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Recommended wind turbine ordinance presented
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 31, 2008
EVANSVILLE--Wind turbines sited in Union Township would need to be built at least one-half mile from homes and 1,000 feet from the nearest property line, according to a proposed wind ordinance presented to the Town of Union Plan Commission tonight. The town’s Wind Turbine Study Committee presented its recommendations tonight ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Salt-sand mix to go on Walworth County roads
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 31, 2008
Be more careful on some Walworth County roads the rest of this winter. Due to a regional shortage of salt, the Walworth County Public Works Department announced Thursday that it will treat county trunk highways with a mixture of salt and sand. The mixture, which is used and effective in ...Read more, view comments (6) »
BTC likely to resume classes Friday
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 31, 2008
Classes on Blackhawk Technical College’s main campus probably will resume in the morning. The campus located between Beloit and Janesville shut down Thursday morning after workers digging a new well cut into a power line. “Power has been restored, so it’s looking favorable for classes tomorrow,” spokesman Len Walker said ...Read more, add a comment »
WIAA's ruling on Bluebirds overturned
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 31, 2008
The Janesville Bluebirds hockey team’s undefeated status remains intact. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association had ruled that the joint Craig/Parker high school team would have to forfeit two of its games after a player appeared in a billboard advertisement and received a $25 discount from the advertiser last fall. The ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Milton High's ad in running for Super Bowl
Posted by STACY VOGEL on January 31, 2008
'Ice quake' reported in Madison
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 31, 2008
MADISON--The shaking felt this afternoon in areas near Lake Mendota was most likely an ice quake, according to UW-Madison geologists. The university's geology department seismometer recorded a tremor at 12:50 p.m. today that lasted two or three seconds, the university said in a news release. "The event was very localized ...Read more, add a comment »
Former Madison arts official pleads guilty to fraud, tax charges
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 31, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The former head of a prominent Madison arts center has pleaded guilty to charges that he ran businesses from his city office and underreported his income. Robert D'Angelo, the former director of the Overture Center for the Arts, acknowledged those offenses in federal court in a ...Read more, add a comment »
Commission won’t decide on chief until Feb. 21
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 31, 2008
MILTON—The Milton Police Commission met in closed session for nearly an hour and a half this morning but took no action. The meeting had been called for “consideration of police chief appointment,” according to the agenda. The commission has been discussing a replacement for Chief Tom Gilland, since he retired ...Read more, add a comment »
BTC closing for the day
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 31, 2008
Blackhawk Technical College's main campus is closing for the rest of the day after workers cut into a power line. Day and evening classes are canceled at the main campus. All activities, including the culinary arts program’s meals scheduled for lunch and this evening, have been canceled, said spokesman Len ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATE: Power line cut at Blackhawk Tech
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 31, 2008
An excavator cut into a power line behind the main building at Blackhawk Technical College’s main campus this morning. A fire alarm was tripped as a precaution. The alarm sent students and staff at main campus into the cold for a short time. Classes continued, but officials were worried they’d ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. AG mum on suspension of state fire marshal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 31, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen refused to say Wednesday why the state fire marshal has been suspended. Carolyn S. Kelly was suspended this week indefinitely with pay from her job as director of the arson bureau inside the Wisconsin Department of Justice. She had been ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Officers cleared in Clinton shooting
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on January 30, 2008
CLINTON—A state Division of Criminal Investigation examination of the shooting death Dec. 18 of Timothy Harrington found no wrong-doing on the part of the officers who killed him. Rock County District Attorney David O’Leary announced the results of the investigation Wednesday evening. “After reviewing this information,” O’Leary said, “it is ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Senate Democrats, governor differ on economic development plans
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 30, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The economic development package backed by Senate Democrats differs from what Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and Assembly Republicans appear willing to accept. Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker said Wednesday that the plan could complement what Doyle wants or stand on its own. Decker refused to comment ...Read more, add a comment »
Anti-smoking groups reject latest offer on Wisconsin smoking ban
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 30, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The latest attempt at a compromise on a statewide smoking ban has been rejected. Democratic Sen. Roger Breske of Eland said Wednesday that anti-smoking advocates have rejected a proposal that would delay the ban on smoking in taverns until July 1, 2011. The ban would take ...Read more, view comments (92) »
Edwards' exit from presidential race changes dynamic in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 30, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - John Edwards' exit from the presidential race changes the dynamic for Democrats in Wisconsin. Democrats award 92 delegates in Wisconsin. Of those, 74 go proportionately to the candidates based on primary results in each of the eight congressional districts. The other 18 are at-large and can ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Barn fire in Janesville Township
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 30, 2008
Animals were being evacuated from a barn fire at 2417 W. Stark Road in Janesville Township at 8:15 a.m. today.
