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Drifts cause slick rural roads
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 29, 2008
Drifting snow has turned to ice on rural roads as temperatures dropped this evening, causing accidents around the county, the Rock County Sheriff's Department reports. Highway 140 has a number of slippery spots, and emergency responders have been busy with accidents in several other areas, the department's Sgt. Viengkhone Nouansacksy ...Read more, add a comment »
Shooting suspect ordered to stand trial
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 29, 2008
One of two teens accused of firing handguns in an incident in the Janesville YMCA parking lot on Jan. 19 was bound over for trial this afternoon. A Rock County court commissioner found that Andrew D. Moronez, 16, of 1042 Center Ave., Janesville, probably committed a felony. Moronez and another ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Beloit casino project discussed at federal hearing
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 29, 2008
The Beloit casino project, and others like it, may get some relief from damaging federal policy changes. The House Natural Resources Committee appears ready to come to the aid of Native American tribes involved in off reservation projects. The Interior Department and Bureau of Indian Affairs announced in January a ...Read more, add a comment »
Bloomfield man dies from beating injuries
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 29, 2008
A Bloomfield man died Thursday afternoon from injuries inflicted by his son during a fight the two had at a motel outside Pell Lake, authorities believe. Jacob D. Newer, 26, fractured the skull of his father, David J. Newer, and left him without medical attention for 14 hours Tuesday, District ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Mereness appeal rejected
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on February 29, 2008
MADISON The Wisconsin Supreme Court has refused to hear the appeal of William J. Mereness, a former Janesville resident convicted of murdering his estranged wife in 2002. Mereness was sentenced to life in prison in 2003 for murdering Jennifer Judge, a well-liked Spanish teacher at Janesville’s Craig High School. Mereness ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Assembly approves virtual schools bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 29, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Democrats and Republicans still cannot agree on a plan to keep virtual charter schools open. The Republican-controlled Assembly voted 53-44 for a bill to bring the schools in compliance with several state laws while allowing the online learning option to continue growing rapidly. A measure approved ...Read more, add a comment »
Renewed interest in Milton's cougar
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 29, 2008
ROCK COUNTY — The Department of Natural Resources is reassuring Rock County residents the cougar spotted in various areas won't prey on pets. That's something coyotes and sometimes owls do, according to the DNR's Brian Buenzow. Buenzow gave an update to the Rock County Board of Supervisors Thursday. There haven't ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Hearing set in Koepp case
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on February 28, 2008
A preliminary hearing date of April 15 was scheduled Thursday afternoon for James C. Koepp. Koepp, 49, an inmate at Columbia Correctional Institution, is charged with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the January 2007 murders of Danyetta Lentz and her teenage children, Nicole and Scott. The preliminary hearing ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Bond set in Bloomfield beating investigation
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 28, 2008
ELKHORN—A Bloomfield man fractured the skull of his father and left him without medical attention for 14 hours, District Attorney Phil Koss said at a bail hearing Thursday afternoon. Jacob D. Newer, 26, of N2020 County H, Lake Geneva, got into a scuffle about 4 a.m. Tuesday with his father, ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Snowmobile fee hike moves ahead
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2008
MADISON -- The price out-of-state residents pay to ride their snowmobiles on trails in Wisconsin would nearly double under a bill passed by the state Senate. An earlier Associated Press version of this story did not make clear that the fee hike would apply only to out-of-staters. The measure passed ...Read more, add a comment »
WI Senate leader says budget, other issues can still get done
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Democratic leader of the state Senate says there's still plenty of time to pass a bill fixing the $650 million budget shortfall and find compromise on a statewide smoking ban. The Senate is scheduled to end its work for the year in a couple weeks. ...Read more, add a comment »
Court says Wisconsin towns can suspend new development
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin towns have the authority to suspend residential development while they update their land use plans, an appeals court ruled Thursday. The ruling has significance because state law requires all municipalities to development comprehensive growth plans by 2010. In the meantime, many are considering suspensions on ...Read more, view comments (4) »
U.S. upholds key stem cell patent held by Wisconsin group
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Federal regulators are upholding a patent that covers embryonic stem cell research discovered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. An examiner with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office says one of three patents held by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation can stand. It has not yet ruled ...Read more, add a comment »
Watch Bush press conference
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2008
Click here to view a press conference with President Bush. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:05.Read more, view comment (1) »
Rock County Board to receive cougar report
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 28, 2008
It's a cat that has prowled around Rock County and local conversations: the Milton cougar. The Rock County Board will hear an update Thursday from the Department of Natural Resources about the cougar, Chronic Wasting Disease and grassland habitats for pheasants. County Board chairman Rich Ott says the board will ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Assembly to take up Republican compromise on virtual schools
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Republican lawmakers are offering Governor Jim Doyle a compromise on a bill that would keep virtual schools open in Wisconsin. It includes an enrollment cap and would require a study of the Internet learning option. The Assembly is due to take up the measure today. Lawmakers ...Read more, add a comment »
Man severely beaten in Bloomfield Township
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 27, 2008
BLOOMFIELD—A Bloomfield man is in critical condition at St. Luke’s Medical Center in West Allis with life-threatening injuries caused at the hands of his son, police believe. Jacob D. Newer, 26, is suspected of beating his father, David J. Newer, 57, at the Inn-B-Tween motel on County H between Pell ...Read more, view comments (6) »
DNR Board creates new CWD hunt options
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State wildlife officials say they'll give sportsmen three options for new end-of-the-year hunts in chronic wasting disease zones. The Natural Resources Board wants public comment on whether to run hunts from Dec. 11 to 14, Dec. 15 to Jan. 4 or Dec. 24 to Jan. 4. ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Mark Jensen sentenced to life in prison in wife's killing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2008
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) - The man convicted of poisoning and suffocating his wife in Kenosha County has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Judge Bruce Schroeder told Mark Jensen the ``wickedness and cruelty'' of Julie Jensen's murder speak to the content of his character and that he needed ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Audit: Wis. bridges are improving but DOT should track work
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - An audit says the condition of Wisconsin bridges has improved in recent years but recommends the Department of Transportation do more to monitor maintenance work. The Legislative Audit Bureau says the number of state-owned bridges considered structurally deficient declined to 4.2 percent in 2007 from 7.4 ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Keep salivating for Moy's
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 27, 2008
Moy's Restaurant, the popular Chinese eatery in downtown Elkhorn, needs about a week still before reopening. Owner Paul Moy had hoped his restaurant would be open today after extensive remodeling following a Jan. 8, 2007 fire. "The general contractor doesn't have it done yet," he said. The fire gutted the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Couple gets to keep cash
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on February 27, 2008
James and Colleen Mesler, the Janesville couple who in December found a bundle of cash in their refrigerator, get to keep the thousands they found—if the rightful owner does not come forward to claim the money by Tuesday, March 11. Janesville police informed the Meslers and the media Tuesday afternoon ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Senate bill would require U.S. workers for state contracts
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Senate voted yesterday for a bill that would require most state contractors to do their work in the U.S. Labor unions support the change, which would require agencies to verify that contractual services are not being performed in foreign countries. It allows a few ...Read more, add a comment »
Committee tables fairgrounds resolution
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 26, 2008
JANESVILLE--A resolution to set aside land for a future Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds will go back to the committee that wrote it. The Rock County Board Staff Committee Tuesday voted to table a resolution to set aside 100 acres of the former Rock County Farm property. The resolution, approved last ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Snow-day request denied
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 26, 2008
The state has denied a petition from public school superintendents in Rock County to disregard the fact that the schools were closed for an unusually harsh snowstorm on Feb. 6 and 7. The superintendents had asked that the Department of Public Instruction waive the requirement that the schools be in ...Read more, view comments (114) »
It's confirmed: Johnny Depp is coming to Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - It may have been the worst kept secret in Wisconsin filmmaking history. But now it's official: Johnny Depp is coming to Wisconsin. Gov. Jim Doyle's office confirmed Tuesday that Depp will be in the state to star in ``Public Enemies.'' The news that Depp was coming ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Residential fire reported in Bradford Township
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 26, 2008
A resident at 13448 E. Creek Road in Bradford Township reported a residential fire at this address to the Rock County 911 Dispatch Center at 12:40 p.m. today. The Clinton Fire Department called for assistance from four other fire departments--Darien, Turtle, Sharon and Boone County in Illinois. “There’s an active ...Read more, add a comment »
Police: Voter fraud rife throughout Milwaukee in 2004
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - A newly-released report by police investigators says there were widespread problems with voting in the 2004 general election in Milwaukee, including voters casting multiple ballots. The Milwaukee Police Department's Special Investigations Unit says those problems also included discrepancies involving students and the homeless. The report says the ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Court appearance for men accused in Beloit man's death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2008
VIROQUA, Wis. (AP) - Two Gays Mills cousins are free on bond after making their initial appearance in Vernon County Circuit Court in the beating death of a man at a Readstown tavern. David Heisz is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the beating death of 50-year-old Kelly Kuykendall of ...Read more, add a comment »
Arrest made in conjunction with attempted car break-ins
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 26, 2008
Janesville police arrested a 23-year-old man overnight for a number of attempted car break-ins. Police said there are at least 27 automobiles involved and more could be discovered this morning. Police said Jacob Carlson was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. Additional charges are pending.Read more, view comments (4) »
Rock County road conditions hazardous
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 26, 2008
The Rock County Sheriff’s Department recommends that motorists do not travel this morning unless necessary. Road conditions are very hazardous at this time. The majority of the roads are ice covered and blowing snow has blocked some lanes of traffic. Motorist that must travel are urged to use extreme caution, ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Some schools delay opening
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 26, 2008
Click here to get the latest closings and delaysRead more, add a comment »
Sheiffer gets 3 percent raise
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 25, 2008
Janesville City Manager Steve Sheiffer received a 3 percent raise at his annual review during closed session Monday. Sheiffer recently announced he is retiring Sept. 2, although he may leave earlier depending on remaining vacation days. The 3 percent is an additional $4,297 a year, putting his salary at $147,518. ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Snow totals lowered, warning canceled
