Tuesday the count suggests deer populations may be moving closer to management goals. The DNR says a preliminary count showed ...Read more, view comments (19) »
County P reopens
Posted by STACY VOGEL on December 02, 2008
The Rock County Public Works Department announced today that County P has been reopened between Highway 140 and Highway 67 following a bridge replacement.Read more, add a comment »
Warrants disclose more details in Zimmermann death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 02, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) The 911 call from a college student's cell phone the day she died carried the sounds of a woman's screams and a struggle, according to search warrants obtained by a newspaper. The warrants reviewed by the Wisconsin State Journal include police statements that describe the 911 call ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Lodi students, staff to return from Thailand
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 02, 2008
LODI, Wis. (AP) Lodi high school students and staff stuck in Thailand during anti-government protests will return to Wisconsin on Sunday. Nine students and three staff members were among thousands of tourists stranded when protesters occupied two airports in Bangkok last week. They had been on a three-week exchange program. ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Water park company files for bankruptcy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 02, 2008
WARRENS, Wis. (AP) The owners of a central Wisconsin water park and campground have filed for bankruptcy two months after closing the recreational property. Van Der Molen Recreational Properties filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Chicago on Nov. 26. Van Der Molen owns the Three Bears Lodge, an indoor-outdoor water ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Farmland preservation key in comprehensive plan discussion
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on December 02, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: How much farmland preservation is enough? According to Janesville Plan Commissioner Tom McDonald, it depends on your definition of "preserve". He says if your definition is slowed growth, then the city's comprehensive plan preserves farmland. If your definition is to leave farmland in the state it's ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Town of Beloit to study new fire station
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on December 01, 2008
Beloit Township--The Beloit Town Board voted Monday night three to one to approve a contract with Angus Young Architects of Janesville to design a seven-bay station behind the current station No. 1 at 2445 Afton Road. The contract is not for construction but for design of a potential 20,000-square-foot building ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Rock County Humane Society executive director fired today
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 01, 2008
JANESVILLE--Rock County Humane Society Executive Director Chris Konetski was dumbfounded when she was fired early today. Konetski said board members weren't happy with her performance and that her management style wasn't what they were looking for with the shelter going in a new direction. The Society's Humane Care Officer Supervisor ...Read more, view comments (105) »
Northern Wis. soldiers leave for Afghanistan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 01, 2008
RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) Nearly 1,000 people filled the Rhinelander High School gymnasium to send off more than 100 local National Guardsmen bound for Afghanistan. The soldiers from the 951st Sapper Company are headed to Camp Shelby, Miss., where they will prepare for several weeks before a yearlong deployment. They will ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Demolition, compost sites to close early today
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 01, 2008
JANESVILLE--Due to the inclement weather, the city's demolition and compost sites will close at 3 p.m. today. Both sites will be open Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Direct questions or concerns, to the City Services Center at (608) 755-3110.Read more, view comment (1) »
Bagged yard waste collection canceled
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 01, 2008
JANESVILLE--Due to inclement weather, bagged yard waste collection activities have been canceled for today. Collection that was scheduled for pick up today will now be picked up Tuesday. Direct questions or concerns to the City Services Center at (608) 755-3110.Read more, view comments (6) »
Snow totals range from 6 to 10 inches
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on December 01, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A band of 6 inches to 10 inches of snow has fallen in southeastern Wisconsin in the season’s first major snowstorm. Janesville got 5 inches of snow. The National Weather Service says a slow moving low pressure area over the central Great Lakes brought the snow starting ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Dec. 6 Holiday Light Parade canceled
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 01, 2008
JANESVILLE—The Holiday Light Parade scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to lack of entries, according to a press release issued by the City of Janesville. The parade was part of Sugar, Spice and Ice Fest, which will continue according to schedule. For more information, call the city Leisure Services ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Some schools opening late
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 01, 2008
Check out the current list by clicking hereRead more, add a comment »
Masked, armed robbers still at large
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on December 01, 2008
JANESVILLE—Two men are still sought by Janesville police after they robbed the Milton Avenue Mobile Mart early Sunday night. Two masked men entered the store, 1215 Milton Ave., at 8:44 p.m. Sunday, armed with handguns then demanded money from the male clerk, according to a press release. After getting an ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Advisory replaces storm warning
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on December 01, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter weather advisory for snow and blowing snow, which is in effect until noon Monday. The winter storm warning has been canceled. Light snow will continue this morning across the advisory area. Additional snowfall of up ...Read more, add a comment »