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Weather closes local schools
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 30, 2008
Many schools in southern Wisconsin are closed or delayed because of the weather, including Janesville schools. Click here to get the latest closings and delays.Read more, view comments (5) »
UW-Madison privacy leak was bigger than previously described
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 29, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - An accidental leak of personal information on the Internet could have affected more than twice as many U-W-Madison employees as previously reported. University spokesman Brian Rust says the Social Security-based campus I-D numbers of 529 employees might have been posted on a campus Web site over ...Read more, add a comment »
Free well tests for flood victims
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 29, 2008
The Rock County Health Department is offering free bacteria tests for residents whose private wells have been affected by the recent flooding on the Rock River. Standing water can let bacteria, viruses, chemicals or parasites into your well. Even if flood water didn’t cover your well, standing water in your ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Schools closing early
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 29, 2008
The weather forecast is prompting many local schools to close early. Janesville School District policy is not to close early. The policy is designed to protect children who would arrive home before their parents. Click here to get ALL the latest closings and delays.Read more, add a comment »
Janesville School Board seeks mediation
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 29, 2008
The Janesville School Board met this morning and decided that mediation holds the most hope for settlement of the 2007-09 teachers contract. Mediation is tentatively scheduled to begin Feb. 11. The two sides had considered meeting again without a mediator on Wednesday, but Superintendent Tom Evert said the teachers union ...Read more, add a comment »
Semi knocks out power
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 29, 2008
CLINTON—Four homes were without power—one overnight—after a DeLco Transport Inc. semitrailer truck took out three electrical poles Monday night, Clinton Police Department officer Dan Stearns said. The truck was driving east on Milwaukee Street and turning right onto Mill Street when the rear axle struck the guide wire to an ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Council to hire aquatics consultant
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on January 29, 2008
JANESVILLE A decision on Janesville’s aquatic future has been postponed again, and the new council elected in April likely will make the decisions. The council voted unanimously Monday to spend $18,500 so a consultant can price improvements to Rockport Park, reopening the Riverside Wading Pool or building splash pads. Council ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Some flood victim families return home
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 29, 2008
Three families, who voluntarily evacuated their homes, after the Rock River flooded, have returned home, according to the Rock County Sheriffs Department. Seven other families, however, must wait for the water level on the river to go down before they can go home. Also, two of three roads that were ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter Storm Warning issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 29, 2008
A Winter storm warning in effect from 2 p.m. this afternoon to midnight tonight and a wind chill advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. this evening to 12 p.m. Wednesday. A strong cold front will sweep through southern Wisconsin from west to east today. Much colder air will surge ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Sheiffer announces retirement
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on January 28, 2008
Longtime Janesville City Manager Steve Sheiffer announced Monday that he will retire this year, with his last day Sept. 2. Sheiffer said he is retiring to enjoy his family, friends and the community. Afterward, he would make no other statements other than to say he does not plan on leaving ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Watch the "State of the Union" address
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 28, 2008
Click here to view live coverage of the State of the Union address from President Bush, scheduled to begin at 8:00.Read more, add a comment »
Winter Storm Watch issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 28, 2008
From the National Weather Service: A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday night. A powerful low pressure system will track across Minnesota today and tonight. A strong cold front will sweep through southern Wisconsin from west to east Tuesday afternoon. A secondary low pressure ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Wind advisory issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 28, 2008
From the National Weather Service: A high wind watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday night. A powerful low pressure system will track across Minnesota today and tonight. A strong cold front will sweep through southern Wisconsin from west to east Tuesday afternoon. Much colder temperatures and ...Read more, add a comment »
School computers infected, but not by virus
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 28, 2008
JANESVILLE A malicious piece of computer programming infected the Janesville School District’s computer network in recent weeks, causing computers to act up but no great loss of data, an official said. The infection is known as a “data packet.” It’s not a virus, because it doesn’t replicate itself, said Director ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Police seek cat that bit a Janesville man
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 28, 2008
The Janesville Police Department is asking the public for helping in finding a cat that bit a man at 2 a.m. Sunday in the 1200 block of Putnam Ave. The cat is described as large and gray with darker gray stripes. The cat also has been seen in the Putnam ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Lots of unanswered questions about future of Wisconsin's economy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 28, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - There are a lot more questions than answers about a pending state budget shortfall that could lead to higher taxes or deep cuts. The shortfall could be $400 million. Or more. Deep spending cuts may be needed. But no one's saying yet what they might be. ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Fired contractor submits low bid to finish Wakota Bridge
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 26, 2008
ST. PAUL (AP) – A Wisconsin construction company fired by Minnesota from the troubled Wakota Bridge project on Interstate 494 has submitted the lowest bid for finishing the long-delayed job. Lunda Construction Co., of Black River Falls, Wis., submitted a bid of $60.1 million, which was more than double the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Rollover injures Orfordville man
Posted by CARLA MCCANN on January 25, 2008
An Orfordville man was injured Friday morning during a one-vehicle accident in Newark Township, Rock County. Kris J. Cisewski, 43, was driving north on Highway 213 near South Kettle Road when he lost control of his vehicle on a curve. The car, a 2005 Ford Focus, left the highway, crossed ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wisconsin to offer help for snow-strapped cities?