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 25, 2008
The National Weather Service canceled a winter storm warning and lowered snowfall estimates for the system tracking across southern Wisconsin tonight. The warning had been in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Original outlooks had called for up to 8 inches in counties along the Wisconsin-Illinois border. Totals are now expected ...Read more, view comments (8) »
City declares snow emergency
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 25, 2008
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency for Tuesday beginning at midnight. That means all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. To avoid getting a ticket, move your vehicle before 12:00 a.m. and keep it off city ...Read more, view comments (7) »
DNR: 24 snowmobilers killed so far this winter
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2008
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) - A state safety expert says snowmobile crashes on Wisconsin trails have killed 24 riders so far this winter, considerably more than a year ago. But Gary Eddy says he expected the casualty figure to be higher by now given the record snowfall across much of Wisconsin. ...Read more, add a comment »
Some schools closing early
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2008
Click here to get the latest closings and delays.Read more, view comment (1) »
Ryan reacts to VP talk
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 25, 2008
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan says he doesn't "put a whole lot of stock" in his name circulating as a potential running mate to John McCain. Ryan says he's got a lot on his plate, like the budget, between now and the November election. He says "I really haven't given it ...Read more, add a comment »
Warning about winter travel tonight
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 25, 2008
From the Rock County Sheriff's Department: Another Winter Weather event is approaching Rock County and will affect travel this afternoon through Tuesday morning. Currently, traffic on I-39/90 and I-43 is moving at normal speeds. All other rural roadways have stretches of ice-covered pavement requiring reduced speed. Travel conditions will worsen ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Walworth County candidate forum canceled
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 25, 2008
A Walworth County Board candidate forum planned for Tuesday morning at Peoples Bank in Elkhorn has been postponed due to a forecasted snowstorm. The forum was rescheduled for 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, also at Peoples Bank, 837 N. Wisconsin St. All 22 candidates for the 11 county supervisory districts ...Read more, add a comment »
Wait for DNA testing decreases slightly
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The number of criminal cases waiting for DNA testing at the State Crime Lab is down slightly for the first time in five years. The backlog for forensic scientists fell from 1,785 at the end of 2006 to 1,735 in 2007. The Department of Justice says ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter storm warning issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2008
From the National Weather Service: A winter storm warning in effect from 4:00 p.m. this afternoon to 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect. Snow will develop by mid to late afternoon and last through tonight. Snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches are expected. ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Man arrested on charges from 1998 sexual assault
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 24, 2008
JANESVILLE—Janesville police arrested a man Saturday night in connection with the sexual assault of a Janesville woman nearly a decade ago, according to a press release. Officers arrested Michael R. Huber, 31, of 2133 Ontario Drive, Janesville, at 9:15 p.m. at his home on charges of burglary and second-degree sexual ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Hundreds around state took to icy water for Special Olympics
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 24, 2008
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. (AP) – Hundreds around the state took to icy water in freezing temperatures this weekend to raise money for the Special Olympics. “It’s invigorating!” said Seamus MacHendry, of Racine. “It’s a grand, fun time!” He was one of more than 300 who jumped into Lake Andrea at ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit man leads deputy on chase
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 24, 2008
A 24-year-old Beloit man led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase early this morning before crashing his vehicle, injuring himself and his passenger, according to a press release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. According to the release: A Rock County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 1994 maroon Saturn ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Winter storm watch issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 24, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Low pressure is expected to take a favorable track across Missouri Sunday and the Ohio River valley Monday night. Storms taking this track ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Today's high school sports scores
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 23, 2008
Click here for today's high school sports scores.Read more, add a comment »
Air quality advisory issued for state
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 23, 2008
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an Air Quality Advisory for Particle Pollution (Orange) that went into effect this afternoon until noon on Sunday for all Wisconsin counties. From the DNR: The advisory is being issued because of persistent elevated levels of fine particles in the air. These fine ...Read more, add a comment »
Doyle urges Wis. Legislature to approve Great Lakes water compact
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle urged the Wisconsin Legislature on Friday to approve the Great Lakes Compact designed to prevent thirsty regions from tapping the area's valuable water supply. "The Great Lakes present a great economic opportunity for Wisconsin," he said during a news conference at the University of ...Read more, add a comment »
Obama spent 5 times as much on primary advertising in WI
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A new study shows that Barack Obama spent five times as much as Hillary Rodham Clinton on television advertising in advance of Wisconsin's primary. Obama beat Clinton on Tuesday 58 percent to 41 percent. Obama also beat Clinton to the airwaves in the state by a ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Doyle says youth smoking hits lowest point ever in state
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Governor Doyle says illegal sales of cigarettes and tobacco to young people in Wisconsin has hit an all-time low. Doyle says the 2007 sales survey shows that the noncompliance rate was just 4.5 percent. That compares with 5.5 percent in 2006, the previous low. The noncompliance ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Lawmakers debate door-to-door sales bill
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 22, 2008
Senate Bill 80, or one like it, isn't new to lawmakers. Phil Ellenbecker, the father of one of seven door to door magazine sales representatives killed in an I-90 crash near Janesville in 1999, has been pushing for better accountability by the industry for years. He's the main force behind ...Read more, view comments (3) »
ID theft reports down in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Wisconsin is bucking a national trend when it comes to identity theft. While the crime continues to increase across the country, the number of ID theft reports has dropped for another year in Wisconsin. The state had 2,450 cases reported to the Federal Trade Commission last year, ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Doyle requests federal disaster aid for snow in 13 counties
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Jim Doyle is seeking federal disaster aid for a snowstorm that hit 13 southeast Wisconsin counties earlier this month. Doyle made the request Thursday, noting that the storm produced record snow fall in many areas and strained local governments' budgets as cleanup crews were pushed ...Read more, view comments (3) »
State computers hit by virus seeking e-mail info
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - An e-mail offering a video of the lunar eclipse instead delivered a virus to the state computer system and sent officials scrambling to protect against the release of sensitive information. Mike Lettman, director of information security for the Division of Enterprise Technology, said the e-mail went ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Mark Jensen found guilty in 1998 death of wife
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) _ A Kenosha man has been found guilty of using antifreeze to poison his wife, who left a note pointing the finger at him if she died. A jury has found Mark Jensen guilty of first-degree murder in the 1998 death of 40-year-old Julie Jensen. He faces ...Read more, view comments (2) »
First TV ad begins airing in state Supreme Court race
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 21, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The first in what's expected to be millions of dollars worth of attack ads came this week in the state Supreme Court race. The first television ad is from liberal issues group the Greater Wisconsin Committee. It goes after Burnett County Circuit Judge Michael Gableman. He's ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Lawmakers consider psychological exams for police
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 21, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A bill that would require pyschological testing for police officers in Wisconsin is getting a lukewarm reception from a legislative committee. The bill comes in response to last fall's mass shooting in Crandon. Tyler Peterson, an off-duty police officer, killed six people with his SWAT assault ...Read more, view comments (17) »
DNR notes increase in killing animals for thrill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 21, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - State conservation wardens say they've seen a disturbing trend in recent years - young people killing wild animals just for kicks. DNR warden Rick Rosen in St. Croix (KROY) County says it has nothing to do with hunting or sportsmanship - it's simply a criminal act. Rosen ...Read more, view comments (12) »
I-90 storm report released
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2008
Click here to read the Adjutant General's Report to Governor Doyle on the February 2008 Winter Storm [PDF - large download] Click here to read a story about the report Check back later for updates and reaction to this report.Read more, add a comment »
Committee approves saving land for fair
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 21, 2008
The Rock County Agriculture and Extension Education Committee Wednesday approved a resolution setting aside land for future expansion of the Rock County 4-H Fairgrounds and the addition of an exposition center. The land specified in the resolution is a 100-acre parcel of the former Rock County Farm to the east ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Flood warning for Turtle Creek
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 21, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee has issued a flood warning for the Turtle Creek near Clinton until Friday morning. At 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, the stage was 7.66 feet. The river is rising to flood stage. Flood stage is 8.0 feet. The river is forecast ...Read more, add a comment »
Middleton students dominate regional spelling bee
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 20, 2008
Four of the top six spellers in the CESA 2 Regional Spelling Bee at Milton High School tonight hail from the Middleton-Cross Plains District, including the winner, 12-year-old Evan Swain. The other two students in the top six are from Verona and DeForest. All six will advance to the Badger ...Read more, add a comment »
Bradford board says "no" to Cecelia's expansion
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 20, 2008
BRADFORD TOWNSHIP--The Bradford Town Board Wednesday voted down three applications to add nine holes and 52 homes to Cecelia’s Golf Course in Emerald Grove. At a regular meeting Wednesday night, board members cited a lack of support from town residents and legal confusion behind the project as reasons to vote ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Report on I-90/39 backup expected Thursday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2008
MADISON -– The Wisconsin National Guard is scheduled to discuss the state’s response to a traffic backup that left thousands of motorists stranded in a snowstorm for as long as 12 hours. National Guard Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar will discuss the findings at an 11 a.m. news conference Thursday in ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Ice boats to converge on Geneva Lake
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 20, 2008
Friday through Sunday, Geneva Lake will host the Northwest Ice Yachting Association regatta. It's one of the oldest ice boating regattas in the world, dating back to the late 1800s. "The Northwest is the granddaddy of them all," said soft water and hard water sailing legend Buddy Melges, of Zenda. ...Read more, add a comment »
Second day of deliberations in trial of man accused of poisoning wife
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - The jurors deciding whether Mark Jensen killed his wife are deliberating again today after a more than 14-hour day yesterday. Several times yesterday they've asked for pieces of evidence, including Julie Jensen's letter that she left with a neighbor to give to police if anything should ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin lawmakers raised record cash in 2007
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A new report says state lawmakers raised $3.8 million in 2007. That's a record for a non-election year. The old mark was $3.35 million, set in 2005. The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign study also finds lawmakers held at least 103 fundraisers while they were debating the state ...Read more, add a comment »
Turnout for primary breaks expectations
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Turnout in Wisconsin's primary broke predictions despite bitterly cold weather. About 37 percent of eligible voters, or about one and a-half million people, voted in the presidential primary. Illinois Senator Barack Obama won on the Democratic side while Arizona Senator John McCain prevailed for Republicans. Turnout ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Watch the shuttle landing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2008
Click here to view live coverage of the return of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Landing is scheduled for 8:07.Read more, add a comment »
Incumbents carry onto Walworth County primaries
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 20, 2008
Walworth County voters will have a choice of an incumbent in all but one of the new 11 supervisory districts. Incumbents running for county board again made it through in each of the seven primaries Tuesday night. Also making it through are newcomers or former supervisors in districts 2, 3, ...Read more, add a comment »
Jury ends 1st day of deliberations of man accused of poisoning wife
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - The jurors deciding whether Mark Jensen killed his wife ended deliberations late tonight without a decision. They began before 9 o'clock this morning. Several times they've asked for pieces of evidence, including Julie Jensen's letter that she left with a neighbor to give to police if ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock and Walworth counties vote for Obama
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 19, 2008
Vote totals for the presidential primary in Rock County: Democrat: Hillary Clinton - 13134 Barack Obama - 17525 Republican: Mike Huckabee - 3169 John McCain - 4535 Vote totals for the presidential primary in Walworth County: Democrat: Hillary Clinton - 6462 Barack Obama - 9766 Republican: Mike Huckabee - 2835 ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Competition narrows for District 18 seat
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 19, 2008
Candidates Mittness-Buol and Combs will appear on the spring ballot in a race to represent Rock County Board District 18, which includes wards 1 and 2. Vote totals: Jim Bahler - 245 Josh Mittness-Buol - 283 Ronald Combs - 397Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin votes for Obama
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Barack Obama won Wisconsin's Democratic primary Tuesday over rival Hillary Rodham Clinton, keeping the momentum heading into pivotal contests two weeks away and delivering another setback to the New York senator's campaign. The Associated Press made its call based on surveys of voters as they left ...Read more, view comments (64) »
McCain defeats Huckabee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Arizona Sen. John McCain soundly beat back a spirited effort from long-shot candidate Mike Huckabee to win the Wisconsin Republican primary Tuesday. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama was hoping to build on his momentum from eight-straight wins in head-to-head contests against New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Watch live election results
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 19, 2008
Click here to find live election results for the Janesville City Council primary and Walworth County Board supervisor district primary. Keep watching the latest news blog for the results for other races, including local votes on the presidential primary and a primary for Rock County Board District 18 in ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Virtual schools compromise in doubt
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2008
MADISON -– A plan to allow students to remain enrolled in online charter schools is in doubt after the governor said he wanted last-minute changes. The development leaves the future of schools where students learn over the Internet from home in question. Those schools are facing closure after a state ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Lake Koshkonong levels in court again
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 19, 2008
The debate over Lake Koshkonong's water level came down to a debate between public and private rights in Rock County Court on Tuesday. Attorneys for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Rock Koshkonong Lake District sparred for three hours over whether the DNR should raise the lake's level 7 ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wind chill advisory issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2008
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee has issued a wind chill advisory, which is in effect from midnight tonight to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. Bitterly cold air entrenched over the region will combine with developing northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph, to produce dangerous wind chills of 20 to 30 ...Read more, view comments (2) »
UPDATE: Snowmobilers identified
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 19, 2008
The snowmobilers who fell through the ice on Lake Koshkonong around 11 a.m. have been identified as Daniel Nelson, 65, Beloit and his son, Gregory Nelson, 43, Darien. They said they had been following marked snowmobile trails to Charlie Bluff and were trying to locate the trail again on the ...Read more, add a comment »
Two snowmobilers rescued from Lake Koshkonong
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 19, 2008
Two men were rescued from Lake Koshkonong after their snowmobiles broke through the ice before 11 a.m. today. Both men refused medical treatment, said Chris Lukas, deputy chief for the Milton and Milton Township fire department. The men, whose names have not been released yet, were not from this area, ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Snowmobiles break through ice on Lake Koshkonong
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 19, 2008
The Edgerton and Milton fire departments and the Rock County Sheriff’s Department responded to a water rescue at 1707 E. Road 8 in Newville on Lake Koshkonong a minute before 11 a.m. today after someone reported seeing two snowmobiles break through the ice, according to Rock County 911 dispatch. About ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Strong turnout expected at Wis polling places
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - One and a-half million voters are expected to flock to polling places in Wisconsin today. That would be about 35 percent of eligible voters and the strongest turnout in 20 years. At one polling place in Washington County's Germantown, nearly four dozen people had voted in the ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Crash victim identified
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 19, 2008
The Rock County Sheriff's Department has released the name of the victim of Monday's one car fatal accident on Highway 59 near Milton. Killed in the crash was 24-year-old Pablo Damien-Linares of Janesville. Damien-Linares was pinned in the car and pronounced dead at the scene.Read more, view comment (1) »
Jury deliberations to begin for man accused of poisoning, stifling wife
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - The jury in the Mark Jensen trial is scheduled to begin deliberations this morning in Elkhorn. Jensen is the 48-year-old accused of poisoning and suffocating his wife. The trial was somewhat unusual since it included the written testimony of the dead victim. Julie Jensen had left ...Read more, add a comment »
Obama speaks of change at Beloit College
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on February 18, 2008
BELOIT--Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke of change to a packed house at Beloit College on Monday night, his last campaign stop before polls open in Wisconsin on Tuesday. "We are one day away from changing America right here in Wisconsin," he said. "One day away. One day away." Obama ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Obama’s campaign manager anticipates Tuesday’s primary will be competitive
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Perhaps downplaying expectations, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign director said he expects Wisconsin’s Democratic primary on Tuesday to be very competitive. With Wisconsin’s large blue-collar population, and low number of black voters, it’s a state where New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton should do well, Obama’s ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Chelsea covers wide range of topics in Q&A
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 18, 2008
More than 300 people—mostly students—turned out to hear Chelsea Clinton answer questions about her mother’s presidential campaign at Beloit College this afternoon. “I am here to talk about whatever it is that you would like to talk about,” Clinton said to the crowd packed into the dining area of Pearsons ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Bill would restore voting rights to some Wisconsin felons
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Tomorrow is election day in Wisconsin but 40,000 state citizens won't be voting. They're felons who are either on parole or probation and state law prohibits them from voting. But a bill with strong backing from the Wisconsin American Civil Liberties Union wants to change that ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Jensen's closing arguments begin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - Closing arguments are underway today in the trial of Mark Jensen. A prosecutor told the jury this morning that the defense's assertion that his wife committed suicide to frame him is ridiculous and not plausible. Prosecutor Robert Jambois says Mark Jensen gave Julie Jensen sleeping pills ...Read more, add a comment »
Enrollment at technical colleges up, could be linked to economy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - The state's technical colleges are seeing a slight gain in students, which often happens when jobs become harder to find. The biggest growth spurts in the last 30 years of Wisconsin technical college enrollment coincided with the job declines of the national economic recessions of 2001, 1991 ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Jensen's trial should head to jury today
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - It's taken years to bring him to trial and today, the jury hearing Mark Jensen's case should begin deliberations. Jensen is accused of poisoning his wife with antifreeze, then smothering her with a pillow when she didn't die fast enough. He was charged in 2002 with ...Read more, add a comment »
Three arrested in conjunction with burglary
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 18, 2008
Three Janesville men are in custody today and awaiting their initial court appearance at the Rock County Jail after an early-morning burglary at a Southside business. Arrested were Frank V. Thomas, 17, of 411 S. Main St., and Judge O. Woodfin, 26, no fixed address, each on charges of theft, ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Chelsea in Beloit today
Posted by STAN STRICKER on February 18, 2008
Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign will be making an appearance in the form of her daughter Chelsea Clinton, who plans a stop at Beloit College Monday afternoon. The event is set for the Jefferis-Wood Campus Center in Pearsons Hall at 1:30.Read more, view comments (2) »
Fatal crash near Milton
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 18, 2008
Icy road conditions was a factor in a traffic fatality Sunday night near Milton. The Rock County Sheriff's Department reports the accident occurred on Highway 59 about four miles east of Milton around 9:45. The driver apparently lost control, over corrected and slid sideways into the ditch. The car then ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Slippery conditions in southern Wisconsin
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on February 17, 2008
JANESVILLE Drivers of just about every description, not the least of whom were newspaper carriers, have been having trouble getting around Rock County this morning because of standing water and rain on top of ice. In Janesville, Canterbury Lane between Royal Road and Valley Drive, which is a hill, was ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Sheriff's department issues alert
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 17, 2008
From the Rock County Sheriff's Department: DANGEROUS ROADS WITH FREEZING RAIN, HEAVY SNOW, AND FLOODED ROADS IN SOME ROCK COUNTY AREAS. The Sullivan Weather Service is currently reporting rain and/or freezing rain for all areas in Rock County. Additionally, a heavy snow will be moving into our area beginning late ...Read more, add a comment »
Weather related announcements
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 17, 2008
Click here to get the full details on closings, cancellations, and announcements related to Sunday's weather.Read more, add a comment »
Latest update on winter storm
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2008
MADISON (AP) – With a winter storm expected to hit Wisconsin overnight, state emergency officials are asking residents to stay off the roads. Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter says motorists who absolutely have to drive should take precautions. For example, they should carry a cell phone, and also let ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Obama to visit Beloit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2008