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 25, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin municipalities could apply for state money to cover their snow removal expenses under a new bill. Rep. Gary Hebl's measure calls for the state Department of Transportation to give $50,000 grants to municipalities, up to a total of $500,000. Municipalities would be eligible if snow ...Read more, add a comment »
Thieves take advantage of the cold
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 25, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Subzero temperatures have caused more people to let their vehicles idle and warm up before driving away. Police say it's also increased opportunities for car thieves. Ten cars have been stolen in the last several weeks in Madison. Police are advising motorists not to make it ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Public hearing on Rockport Pool
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on January 25, 2008
JANESVILLE The Janesville City Council will be asked to vote on the future of Rockport Pool on Monday, and City Manager Steve Sheiffer is recommending a new pool there at a cost of no more than $5 million. Sheiffer calls his recommended option an upgrade, but the upgrade includes a ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Agency chiefs told to tighten belts on state spending
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 25, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Doyle administration is telling state agency heads to start a new round of belt-tightening because of the tight budget situation. A new estimate says state tax revenues could drop by $300 million to $400 million over the next year and a half. Administration Secretary Michael ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Doyle comments on virtual school agreement
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 24, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Lawmakers say they have a tentative agreement that would keep virtual schools open in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle, in Milwaukee today, says he's confident that if Democratic Senator John Lehman is agreeing to the compromise, he's probably going to support it. Representative Brett Davis says the deal ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wis. agency heads tell lawmakers private information is protected
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 24, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The head of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has assured state lawmakers that the tax system is ``stable, secure and sound.'' Secretary Roger Ervin spoke to an Assembly committee on Thursday in the wake of three security breaches in a little over a year involving state ...Read more, add a comment »
Advertisement could mean penalties for Janesville teams
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 24, 2008
JANESVILLE Student-athletes from Craig and Parker high school as well as from surrounding school districts were part of an advertisement that violated WIAA rules, Janesville school officials said. Two Janesville students as well as students from other districts appeared on a billboard in Janesville last fall, and they were offered ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Lawmakers close to agreement to keep virtual schools open
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 24, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Lawmakers say they have a tentative agreement that would keep virtual schools open in Wisconsin. Representative Brett Davis says the deal would allow the schools to continue receiving about $6,000 for each open-enrollment student. Some Democrats in the Senate had wanted to cut their funding in ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville athletes may have violated compensation rule
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 24, 2008
The Janesville School District may need to make adjustments to conference and tournament standings after the WIAA determined the district violated a regulation. The regulation in question involves students receiving compensation for appearing in a promotional advertisement. The school district brought this to the attention of the WIAA and the ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Focus groups on children's museum
Posted by ANN FIORE on January 24, 2008
Building a children's musuem in Janesville is an idea that bursts with possibilities. Over the last three days consultants studying the feasibility of such a museum have heard many reasons to support one. And they've also heard a common concern: What will it cost?Read more, view comments (4) »
Deputies plan compliance checks
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 24, 2008
Rock County sheriff’s deputies and young adults younger than 21 soon will start checking how bartenders and store clerks comply with the state’s drinking laws. Underage adults will go into businesses and taverns during the next few months to try to buy alcoholic beverages. Deputies will work with the young ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Reward offered in shooting case
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 23, 2008
JANESVILLE—Janesville Area CrimeStoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information about the shooting Saturday night of an 18-year-old Janesville man near the YMCA. The 18-year-old was treated and released at Mercy Hospital after the shooting at 8:45 p.m. Saturday in or near the YMCA parking lot at Dodge ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Flood warning extended
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 23, 2008
The National Weather Service in Sullivan has extended a flood warning for central Rock County including downtown Janesville and Beloit. At 10:59 a.m. the stage was at 12.1 feet. At this level, moderate flooding is occurring. Bitterly cold temperatures for the next couple days will likely cause additional ice jamming ...Read more, add a comment »
Deputies investigate burglary connections
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 23, 2008
Rock County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating three burglaries that occurred near each other within two daylight hours Monday, Rock County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Todd Christiansen said. The first burglary was reported at 11:30 a.m. on County S, followed by another burglary on East Colley Road at 11:42 a.m. In the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
UPDATE: Fire destroys barn