BELOIT Sen. Barack Obama plans another campaign visit to Rock County—this time at Beloit College on the eve of Wisconsin’s presidential primary Tuesday. The Illinois Democrat, who visited the General Motors plant in Janesville on Wednesday, will stage a “Stand for Change” rally at 8 p.m. Monday in Flood Arena, ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Testimony ends in antifreeze-poisoning murder trial
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2008
ELKHORN (AP) – Testimony ended after six weeks Friday in the trial of a man accused of poisoning his wife with antifreeze and suffocating her in 1998. Closing arguments were scheduled Monday in the trial of Mark Jensen, 48, on a charge of first-degree intentional homicide. His wife, Julie Jensen, ...Read more, add a comment »
Balanced Badgers beat Minnesota
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2008
MADISON -Marcus Landry scored 12 points to lead five Wisconsin players in double figures and the 15th-ranked Badgers beat Minnesota 65-56 on Saturday.Read more, add a comment »
Update on storm watch
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The winter storm watch is now in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday evening. Light ice accumulation is expected late Saturday night and Sunday morning, especially over southeast Wisconsin. Snow amounts will range from 4 to 6 inches in far southeast Wisconsin to 8 ...Read more, view comments (23) »
WI-based Web site sold to NIU shooter
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - An Internet gun dealer based in Green Bay that sold a weapon to the Virginia Tech shooter last year sold handgun accessories to the man who killed five at Northern Illinois University yesterday. Eric Thompson says that his Web site, www.thegunsource.com, sold two empty 9 millimeter ...Read more, view comments (37) »
Democrats consider hospital, estate taxes to plug Wis. budget gap
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State Democratic leaders are considering a tax on hospitals and a plan to continue collecting the estate tax to help erase a projected budget shortfall. Governor Doyle and Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker says the ideas could be part of an emergency package to cope with ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Wisconsin among top states with extended layoffs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - Wisconsin is among top states with extended mass layoffs in the fourth quarter. Labor observers say the seasonal nature of Wisconsin employment is the reason it's among top states, ranking behind California, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. Seasonal work affects a lot of jobs cut near the end ...Read more, add a comment »
Watch coverage of NIU developments
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2008
Click here to view live coverage of developments in the shootings at NIU in in Dekalb, Illinois. Liove coverage is expected for the following events: 9:00 a.m. - Police News Conference in Dekalb, Illinois 11:00 a.m. - Hospital News ConferenceRead more, add a comment »
Jensen decides against testifying
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - Mark Jensen won't take the witness stand to defend himself against charges that he fatally poisoned and smothered his wife in 1998. Jensen quietly answered ``yes'' when Judge Bruce Schroeder asked him Thursday if he had enough time to talk to his lawyer and truly did ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter storm watch issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Sunday morning through Sunday evening. Snow amounts generally in the 6 to 13 inch range are possible Sunday into Sunday evening, with the highest amounts over southeast Wisconsin. ...Read more, view comments (12) »
UPDATE: Northern Illinois University gunman wounded 18 before shooting self
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2008
DEKALB, Ill. (AP) - Several people were injured Thursday when a gunman opened fire inside a Northern Illinois University lecture hall, sending screaming students fleeing. University police say a gunman who opened fire inside a lecture hall, injuring several people, is ``no longer a threat'' and ``the immediate danger has ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Report: Injuries in shooting at Northern Illinois University
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2008
DEKALB, Ill. (AP) - A gunman reportedly opened fire Thursday at Northern Illinois University, sending students fleeing from a lecture hall on campus, students said. University officials warned students to get to a safe area and ``take precautions until given the all clear,'' according to a message posted on the ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Bill Clinton ropes them in at Stock Pavilion on UW campus
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Former President Bill Clinton has roped in more than 1,000 people at a speech in a University of Wisconsin-Madison pavilion normally used for livestock education. Clinton spoke at the Stock Pavilion on behalf of his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton. He is the second Clinton to visit ...Read more, add a comment »
Huckabee meets with Republican state lawmakers, staff
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee met with Republican state lawmakers and others before a campaign rally at a Madison hotel. Huckabee says he thought the visit was excellent and he hopes to win some endorsements from it. Huckabee is making a number of stops across Wisconsin ...Read more, add a comment »
Homes sales down nearly 11 percent in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - Home sales in Wisconsin dropped nearly eleven percent in 2007, compared to the year before. The Wisconsin Realtors Association released data today that shows home prices held steady with the median price about $164,000. Association president William Malkasian says housing in Wisconsin and throughout much of the ...Read more, add a comment »
School board expels three
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 14, 2008
The Janesville School Board on Tuesday expelled three students. They are: -- A middle school student who was accused of fighting with another student. He or she is expelled through the end of the 2008-09 school year but may apply to return no earlier than April 7, 2008, after satisfying ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Fire displaces Janesville couple and their cats
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 14, 2008
JANESVILLE—A Janesville couple and their cats are safe after a fireplace fire left nearly $70,000 damages to their east side home. During the fire, police also ticketed a Janesville man for driving over the main supply hose from the fire hydrant. Janesville firefighters responded to the single-story, ranch-style house at ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Search under way for Green County man
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 14, 2008
A 54-year-old Green County man is missing, and local officials are conducting a search. Steven Swart was last seen by friends or relatives a week ago on Wednesday. His car is in his garage but he has not been in his house and has missed several appointments. The Green County ...Read more, add a comment »
Still time to comment on Paddock to Rockdale power line
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 13, 2008
JANESVILLE TOWNSHIP The public may comment until midnight tonight on the proposed expansion of a power line running from Beloit Township to Dane County. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. at the Janesville Town Hall, 1628 N. Little Court, off County A, ...Read more, add a comment »
Milton announces superintendent finalists
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 13, 2008
The Milton School District announced its finalists for the position of superintendent today. They are: -Dr. Heidi Schmidt, a seven-year district administrator at Fall River School District and former Brodhead principal. -David Bradley, district administrator for the Charles City School District in Iowa. -Bernard Nikolay, an elementary school principal in ...Read more, add a comment »
WIAA rules against Craig cross-country
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 13, 2008
The Janesville Craig High School boys cross country team will be removed from the standings in the sectional and state meets as a result of an incident last fall. Craig's standing in the Big Eight Conference meet also is in question, but any decision rests with the conference, a Janesville ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Obama wows many in GM crowd
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 13, 2008
Hundreds of General Motors employees, local dignitaries and members of the press gathered to hear presidential candidate Barack Obama lay out his economic plan to “reclaim the American dream” at the local GM plant in a speech stuffed to the brim with Janesville references. Employees were bombarded by reporters as ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Wisconsin budget official warns of $652 million state deficit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The slowing economy has blown a huge hole in the state budget. The head of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau says he's projecting the state will have a $652 million deficit at the end of the two-year budget on June 30, 2009. Bob Lang says the slowing ...Read more, add a comment »
Listen to Obama's Janesville speech
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 13, 2008
Click here to listen Senator Barack Obama's full address at the General Motors plant in Janesville Wednesday.Read more, view comment (1) »
State Treasurer to visit Walworth County
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 13, 2008
Wisconsin Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass will visit Walworth County tomorrow on her “County Courthouse Tour” across the state. Sass will be in Room 111 of the Walworth County Government Center, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn, from 10 to 11 a.m. Sass is meeting with county Treasurer James D. Goetz and ...Read more, add a comment »
Orfordville woman pleads guilty in robbery case
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 13, 2008
An Orfordville woman who admitted driving a getaway car in connection with a Footville bank robbery Nov. 9 pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to armed robbery and firearm charges. Skye Archambault, 20, faces a maximum of 35 years in prison at her April 29 sentencing before District Judge Barbara ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Janesville union expects hundreds will take buyout
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2008
JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) - Union leaders at the Janesville General Motors plant expect hundreds of local automakers will take the company's buyout offer. GM reported a nearly 39 billion dollar loss for 2007 and then offered buyouts to all 74,000 of its hourly union employees. UAW Local 95 President Mike ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Obama plans major address in Janesville
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 13, 2008
Presidential candidate Barack Obama plans "a major economic policy address" after he tours the Janesville General Motors plant today, Wednesday. "Senator Barack Obama will ... lay out his comprehensive agenda to restore economic balance and fairness, reclaim the American dream and create millions of new jobs," according to a news ...Read more, view comments (12) »
School-fee increase proposed
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 12, 2008
The Janesville School Board on Tuesday night heard a proposal to increase enrollment fees starting next fall. The increase was expected to generate $82,000 in additional revenue for the district. Doug Bunton, director of business services, said it's time to look at raising those fees because they haven't increased since ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Council approves first step in lake dredging
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 12, 2008
The Evansville City Council took the first step Tuesday night toward dredging Lake Leota. The council voted unanimously to have city staff send a letter to property owners adjacent to the lake requesting statements on their willingness to participate in the project. It would save the city $900,000 if landowners ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Magnolia Town Hall water high in nitrates
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 12, 2008
MAGNOLIA TOWNSHIP--Nitrate levels at the Magnolia Town Hall, 14729 W. County A, Evansville, are unsafe for infants and pregnant women, said Rick Wietersen, groundwater program manager with the Rock County Health Department at a regular meeting of the board Tuesday night. . But the hall’s limited use is under the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Bill Clinton to campaign in Wisconsin on Thursday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Former President Bill Clinton will campaign for his wife in Wisconsin on Thursday. New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign says Bill Clinton will make stops in Milwaukee, Madison and La Crosse. The campaign says details about the events' time and place will be coming. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
McCain confirms Wisconsin visit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Republican presidental frontrunner John McCain has confirmed his first campaign appearance in Wisconsin. The Arizona senator's campaign Web site says he will be at the Reagan Day Dinner on Friday night at American Serb Hall. McCain is scheduled to appear at 7 p.m. Presidential candidates from both ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Madison breaks its record for winter snowfall
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Madison's record for winter snowfall is broken. The National Weather Service says it accumulated 1.8 inches of snowfall overnight, putting the total at 77.3 inches. That breaks the old mark of 76.1 inches set during the winter of 1978 and 1979. It doesn't count the additional ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Obama in Janesville on Wednesday
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 12, 2008
Presidential candidate Barack Obama will appear in Janesville.