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 23, 2008
EDGERTON—Bill Trick was in the barn feeding horses when fire broke out in the 110-by- 36-foot structure early Tuesday night. His wife was in the house, across the road, when she noticed flames and alerted him, allowing Trick to escape without injury, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Department that ...Read more, add a comment »
Fire damages Edgerton area barn
Posted by STEVE BENTON on January 23, 2008
Edgerton firefighters received mutual aid from four other area fire departments in fighting a barn fire Tuesday night. Units responded to 34 Craig Road in Albion Township around 5:30, and found a barn fully involved in fire. Lost in the blaze was a pick up truck, some farm machinery and ...Read more, add a comment »
Clinton school board approves referendum timeline
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 22, 2008
CLINTON--The Clinton Community School Board approved Tuesday night a referendum timeline and “to do” list presented by district Business Administrator Kathy Zwirgzdas. If all goes as planned, district residents will vote Nov. 4 on an $8.3 million plan to expand the elementary school and upgrade security at the middle and ...Read more, add a comment »
Candidate forum Wednesday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 22, 2008
JANESVILLE A candidates’ forum for contested seats on the Janesville City Council and the Rock County Board is Wednesday in the Hedberg Public Library. A primary is scheduled Feb. 19. The Janesville League of Women Voters is sponsor in cooperation with JATV. Three candidates for County Board District 18 will ...Read more, add a comment »
Walworth County trails open
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 22, 2008
The Walworth County Snowmobile Alliance reports that all snowmobile trails in Walworth County are open after yesterday's snow.Read more, view comment (1) »
Spelling bee results
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 22, 2008
The winners of the Janesville Spelling Bee, held this morning, were: First—Katie Biester, Edison Middle School. Second—Loghan Hallett, Franklin Middle School. Third—Rose Beach, Roosevelt Elementary School. Fourth—Scott Catlin, St. John Vianney School. Fifth—Troy Thornton, Edison Middle School. Sixth—Nathaniel Traver, St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran School. Seventh—Peter Roth, St. Paul’s Lutheran School. ...Read more, add a comment »
Lawmakers consider repeal of Wisconsin's abortion ban
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State lawmakers are reviving an attempt to repeal Wisconsin's 158-year-old ban on abortions -- which they fear would be enforced if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Wisconsin is one of only four states with laws still on the books making abortions illegal. But Wisconsin Planned Parenthood ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Flood warning extended
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 22, 2008
From the National Weather Service: The NWS in Sullivan has extended the flood warning for central Rock County in south central Wisconsin, this includes the Town of Rock, until 9:30 a.m. Thursday. At 9:10 a.m., local officials reported that the Rock River and flood waters in the Town of Rock, ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit Turner teachers ratify contract
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 22, 2008
BELOIT TOWNSHIP—The Turner Education Association Monday ratified contracts for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years. The school board ratified the contracts Jan. 14. Negotiations have been ongoing since summer. The union and the district avoided mediation or arbitration. The teachers will get a 4.39 percent total package increase this year ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Police busy ticketing vehicles
Posted by STEVE BENTON on January 22, 2008
Janesville and Beloit police were busy overnight issuing parking tickets to people in violation of the snow emergency ordinance. The number of tickets issued won't be known until later, but after talking with officers in Janesville, at least 340 tickets will be issued. The snow emergency ordinance in Beloit went ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Snow related announcements
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 22, 2008
Click here to get the latest closings and delays, including a one hour delay for Janesville schools. Click here to view the latest road conditions. Click here to view the latest weather radar.Read more, add a comment »
Mark Jensen trial resumes today after holiday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 22, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - The Mark Jensen trial resumes today after a three-day weekend. At last count, the prosecution was twenty witnesses behind, making some wonder if the trial can finish at the end of next month as originally predicted. Last week Friday, Aaron Dillard, a Kenosha County Jail inmate, ...Read more, add a comment »
Sheriff's department vehicle in accident
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 21, 2008
SPRING PRAIRIE—A Walworth County sheriff’s lieutenant was involved in a minor traffic accident Monday afternoon. At 3:43 p.m., a Nissan Titan pickup truck driven by a 16-year-old East Troy girl slid through a stop sign on Hargraves Road at County D in Spring Prairie Township. She slid into the path ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Janesville snow emergency declared
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 21, 2008
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency starting at 10:30 pm. today. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. Vehicles that do not comply may be ticketed.Read more, view comment (1) »
Bomb threat in Clinton
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 21, 2008
Clinton police and fire officials evacuated portions of all three Clinton schools and Scot Forge after receiving a bomb threat from a male caller Monday. Police Chief James Korth says the caller reported a bomb had been placed at Scot Forge and two of the schools. No additional information was ...Read more, view comment (1) »
State lawmakers set to discuss doctor-assisted suicide bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 21, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State lawmakers are expected to open discussions this week on a doctor-assisted suicide bill. State Representatives Fred Risser of Madison and Frank Boyle of Superior first introduced the ``Death with Dignity'' bill in 1994. That's the same year Oregon became the first state to legalize doctor-assisted ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Update on snow forecast