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Two accused in death of Beloit man
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2008
VIROQUA, Wis. (AP) - Two cousins from Gays Mills accused in a fatal bar fight are free on bond. David and Mikeal Heisz have not been charged in the death of a Beloit man outside a Readstown bar, but appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court yesterday for a bail hearing. ...Read more, view comments (14) »
UPDATED: GM posts record loss
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2008
DETROIT (AP) – General Motors Corp. reported the largest annual loss for an automotive company Tuesday and said it is making a new round of buyback offers to U.S. hourly workers as it struggles to turn around its North American business amid a weak economy. GM said it lost $38.7 ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Snow advisory canceled
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has cancelled the snow advisory. Only very light snow with additional accumulations of an inch are expected in Lafayette, Green and Rock counties today. Therefore the snow advisory has been cancelled.Read more, add a comment »
Turner to get 4K and two referendum questions
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 11, 2008
BELOIT TOWNSHIP--The Turner School Board Monday approved a 4-year-old kindergarten program to start at Powers Elementary School this fall. The board then approved two questions voters will face in an April 1 referendum. The district is looking at $8.6 million in upgrades to the middle/high school building, 1231 Inman Parkway, ...Read more, add a comment »
Obama coming to Janesville
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 11, 2008
Presidential candidate Barack Obama will campaign in Janesville on Wednesday, according to a news release from his campaign. The place of the 10:30 a.m. Janesville event is listed as "to be determined" on a campaign news release. General Motors Plant spokeswoman Mary Fanning said GM had received a request to ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Janesville approves "neighborhood electric vehicles"
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 11, 2008
The Janesville City Council on Monday night OK’d the use of small electric vehicles on most city streets. The neighborhood electric vehicles—NEVs—are barred from certain streets, including those where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph. The vehicles are subject to the same restrictions and regulations as cars and ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Huckabee coming to Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2008
MADISON – Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee plans to campaign in Wisconsin this week. The former Arkansas governor is expected to arrive in Wisconsin for a rally in Pewaukee on Wednesday evening. Tim Michels, the chairman of Huckabee’s campaign in Wisconsin, says Huckabee will then make stops across the state ...Read more, add a comment »
Session set Tuesday to meet candidates
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 11, 2008
The Janesville Senior Center Board is sponsoring a meet-the-candidate session from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Candidates for Janesville City Council and District 18 of the Rock County Board are invited to attend. Each candidate is invited to set up a table where he or she may distribute information and ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville School Board meeting place changed
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 11, 2008
The Janesville School Board's regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night has been moved the Craig High School Large Auditorium, 401 S. Randall Ave., apparently because many protesting teachers are expected to attend. A district news release says the change will to accommodate "an anticipated large number of attendees." The teachers ...Read more, add a comment »
Snow emergency in Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 11, 2008
From the City of Janesville: Snow Emergency Declared for Monday, February 11, 2008 at 11:00 p.m. The City of Janesville has declared a snow emergency for Monday, February 11, 2008 starting at 11:00 p.m. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Baldwin, Lawton call for Obama to join Clinton in debate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin and Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton are calling on Sen. Barack Obama to debate Sen. Hillary Clinton in Wisconsin this week before the state's primary on Feb. 19. Clinton has accepted an invitation to debate at Marquette University. Obama has not yet replied. ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Lawmaker suggests making some sex offenders report places of work
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - The legislator who wrote Wisconsin's sex offender disclosure laws wants authorities to look into whether some sex offenders should report their profession, just like their places of residence. Republican state Senator Alberta Darling of River Hills commented after she learned that a 37-year-old registered sex offender was ...Read more, add a comment »
Milton police await chief appointment, union contract
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 11, 2008
MILTON Thursday, Feb. 21, could be an important day for the Milton Police Department. Officers might learn that day the identity of their new (or old) chief and get word about their future working conditions. The Milton Police Commission has scheduled a Feb. 21 meeting, as have the department’s union, ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit man faces charge in stabbing
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 11, 2008
A 35 year old Beloit man is facing an attempted first degree intentional homicide charge after allegedly stabbing his mother several times over the weekend. Beloit police were called to the the home of 68 year old Anna Listenbee at 1225 Burton Street Saturday afternoon around 12:30. The victim told ...Read more, add a comment »
Chelsea Clinton to visit Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2008
Chelsea Clinton is scheduled to make four stops in Wisconsin this week on behalf of her mother. Chelsea is the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and current presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. According to the Wisconsin for Hillary campaign office, Chelsea Clinton plans to appear in Milwaukee, Madison, Eau ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Snow advisory issued for Monday
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 10, 2008
Rock and Walworth county residents will get a brief reprieve from the harsh weather Monday morning before the snow returns Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service at Sullivan has issued a snow advisory from 3 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday. Expect 3 to 5 inches of snow, meteorologist Steve Davis ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Deputies respond to 80 runoffs in 25 hours
Posted by on February 10, 2008
Between 3 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday, Rock County deputies responded to 80 runoffs and 17 traffic crashes in rural areas, according to a news release from the sheriff's department. None of the victims sustained serious injuries, the release said. Traffic on Interstate 90/39 is moving at slow to ...Read more, view comment (1) »
UPDATE: Highway 14 reopened
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 10, 2008
Highway 14 has been reopened between Janesville and Delavan. It was closed earlier in the afternoon because of a crash. No injuries were reported in the crash, a Rock County dispatcher said.Read more, view comment (1) »
Highway 14 closed
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 10, 2008
Highway 14 has been closed between Janesville and the Walworth County line because of an accident and blowing snow, a Rock County dispatcher said. The road is closed in both directions starting at the intersection of Racine Street and Highway 14. The accident is near Serl Road, just inside Rock ...Read more, view comment (1) »
I-90 reopened but still dangerous
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 10, 2008
The eastbound lanes of Interstate 90/39 in Dane County have been reopened, but the Wisconsin State Patrol is urging drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. The lanes had been closed since about 9 a.m. for a crash near Stoughton.Read more, view comment (1) »
I-90 EB closed Sunday AM
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 10, 2008
From the Wisconsin State Patrol: On 02/10/2008 at 8:28 AM an incident occurred that adversely impacts traffic on the EASTBOUND lanes of Interstate 39/90 near mile marker 153. This is near the city of Stoughton in Dane county. Alternate Route Advised: I-90 EB EXIT 147 - CTH N EAST TO ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Update on road conditions
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 10, 2008
From the Rock County Sheriff's Department: Currently, traffic on I-39/90 and I-43 is moving at normal speeds. All other rural roadways have stretches of ice-covered pavement requiring reduced speed. Some roads had to be closed because of the drifting snow and vehicles stuck in the roadway. Overnight, officers have responded ...Read more, add a comment »
Obama to visit Madison
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 09, 2008
A possible Rock County visit has yet to be confirmed, but Barack Obama will visit Madison on Tuesday night, his campaign announced tonight. Obama will hold a rally at 6:15 p.m. at the Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St. The rally is free and open to the public, though registration ...Read more, view comments (13) »
UPDATE: Roads getting worse
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 09, 2008
Two jacknifed semitrailer trucks have been cleared from Interstate 90/39, but overall the roads are getting worse as the temperature drops and the wind picks up, Rock County dispatchers said at 8 p.m. The wind is blowing drifts across the roads and slush is turning icy, they said. Traffic on ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Traffic piling up on Interstate
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 09, 2008
Traffic is already piling up on Interstate 90/39 after slick conditions have caused several run-offs and other traffic incidents, a Rock County 911 dispatcher said. Two semi-trailer trucks have jacknifed in the eastbound lanes south of Janesville near the 177 mile marker, blocking traffic, dispatcher Derek Nimer said. The Edgerton ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Poor driving conditions on county and town roads
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 09, 2008
Melting snow and slush combined with new and drifting snow are creating poor driving conditions on town and county roads, the Rock County Sheriff's Department announced at 4 p.m. U.S. and state highways are still in good driving condition, though light snow is causing reduced visibility on Interstate 90/39 and ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Milton PD involved in slow chase
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 09, 2008
A slow-speed chase in Milton ended with the arrest of a 51-year-old man Friday night, according to a news release from the Milton Police Department. Police initially stopped David P. Schafer, 1023 W. Madison Avenue, Milton, around 8:15 p.m. at the corner of Madison Avenue and Parkview Drive. Schafer fled ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Feingold lists agenda at listening session
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 09, 2008
About 25 Rock County residents turned out for a listening session with Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., at the Janesville Municipal Building this morning. Feingold offered every member of the audience a chance to ask a question, ranging from outsourcing jobs to illegal immigration to student loans for veterinarians. He also ...Read more, add a comment »
Dangerous conditions expected this weekend
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 08, 2008
The Rock County Sheriff's Department is warning residents of dangerous weather conditions this weekend. According to the National Weather Service, brisk winds and low temperatures will result in wind chill values between minus 30 and minus 44 degrees. Blowing and drifting snow will cause hazardous driving conditions, and the department ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Lake Leota plan released
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 08, 2008
The restoration of Lake Leota could cost between $1.7 million and $2.6 million, according to a plan released today from the city of Evansville and Vierbicher Associates. Cost hinges on where the city deposits the lake bed material that will be removed from the lake. The closer the material is ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Feingold to visit Rock, Walworth counties Saturday
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 08, 2008
Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) will hold his annual listening sessions in Rock and Walworth counties Saturday morning. The Rock County listening session will take place at 7:15 a.m. at the Janesville Municipal Building, 18 N. Jackson St. The Walworth County session will take place at 10:15 a.m. at Whitewater Town ...Read more, view comment (1) »
TB case confirmed at UW-Whitewater
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 08, 2008
A case of tuberculosis has been confirmed in a UW-Whitewater student, but students are not at immediate risk, according ot a news release from the university. The student had only been attending UW-Whitewater since the start of spring semester last month, the release said. The student is now in a ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Clinton coming to Democratic dinner in Milwaukee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 08, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Hillary Rodham Clinton will headline a state Democratic Party dinner in Milwaukee on Feb. 16. The party announced Clinton's plans to attend the event just three days before Wisconsin's Feb. 19 primary. Clinton's challenger, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, also has been invited to the Founders Day ...Read more, add a comment »
Schools ask for exception on snow days
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 08, 2008
All of Rock County’s school districts are asking the state to excuse the two snow days caused by this week’s snowstorm. If the Department of Public Instruction agrees, school would be in session only 178 days this school year instead of the mandated 180. Janesville schools have a third weather ...Read more, view comments (68) »
Clinton resident running for Assembly
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 08, 2008
A Clinton resident and an Iraq War veteran announced Friday that he will challenge Chuck Benedict, D-Beloit, for the 45th Assembly District. Mike Hahn, 25, of 7308 E. County J, is a student at UW-Madison and will graduate in May with degrees in history and political science. He grew up ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Roads in Rock County very slippery
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 08, 2008
A light, freezing rain is causing very slippery road conditions throughout Rock County, according to the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. “There are a lot of run offs and a few minor accidents,’’ said Sgt. Dale Beyer. His advice for drivers: “Slow down.”Read more, view comments (6) »
Dangerous wind chills expected
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 08, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - Dangerous wind chills are expected in Wisconsin this weekend. The National Weather Service says the wind chill could plunge to as much as 50 below zero in northern Wisconsin Saturday night. Elsewhere the wind chill will range from 20 to 40 below. Meteorologists say wind chills this ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Beloit man dies after bar fight
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 08, 2008
A bar fight ends in a Beloit man's death. Vernon County sheriff's officials say 50-year-old Kelly Kuykendall of Beloit was found unconscious outside a Readstown bar. Authorities say Kuykendall got into a fight with two men at Pat's Corner Bar early Thursday. The two men fled, but later turned themselves ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Doyle orders review of response to massive traffic backup
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 08, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Governor Jim Doyle has ordered a review of the emergency response when an interstate traffic backup south of Madison left thousands of motorists stranded for as long as 12 hours, some without food, water or gasoline. The backup developed on Interstate 39-90 near Stoughton when semitrailer ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Gazette experiences delays
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 07, 2008
Due to the recent winter storm, newspaper delivery vehicles on Thursday are experiencing difficulty reaching customers in some rural locations. The Gazette anticipates improvement as road crews continue to clear highways. The Gazette thanks all customers for their patience.Read more, view comment (1) »
Road condition update
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 07, 2008
From the Rock County Sheriff's Department: Highways in Rock County are slowing returning to “normal” winter driving conditions. Many secondary roads are still reported to be snow covered and drifted. Rock County Highway Department crews continue to work diligently in their snow removal efforts and ask that the public be ...Read more, view comments (2) »
State Patrol responds to criticism from stranded motorists
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The head of the Wisconsin State Patrol says he sees room for improvement in the agency's response to a traffic backup that left more than 2,000 motorists stranded overnight. Many motorists complained they did not receive offers of help from authorities for hours after they became ...Read more, view comments (45) »
First Call, United Way telephone lines down
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 07, 2008
First Call and United Way of North Rock County telephone lines are down. If you need to access First Call Information and Referral , do so by utilizing the website: www.firstcallrock.com. If there is a question that you cannot address through the website , send an e-mail to unitedway@uwnrc.org and ...Read more, add a comment »
Justice Department: Deputy committed suicide after killing 6
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says no criminal charges will be brought as a result of anyone's interaction with Tyler Peterson from the time he killed six people in Crandon, injured another and then later took his own life. Van Hollen released findings of the state investigation ...Read more, add a comment »
Moving again on I-90
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Traffic is moving again on the interstate in Dane and Rock counties. As many as 800 vehicles were stranded overnight when a powerful winter storm delivered whiteout conditions and heavy snowfall. National Guard troops on snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles checked on the stranded motorists through the ...Read more, add a comment »
Listen to update on I-90 situation
Posted by KYLE GEISSLER on February 07, 2008
Click here to listen to an update from Rock County Sheriff's Lt. Russ SteeberRead more, add a comment »
More closings and annoucements
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 07, 2008
Many local schools and businesses are closed on Thursday. Janesville city trash collection is delayed. Click here to get the full details on municipal services along with the latest closings and delays.Read more, add a comment »
800 vehicles still stranded on the Interstate
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 07, 2008
As of 4 a.m. a helicopter flight over Dane and Rock counties found more than 800 vehicles—mostly tractors and semi trailers—not moving along portions of Interstate 90/39 in Southern Dane County south of Madison and Northern Rock County from Janesville to the Dane County line, according to the Wisconsin Emergency ...Read more, add a comment »
Salvation Army provides shelter for stranded motorists
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 07, 2008
The Salvation Army in Janesville has become a temporary shelter housing numerous motorists who were stranded in their vehicles on Interstate 90/39 during the snowstorm that moved through Rock County on Wednesday. Also, the Janesville Department of Public Works has provided overflow semi parking on South Wuthering Hills Drive and ...Read more, add a comment »
Guard deployed; sheriff expands search
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
The National Guard has deployed in Dane County to help motorists stranded on Interstate 90/39, while the Rock County Sheriff's Department is sending out deputies on snowmobiles and an airboat. Rock County was setting up a command post and shelter at the Anchor Inn in Newville about 10 p.m. and ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Motorists stranded; rescues under way
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
Rock County deputies, state troopers and DNR wardens were in rescue mode Wednesday night attempting to get to and check on dozens and possibly hundreds of stranded motorists. Sheriff Robert Spoden said law officers were working to check on motorists on Highway 14 east and west of Janesville, Interstate 90/39 ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Schools closed again Thursday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
Janesville's public schools will be closed for a second straight day Thursday because of the snowstorm that dumped some 18 inches on the area Tuesday night and Wednesday. Beloit and Evansville officials also announced that their schools would be closed again Thursday, and others are sure to follow. For the ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Storm warning extended
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2008
The winter storm warning is now in effect until 8 p.m. this evening. At 5:15 p.m., National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a band of intense snowfall along a line from Port Washington and Sheboygan, to West Bend and Menomonee Falls, to Oconomowoc and Hustisford, to near Fort Atkinson and ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Interstate traffic at a standstill
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 06, 2008
The Wisconsin State Patrol reports delayed traffic on I-90 westbound in the Stoughton area, extending into the Janesville area. Traffic is at a complete standstill because of impassable road conditions related to the storm, according to a State Patrol press release. At this time there is no designated alternate route. ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Janesville hotels booking up for tonight
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 06, 2008
If you need a place to stay in Janesville tonight, you better hurry. Front desk clerks at local hotels say rooms are filling up fast, and several hotels are already full. Super 8 Motel, 3430 Milton Ave., only has 10 non-smoking rooms available for walk-ins only, front desk clerk Jennifer ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Gazette suspends delivery
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
The Janesville Gazette has suspended delivery of today's paper. Anyone who did not receive Wednesday's paper will receive it together with Thursday's paper. Seven-day print subscribers are reminded that they may view the paper in its entirety online, on the Gazette E-Edition. A link to the E-Edition can be found ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Plows working late
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 06, 2008
Janesville and Rock County snowplows are still attempting to keep main roads clear, officials said. Rock County plows will remain on Interstate 90/39 throughout the night, as usual, said Gordon Beyerlein of the public works department. Plow drivers on town, county and state roads will stop at 6 p.m. for ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock County issues weather warning
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 06, 2008
The Rock County Sheriff's Department is encouraging people not to travel. It's also encouraging any non-essential businesses to close in order to get more people off the roads. Morning commutes Thursday morning may be impossible in some areas, a sheriff's department news release suggests. East-west roads are drifting shut, and ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Janesville cancels bus service, trash collection
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 06, 2008