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 21, 2008
From the National Weather Service: Snow will continue across south central and southeast Wisconsin today and throughout tonight. The snow will continue to increase in intensity this afternoon. The snow will then taper off from west to east after midnight. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are expected ...Read more, add a comment »
Slower housing market, high gas prices could help preserve farms
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 21, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - There might actually be a silver lining to high gas prices and a soft housing market. Land-use experts and real estate agents say people have become wary about building new homes and commuting long distances. That could mean a slowdown to suburban sprawl and preservation of Wisconsin ...Read more, add a comment »
Whitewater drowning victim identified
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 21, 2008
The Walworth County Coroner's Office identified the 9-year-old victim in a drowning in Whitewater's Mill Pond Thursday. Authorities believe Brent L. Aldrich was walking to Washington Elementary School when he went out onto the ice and either fell through or went in into an open area near the dam, Chief ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Weather related annoucements
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 21, 2008
Click here to get the latest closings and delays. Click here to view the latest road conditions. Click here to view the latest weather radar.Read more, add a comment »
Snow advisory in effect
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 21, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) - This weekend's severe cold turns to snow for much of the state for today. The National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory for the majority of the state, with up to seven inches expected in the southern and central parts of the state. The weather service ...Read more, add a comment »
No Super Bowl for the Packers
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 20, 2008
The Green Bay Packers lost their chance for a trip to the Super Bowl with an overtime loss to the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on Sunday night. Lawrence Tynes kicked a game-winning field goal to beat the Packers 23-20 and advance the Giants to the Super Bowl against ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Residents along river evacuated by boat
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 20, 2008
Beloit township residents and firefighters helped to evacuate three people from homes by boat because of flooding in the Rock River. Water near the homes was shallow enough to walk through, but rescuers used boats because of the frigid water temperature, said Gene Wright, Beloit Township assistant fire ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock River creeps past flood stage
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 20, 2008
Beloit Township firefighters are contacting homeowners along the Rock River and closing Happy Hollow Park between Janesville and Beloit because of flooding. Ice is jamming up and slowing the flow in the river, causing the water to back up, said Gene Wright, assistant fire chief. “It’s not like a (Hurricane) ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Updated: Police respond to report of shooting
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 20, 2008
Janesville police responded to a report of a shooting at 8:54 p.m. Saturday at the YMCA, 221 Dodge St., Lt. Tom Wolfram said. A juvenile was taken to Mercy Hospital with a leg wound, he said. No other details were available, he said. According to police reports, the reporting party ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Fans urged to dress properly for cold NFC championship game
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 19, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – Fans who plan to attend the National Football Conference championship game Sunday at Lambeau Field are being urged to dress properly for the cold weather and to get there early. Projections are for the temperature to reach a high of 3 degrees Sunday, with the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
NWS issues flood warning
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 19, 2008
Yup, it’s still cold out. But the temperature isn’t the only thing residents have to worry about now. Ice jams on the Rock River could cause flooding. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for south central Rock County, including the city of Beloit, until 10:30 a.m. ...Read more, add a comment »
Police release name in fatal accident
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 19, 2008
JANESVILLE—A 19-year-old Janesville woman died in a one-car accident early Saturday morning, according to Janesville police. Kelsie Rae Kingslien died at the scene after the sport utility vehicle she was driving in the 1000 block of Afton Road went off the road and struck a tree, according to a Janesville ...Read more, view comments (33) »
Seinfeld comes to Manning's rescue
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 18, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) – For a show that was about nothing, the hubbub around it has certainly turned into something. A Green Bay television station decided to have some fun this week after employees discovered that quarterback Eli Manning’s favorite show is "Seinfeld." Station officials decided to pull the episode scheduled ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Electrical fire extinguished in Beloit classroom
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 18, 2008
Students will be returning shortly to classrooms at Aldrich Middle School, 1859 Northgate Drive, Beloit, after an electrical fire in a classroom, according to the Beloit Fire Department. The fire started shortly after 1 p.m. and was contained in one room. No one was injured. Students were evacuated and will ...Read more, add a comment »
Narcotics arrest nets three suspects
Posted by STAN STRICKER on January 18, 2008
Three suspects are in custody after a mid-morning high-risk narcotics arrest in Beloit. Beloit police captain Bill Tyler says animal control officers captured two pit bulls and officers are collecting evidence from the apartment at 1423 Harvey Street.Read more, view comments (8) »
Arrests after shooting in Beloit
Posted by STAN STRICKER on January 18, 2008
Quick arrests for Beloit police after a shooting a little after 6:00 Friday morning in the 1300 block of Keeler. Captain Bill Tyler believes he knows where the shots came from a car. Two men are in custody. Tyler says the intended victim was not injured.Read more, view comments (20) »
Update on shooting in Clinton
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on January 18, 2008
Before Timothy Harrington barged into a Clinton home and wounded his mother-in-law with a shotgun blast, he made comments to the effect “it was all going to end tonight.” After Harrington shot his mother-in-law, Marilyn Smith, on Dec. 18, two police officers—Curt Streuly, a sheriff’s deputy, and Kim Rau, a ...Read more, add a comment »
Green Bay temporarily renames New York Avenue for coach McCarthy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 18, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Things will not be in a New York state of mind in Green Bay this weekend. And that starts with renaming a what is normally called New York Avenue. The city is temporarily renaming that street McCarthy's Way after Packers coach Mike McCarthy. The change ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Boy found dead in Whitewater's Mill Pond
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 18, 2008
WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) - A missing 9-year-old boy was found floating in Whitewater's Mill Pond Thursday afternoon, and he was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital. Police said the boy, found about 4:15 p.m., apparently fell through the ice while crossing the pond. His name was not immediately ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Interstate 90/39 dangerous
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 17, 2008
Interstate 90/39 is glare ice near the Highway 51/Stoughton exit in Dane County, the Wisconsin State patrol reports. A dispatcher urged extreme caution. Numerous runoffs and accidents are reported along the Interstate stretch bridging the Rock-Dane county line, but nothing life threatening, the dispatcher said. Winds are blowing the snow ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wind chill advisory issued
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 17, 2008
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory in effect from midnight Friday night to 6:00 a.m. Sunday. A very cold airmass will be moving into southern Wisconsin Friday night and Saturday. A wind chill advisory is issued when the combination of very cold air temperatures, and winds ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Judge: UW policy on religious activities is unconstitutional
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 17, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A judge says the University of Wisconsin-Madison must stop refusing to pay for certain religious student activities. U.S. District Judge John Shabaz says the school's policy of turning down funding requests for activities involving prayer, worship and proselytizing is unconstitutional. He says the policy violates students' ...Read more, view comments (12) »
UPDATE: Garage fire put out
Posted by STACY VOGEL on January 17, 2008
Edgerton and Milton firefighters have been released from the scene of a garage and shed fire at 5729 W. Highway 59, Fulton Township. The garage sustained heavy damage on one side and will probably be considered a total loss, said Adam Walton with the Edgerton Fire Department. The fire started ...Read more, add a comment »
Madison eyes ban on bags, bottles
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 17, 2008
MADISON – The capital city is discussing whether to ban bottled water and plastic grocery bags. Madison’s Commission on the Environment is expected to begin discussing the bans after members voted unanimously at the end of last year to put them on upcoming agendas. "Each year toward the end of ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Garage fully engulfed in flames in Fulton Township
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 17, 2008
Firefighters from Milton and Edgerton responded to a garage fire at 5729 W. Highway 59 at noon today. A passerby reported to the fire, west of Edgerton and between Dallman and Bublitz Roads, according to Rock County 911 dispatch. The garage was reported to be fully engulfed in flames and ...Read more, add a comment »
BTC plans traffic facility
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 17, 2008
Blackhawk Technical College wants to construct a $4.5 million Traffic Safety Center to attract students from Wisconsin and Illinois. Uses would include emergency driving courses and tactical scenario training for police, firefighters and EMTs, driver safety courses, motorcycle safety and driver safety courses for business and industry. The facility would ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Consumer advocate comes to Janesville
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 17, 2008
Glen Loyd from the State Division of Consumer Protection will tell a Janesville audience Thursday about the top ten rip-offs in Wisconsin. Hedberg Public Library spokeswoman Elizabeth Hough says Loyd won't be talking about any scams specific to Janesville, but broader consumer fraud issues. She says library patrons are interested ...Read more, add a comment »
Man drowns in Wis. River
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 16, 2008
PORT EDWARDS, Wis. (AP) – A man drowned in the Wisconsin River early Wednesday after he and a friend became disoriented and walked onto thin ice in the predawn darkness, authorities said. The body of 21-year-old Jack Lowell, of Nekoosa, was pulled from the river less than an hour after ...Read more, add a comment »
Lawmakers ponder wiping out time limits on child sex abuse suits
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 16, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A panel of state lawmakers is considering a bill that would repeal the statute of limitations governing how much time child sex abuse victims have to file civil lawsuits. Current state law permits people who believe they were sexually abused as a child to bring a ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Prosecutors try to back up bank robber's shaky testimony