The Janesville Transit System announced the suspension of the “Nightside” bus service for today and canceled trash and recycling collection for the second day in a row. "Due to continued high winds and heavy snow accumulations, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain the bus routes in passable condition," according ...Read more, add a comment »
Plows trying to maintain main streets
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 06, 2008
Janesville and Rock County snowplows are still attempting to keep main roads clear, officials said. Rock County plows will remain on Interstate 90/39 throughout the night, as usual, said Gordon Beyerlein of the public works department. Plow drivers on town, county and state roads will stop at 6 p.m. for ...Read more, add a comment »
Interstate traffic flow restored
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 06, 2008
The Wisconsin State Patrol says traffic flow on southbound Interstate 90/39/94 near DeForest has been restored. The State Patrol dealt with multiple crashes on the Interstate in the DeForest-Lodi area starting at 11:49 p.m.Read more, add a comment »
Full list of closings
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
Click here for the full list of closings and cancellationsRead more, add a comment »
Latest from the National Weather Service
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2008
From the National Weather Service: A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. this afternoon. Moderate or heavy snow will continue across much of southern Wisconsin through this afternoon. The heaviest snow is expected now through mid afternoon. Green County snow plow operators have been called off the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville Gazette suspends delivery
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 06, 2008
The Janesville Gazette is suspending delivery of today's paper because of the severe weather. Anyone who did not receive Wednesday's paper will receive it together with Thursday's paper. Seven-day print subscribers are reminded that they may view the paper in its entirety online, on the Gazette E-Edition. A link to ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Janesville city services closing even earlier
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 06, 2008
The city of Janesville is closing even earlier than previously announced. The Municipal Building and other municipal offices will close at 1 p.m. with the exception of the services listed below. The Hedberg Public Library is now closing at 1 p.m. An earlier announcement called for closings at 2:30 p.m. ...Read more, add a comment »
Stay off I-90/39/94 southbound near DeForest
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 06, 2008
The Wisconsin State Patrol warns of "multiple crashes" in the southbound lanes of Interstate 90/39/94 near DeForest and Lodi in Dane County, leading to a significant traffic delay that could last "several hours." "At this time there is no designated alternate route," according to the State Patrol news release. "Motorists ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville library closing early
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 06, 2008
The Hedberg Public Library will close at 2:30 p.m. today, the city of Janesville announced. The library is expected to re-open on Thursday. For more information, call (608) 758-6600.Read more, add a comment »
Janesville municipal building is closing early
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2008
Due to the inclement weather, Janesville’s Municipal Building and other municipal offices will close early and at 2:30 p.m. today, with the exception of: * All Police Department services * All firefighters and paramedics services * All public works and utility crews involved with the inclement weather operations * All ...Read more, add a comment »
Walworth County trails open, too
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 06, 2008
The Walworth County Snowmobile Alliance announced on its snow-phone this morning that all Walworth County trails are open again. For more information, visit www.wcsa.us or call (262) 742-2664.Read more, add a comment »
Smart Growth meeting canceled
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 06, 2008
The Walworth County Smart Growth Technical Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight has been canceled due to the weather. The agenda items will be included in the next regular meeting set for March 5. Contact the Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department at (262) 741-4972 for ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock County snowmobile trail reopens
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2008
The Rock County Snowmobile Trail has reopened throughout the county. Trail conditions are good and all trails will be groomed by the weekend. The Rock County Alliance of Snowmobile Clubs, however, warns there is standing water in some locations, so snowmobilers need to be cautious. For trail updates, call the ...Read more, add a comment »
Nine inches of snow already has fallen in Janesville
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2008
As of 9 a.m. today a total of 9 inches of snow had fallen in Janesville since 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to a Janesville Wastewater Treatment Plant spokesman. Snow may be heavy at times today with another 6 to 8 inches of accumulation to make for a total snowfall ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Full list of closings/cancellations
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
Click here to get the latest closings and delaysRead more, view comments (14) »
Rock County government in partial shutdown
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
All Rock County facilities will be closed today, with the exception of emergency services departments and all 24-hour-per day services. Employees of the sheriff's department, public works, Rock Haven, juvenile detention center, 911 communications center and the crisis unit are to report to work if possible. The Rock County Sheriff’s ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville police issues 237 parking tickets
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2008
As of 6 a.m. today, the Janesville Police Department had issued 237 parking tickets for those violating the city’s snow emergency that went into effect at 11 p.m. Tuesday night. All vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. Fines for ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Milton teen is in critical condition
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2008
A Milton teen is in critical condition today at UW Hospital in Madison after she was injured in a one-vehicle rollover accident Tuesday morning in Milton Township. Mandy Quinn, 18, was driving east on Highway 59 at 6:33 a.m. when the 1999 Ford pickup truck she was driving slid sideways ...Read more, add a comment »
Fire destroys Brodhead barn and shed
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2008
A shed and barn, owned by Tom Hoesly of Brodhead were destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon at W1508 Ten Eyck Road, Brodhead. Upon arrival at 2:55 p.m. firefighters found a shed attached to the barn fully engulfed in flames and spreading to the barn, according to the Brodhead Fire Department. ...Read more, add a comment »
Snow closes some schools
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2008
Click here to get the latest closings and delays
Read more, add a comment »
Winter Storm Warning extended
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2008
Click here to get the latest closings and delays
From the National Weather Service: The winter storm warning has been extended until 6 p.m. Snow will continue across all of southern Wisconsin today. The heaviest snow is expected across portions of southern Wisconsin toward daybreak and continue through the ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Cancellations and closings
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 05, 2008
School and city events being cancelled due to the weather.
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Milton cancels meetings
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 05, 2008
The city of Milton has canceled all meetings scheduled for tonight. The public works committee, personnel and finance committee and special city council meetings will all take place Tuesday, Feb. 12, instead. Milton Waste Management will decide at 3 a.m. Wednesday if trash and recycling collection will occur or be ...Read more, add a comment »
Bond ordered in Pell Lake standoff
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 05, 2008
A man suspected of holding police at bay for four hours Sunday night and into Monday morning was ordered Tuesday to remain in custody in lieu of a $15,000 bond. Michael J. Panici was arrested on pending charges of taking a hostage, failing to comply with officers, discharging a firearm ...Read more, add a comment »
Milton woman injured in rollover
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 05, 2008
An 18-year-old Milton woman was found unconscious in the parking lot of the Countryside Inn, 1801 E. Highway 59, Milton Township, after she was ejected from her vehicle in a rollover accident. According to the Rock County Sheriff's Department, a pickup truck driven by Mandy Quinn slid off the icy ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Snow prediction upgraded
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2008
The most recent Janesville forecast from the National Weather Service: This Afternoon: Periods of snow, mainly after 3pm. High near 35. North wind between 13 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tonight: Periods of snow. The snow ...Read more, view comments (2) »
City services affected by weather
Posted by on February 05, 2008
Due to the expected inclement weather, trash and recycling collection has been canceled for Wednesday. Trash and recycling that was scheduled for pick up Wednesday will be picked up on Thursday. The City of Janesville sanitary landfill also will be closed Wednesday and will re-open from 8 a.m. to 3 ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville declares snow emergency
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 05, 2008
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency starting at 11 p.m. today. All vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing is complete. “To ensure that you do not receive a parking ticket, please move your vehicle prior to 11 p.m. and ...Read more, add a comment »
Weather prompts closings and event changes
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 05, 2008
Click here to get the latest weather related closings, delays, and event changes.Read more, add a comment »
Robber sentenced to prison
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on February 05, 2008
A drug-addicted armed robber was sentenced to 19 years in prison Tuesday morning, and he will be under the state’s extended supervision for another 19 years if and when he is released. Larry Johnson, 48, formerly of 1814 N. Sumac Drive, Janesville, faced an even longer sentence because he had ...Read more, add a comment »
Storm prediction update
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2008
A winter storm warning remains in effect from 6 p.m this evening to 3 p.m. Wednesday. A winter storm tracking across the central Mississippi valley into the Ohio valley is expected to bring a swath of heavy snow to the area. Snowfall ranging from 4 to 6 inches in the ...Read more, add a comment »
Doyle campaigns for Obama in Kansas
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Governor Doyle is campaigning for Barack Obama in Kansas along with the governor there. Doyle traveled the state yesterday to support Obama, the Illinois senator running for president against Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Doyle's stops included events in Kansas City and Lawrence and rallies at Kansas ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Teachers marching at Parker
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 05, 2008
Janesville teachers are marching at Parker High School Tuesday morning.Click here to listen to a report from the scene from WCLO News Director Stan Stricker.
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Med Flight called after rollover accident
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 05, 2008
Med flight was being called to transport a 20-year-old female, with head trauma, after she was ejected from her truck that rolled over shortly after 6:30 a.m. today at 1801 E. Highway 59 at North Bay Shore Lane and East Vincent Road in Milton Township, according to Rock County 911 Dispatch.