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 16, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - Prosecutors played a jail house phone call today to support testimony from a bank robber who claims Mark Jensen was willing to pay $1,000 to make a witness ``go away.'' Jensen is on trial in Walworth County. He's accused of killing his wife, Julie, in 1998. ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin high court suspends lawyer for fraudulent bills
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 16, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended a lawyer for 60 days for submitting false bills to the state. The court says Stephen Compton of Delavan committed professional misconduct when he billed the Office of the State Public Defender for 120 hours of work that was done ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Man accused of throwing knife at wife
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 16, 2008
JANESVILLE—A Janesville man threw a folding pocketknife at his wife and his neighbor and held the same knife against the throat of the couple’s roommate after consuming a liter of whiskey Tuesday night, according to Janesville police. Police responded to 545 S. Main St. at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday after 911 ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Construction plans for Highway 50
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 16, 2008
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is starting to gather input for a possible widening of Highway 50 from Interstate 43 in Delavan east to Highway 67 south of Elkhorn. The department has the 5-mile stretch tabbed for reconstruction in 2015, said Beth Blum, project manager. Forecasts call for the two-lane ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Milton School Board hires contractor
Posted by STAN STRICKER on January 16, 2008
A local school district takes another step towards a building referendum. The Milton school board has voted to hire Miron Construction to help design a new high school. School board president Sue Johnson says Miron will work with the architects to come up with a clear picture of what the ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Evansville council denies ordinance
Posted by GINA DUWE on January 15, 2008
Evansville A controversial ordinance proposed to push any public works projects estimated at $5 million or more to referendum died before the council could even vote. Alderman Fred Juergens made a motion to approve the ordinance, but it died for lack of a second. Four residents spoke in ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATE: Apartment fire results in $3,500 damage
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 15, 2008
A grease fire on the stove in Apt. 3 of the eight-unit apartment complex at 1007 N. Wright Road, Janesville, resulted in $3,500 damage, according to a Janesville Fire Department spokesman. The fire was out by the time firefighters arrived on scene, said Christopher Lloyd. Nobody was hurt, he added.Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin Senate approves minimum wage boost
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The state Senate has passed a bill that would raise Wisconsin's minimum wage. The measure, written by Democrats, would boost the wage from $6.50 to $7.25 an hour. Then it would increase annually based on inflation. Democrats say the increase will help poor people. Republicans say ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Stove fire at apartment complex
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 15, 2008
The Janesville Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment complex at 1007 N. Wright Road shortly before 10:30 a.m. today for a stove fire, according to a Rock County 911 dispatcher. Two ambulances, three fire engines and the mobile command unit were on scene. It is not known how much ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Court: Wis. law criminalizing bomb threats is constitutional
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - An appeals court says a state law that criminalizes false bomb threats is constitutional. A Milwaukee County judge had declared the law unconstitutional because it infringed on protected free speech. But the District 1 Court of Appeals has overturned that decision. The court says the law ...Read more, add a comment »
Public input sought on Delavan's parks
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on January 15, 2008
DELAVAN—The city is seeking public input about the parks system. A workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Delavan Community Bank Community Centre, 826 E. Geneva St. The city hopes to learn how the current parks system works and doesn’t work for the community and what kind ...Read more, add a comment »
Watch hearing on MLB steroid use
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 15, 2008
Click here to view live coverage of the congressional hearing on the Mitchell report on steroid use in Major League Baseball. Testifying will be former Sen. George Mitchell, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, Major League Players Association President Don Fehr. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 8:30.Read more, add a comment »
First electric vehicle licensed by state
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 15, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - The state Department of Transportation has licensed the first electric 'car' in Wisconsin. Neighborhood electric vehicles, or NEVs, are essentially souped-up golf carts. They run on rechargeable batteries and have a top speed of about 25 miles per hour. Some communities in Wisconsin have passed ordinances allowing ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Milton Council asks Charter to hear complaints, questions
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 15, 2008
Milton's Common Council is bringing a Charter Communications representative to its Tuesday meeting to address questions and complaints from local residents. City Administrator Todd Schmidt says Tim Vowell, Director of Government Relations for Charter, will address concerns. Schmidt says cable complaints are common, ranging from problems with the help lines ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Bradford committee tables Cecelia's expansion
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 14, 2008
The Town of Bradford Planning and Zoning Committee Monday tabled action on a proposed expansion of Cecelia’s Golf Course in a meeting that took place right after a heated public hearing on the subject. Committee members wanted to wait for clarification on who is in control of one property involved ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Raise the state's minimum wage?