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Chrysler plant shut down
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 05, 2008
Workers at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Illinois are without work today as the company shuts down that assembly plant. A spokesman for Chrysler says the company is looking for another supplier to replace one that filed for bankruptcy protection last week. Plastech Engineered Products supplied plastic components for vehicle ...Read more, add a comment »
Suspect arrested in Beloit shooting case
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 05, 2008
BELOIT — Beloit police arrested 18 year old Carlos Lee Salas of Beloit late Monday night in connection with a shooting incident earlier in the day. Killed in the shooting was 17 year old Fernando Berrios Linarez. Captain Bill Tyler says the teen was found around 1:00 p.m. in the ...Read more, view comments (11) »
UPDATE--Police identify teen killed in shooting
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 04, 2008
BELOIT — Police say 17-year-old Fernando Berrios Linarez was fatally wounded in a Beloit shooting Monday. Captain Bill Tyler says the teen was found around 1:00 p.m. in the 1200 block of Dewey Avenue. The victim passed away while receiving treatment at a local hospital. Linarez was of school age ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Walworth County Board forums tomorrow
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 04, 2008
Two forums for Walworth County Board candidates are slated for Tuesday evening. The forums are for candidates in Districts 7 and 8. The forums will be held: -- 6:30 p.m. at the Williams Bay Municipal Building, 250 Williams St., Williams Bay. District 7 candidates Sonja Berg-Schlesner, James P. D’Alessandro and ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter storm warning issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2008
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee has issued a winter storm warning, which is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Wednesday. A winter storms will move from the southern plains Tuesday morning, to southern Illinois by late in the day. The storm system will move from Indiana ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville's snow removal budget for 2008 is half gone
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 04, 2008
JANESVILLE — Janesville's city engineer isn't panicking, even though the city's snow removal budget for 2008 is about half gone. Jack Messer says snow removal is only part of the equation, and the other part, supplies, is also in good order. Messer says a lot of work goes into keeping ...Read more, view comments (3) »
UPDATE—Shots fired in Pell Lake standoff
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 04, 2008
PELL LAKE—A Pell Lake man barricaded himself in his home for four hours Sunday night and into Monday morning, reportedly holding a hostage and twice firing a gun, according police. Michael J. Panici, 33, N1537 Overlook Circle, was arrested early this morning on seven pending charges, including taking ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Regents consider higher pay ranges for top UW leaders
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - University of Wisconsin System regents are considering a plan to increase the salary ranges of university chancellors and system executives. Regents President Mark Bradley says the higher ranges are needed to attract top candidates as the regents search for new chancellors at UW-Madison, UW-Parkside and UW-Whitewater. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Front doors open today at remodeled, expanded DMV
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 04, 2008
Front doors of the newly remodeled and expanded Division of Motor Vehicles center, 645 S. Wright Road, Janesville, opened today, said Marcia Traska, supervisor. Work began July 2 on the 22-year-old building, which remained opened to customers throughout construction, and cost nearly $500,000. The remodeling and 1,366-square-foot addition to the ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Scam promises victims a check
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 04, 2008
Sandy and Kenneth Kraynak last week avoided becoming victims of what they believe was a telephone scammer that called their home several times. A man first called and asked for Kenneth, Sandy said. He asked Kenneth if he had lost $250 a year ago. The caller informed Kenneth that a ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Endless snow helping tourism business
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Heavy snowfall this winter season is a pain for some, but a boon to others who cater to those who like to play outdoors. Ski resorts and other businesses that benefit from the snow are having a banner year. The state Department of Tourism's Mark Richardson ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter storm watch issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2008
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon. Five to nine inches of snow is possible on Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon. Gusty northeast and north winds may lead to blowing and drifting ...Read more, add a comment »
Defense could start this week in Mark Jensen trial
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - Defense attorneys for Mark Jensen, who is accused of poisoning and suffocating his wife, should begin their side of the case this week. Forty-year-old Julie Jensen was found dead in the couple's Pleasant Prairie home on in 1998. Mark Jensen, now 48, was charged with first-degree ...Read more, add a comment »
Giants win Super Bowl
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 03, 2008
The Giants had the perfect answer for the suddenly imperfect Patriots: a big, bad defense and an improbable comeback led by their own Mr. Cool quarterback, Eli Manning. In one of football's biggest shockers, New York shattered New England's unbeaten season as Manning hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Chimney burns in Bradford Township
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 03, 2008
BRADFORD TOWNSHIP—Clinton and Darien fire departments responded to a chimney fire at a home at 10728 E. Larsen Road, Bradford Township. The call came in at 4:35 p.m. The fire was out and fire fighters returned to their stations by 5:20.Read more, add a comment »
Badgers beat Gophers, stay atop Big 10
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 03, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS -- Trevon Hughes had 20 points and six steals to lead No. 13 Wisconsin past Minnesota 63-47 on Sunday. Marcus Landry and Brian Butch each added 11 points for the Badgers (18-3, 8-1 Big Ten), who controlled the game from start to finish. They led 39-23 at halftime and ...Read more, add a comment »
Award for information on Sugar Creek Township gunman
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 03, 2008
A robber fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash from the Country Mobil Station, W5180 Highway A in Sugar Creek Township, Walworth County near Tibbets Elementary School. The man entered the store Friday at 9:12 p.m. After confronting employees and taking money, he fled on foot through an ...Read more, add a comment »
Beware of thin ice near bridges
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 03, 2008
MADISON--Ice under bridges and railroad trestles is dangerously thin, the Dane County Sheriff's Office Marine and Trail Enforcement Unit reports. The recent warm weather has added to the natural thawing that occurs in these areas, leaving open water in and around the bridges. The enforcement unit got two unconfirmed reports ...Read more, add a comment »
DNR issues particle warning
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 02, 2008
MADISON--The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an air quality watch for particle pollution for the entire day Sunday. The watch is being issued because of the forecast for elevated levels of fine particles in the air such as microscopic dust, soot, liquid droplets and smoke particles that come ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Sun Prairie's Jimmy didn't see shadow
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 02, 2008
SUN PRAIRIE--This morning's dreary, cloudy weather was good for one thing. Jimmy the groundhog wasn't frightened by his shadow. That means an early spring, according to his Web site. Jimmy arrived by fire truck to a celebration in Sun Prairie this morning. He wore a tuxedo for his ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Oshkosh Truck gets order from Chinese airport
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 02, 2008
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) -- Oshkosh Truck Corporation has received a $10.6 million order from Beijing Capital International Airport. The airport wants 26 snow removal vehicles by this fall. That includes 24 front-mounted broom units and two high-speed blower units for the major airport in China. They plan to use the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Former majority leader led Legislature in per diem payments
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Former Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson led the Legislature in travel reimbursements last year, claiming $16,544 in expense money for working in Madison, according to reports released Friday. State lawmakers from outside Dane County can collect $88 per day in reimbursement. Legislators from Dane County can ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Rock County names acting real property lister
Posted by on February 01, 2008
JANESVILLE--Rock County Administrator Craig Knutson announced today he has appointed Michelle Schultz as the acting property lister for the county. Schultz will replace Paul Clayton, who retired Thursday. Schultz works as a cartographer in the real property department, where she has worked since 1999. She has a bachelor's degree in ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Walworth County snowmobile trails open
Posted by MIKE HEINE on February 01, 2008
The Walworth County Snowmobile Alliance opened all county trails following the snow that fell Thursday night and Friday morning. Trails may be bumpy, however. The National Weather Service reported about 5 inches on the ground in Delavan and 4 inches in the Pell Lake area. Before Thursday most of the ...Read more, add a comment »
Report: 17-year-olds more likely to reoffend than adults
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A new state audit suggests 17-year-olds who go to adult prison in Wisconsin are more likely than adults to end back behind bars. Wisconsin's criminal justice system automatically considers 17-year-olds adults. The Legislative Audit Bureau's report found nearly 50 percent of 17-year-olds sent to prison in ...Read more, view comments (8) »
BTC campus open
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 01, 2008
Blackhawk Technical College opened for business this morning without a hitch. The college canceled day and night classes Thursday after an accident cut power to the college’s main campus, located between Janesville and Beloit. A construction crew was digging to prepare for installation of a pump for a new well ...Read more, add a comment »
Heavy snow in SE Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - A winter storm is closing schools in southern Wisconsin and making travel difficult. Two semis jackknifed on major roadways - one on Interstate 43 which blocked all northbound traffic this morning - another on Highway 41 near 'K' in Washington County. A winter storm warning is in ...Read more, add a comment »
Sex offender released into Janesville neighborhood
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 01, 2008
Janesville police are warning neighbors near the 00 block of South Academy Street that 30-year-old Corey Standfield will be moving into the neighborhood. Standfield's criminal history dates back to 1998 when he assaulted a nine-year-old girl. After the assault he threatened the girl and her friends with a knife and ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Snow advisory cancelled
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2008
The National Weather Service has cancelled this morning's snow advisory. The steadiest snow has shifted far enough to the east and south to allow the advisory to be cancelled. A little light snow may still occur but at this time the bulk of the accumulating snow is expected to remain ...Read more, add a comment »
Snow advisory for Friday AM
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2008
The National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory now in effect until 9 a.m. Friday morning. Snow will continue early this morning with additional accumulations of an inch or two. Total accumulations will be in the 2 to 5 inch range. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited ...Read more, add a comment »