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A measure that would raise Wisconsin’s minimum wage each year based on inflation is expected to pass the state Senate on Tuesday. The measure also would immediately increase the minimum wage from $6.50 to $7.25 an hour. But don’t spend that extra 75 cents per hour ...Read more, view comments (15) »
State's dispute with tribe over gambling payments continues
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The state's dispute with the Ho-Chunk Nation over millions of dollars of gambling payments continues. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday sent the case back to a federal judge to decide several remaining legal issues. And it may still go to an arbitrator after ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Inmate: Jensen asked him to make witness ``go away''
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 14, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - A bank robber who spent time in jail with a man whose wife was poisoned, testified today the defendant, Mark Jensen, confessed to him and asked him to help make a witness ``go away.'' David Thompson says he and Jensen were in the same Kenosha County ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Hixson resigns as District 4 representative
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 14, 2008
WHITEWATER—City Councilman Kim Hixson has resigned his position as the District 4 representative. Hixson, who also serves the 43rd District on the state legislature as a Democrat, wasn’t seeking re-election to the council. “Resigning from the council now will provide me more time to dedicate to my job in the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
DNR issues air quality warnings this winter
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 14, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources has issued numerous air pollution warnings this winter, but not many people heard about them. So far this winter, all but one of the warnings were issued because the air quality index was labeled “orange,” which is considered unhealthy for people ...Read more, add a comment »
Jensen trial set to continue although proceedings lagging behind schedule
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 14, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - Prosecutors in the Mark Jensen trial are expected to begin questioning several current and former Kenosha County Jail inmates this week. Jensen is the 48-year-old Elkhorn man charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his wife nine years ago at their Pleasant Prairie home. ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville sidewalk hearing tonight
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 14, 2008
JANESVILLE — The Janesville City Council holds a public hearing Monday night about the next phase of the city's sidewalk construction program. Property owners who are required to build sidewalks have the choice of hiring the city or a private contractor to install the sidewalk. Public Works Director Jack Messer ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Packers hosting NFC Championship
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 13, 2008
Hotel phone lines in northeastern Wisconsin have got to be lit up. The road to the Super Bowl is heading through Green Bay. The 11-6 New York Giants upset the host Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in the second round of the NFC playoffs. As such, the NFC Championship game will be ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Beef sickens six
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on January 13, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota meatpacker has recalled about 188,000 pounds of ground beef patties and some other products because of E. coli bacteria concerns. Rochester Meat Co. of Rochester issued the recall after five illnesses were reported in Wisconsin and one in California, the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Food Safety ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Milton man attacked with hammer
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on January 13, 2008
MILTON-A Milton man was hospitalized after being attacked with a hammer in his sleep. Milton Police officers were called to the 100 block of West Madison Avenue, Milton at 2:40 a.m. Sunday. When they arrived at the scene, they found a 43-year-old man with severe head injuries, according to a ...Read more, view comments (6) »
King's life and legacy celebrated
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on January 12, 2008
Local leaders and residents celebrated the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at a program called “Keeping the Dream Alive.” The event, which took place at Blackhawk Technical College, featured music from the Beloit Janesville Symphony and the Beloit Community Choir. Hugo Henry led people in the singing of “Lift ...Read more, add a comment »
Packers advance to NFC title game
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 12, 2008
Green Bay - Brett Favre somehow spun free from the Seahawks' clutches and stumbled ahead in the snow. Ever the gambler, he flipped a wobbly, underhanded pass that he had no business trying, let alone completing. That's right!" he shouted. Sure was, for Favre and the NFC championship-bound Green Bay ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Goat shooter angry about beer
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on January 12, 2008
WAUPACA, Wis. (AP) – A man accused of shooting two goats after getting upset with his wife for not buying beer has been ordered to stand trial. Peter W. Mischler, 48, was charged in Waupaca County Circuit Court with mistreatment of animals, possession of a firearm while intoxicated and disorderly ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Fighter wing leaves
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on January 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – About 340 members of Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing will leave Sunday and Monday for a two-month rotation in Iraq. About 300 of the Madison-based unit will leave Sunday night from Dane County Regional Airport, according to the National Guard. They represent operations, logistics ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Packers fans hold pep rally
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on January 12, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – Go Pack! Fans of the Green Bay Packers enjoyed a pep rally at Lambeau Field Friday night to get even more energized for Saturday’s NFL playoff game with Seattle. The event drew 15,000 pompom-waving fans who filled the stands above the north end zone and ...Read more, add a comment »
Salvation Army reaches goal
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 12, 2008
JANESVILLE—The Salvation Army in Janesville reached its $285,000 holiday campaign goal. The money that was donated will be used during the upcoming year to help those in need in Janesville and surrounding communities through the local church and social service agency’s noon feeding program, food pantry, emergency assistance office, transitional ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Governors bet on big game
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on January 11, 2008
Is it an insult, or is it just cheese? Washington state Gov. Chris Gregoire and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle have what is being called a "friendly bet" over the outcome of Saturday's Packers-Seahawks game. Gregoire bet Washington's Cougar Gold cheese against Doyle's Wisconsin bratwurst. Doyle also promised a freshly caught ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Clinton biodiesel plant settles suit
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 11, 2008
CLINTON—Midwest Biofuel, 125 Industrial Drive, Clinton, announced this afternoon it will settle out of court a claim against ECR Biodiesel, Atlanta. ECR manufactured Midwest Biofuel’s processing equipment. Because of the rising cost of soybean oil, the Clinton plant decided to convert animal fats into fuel instead. The process of converting ...Read more, add a comment »
Friend reacts to charges against Koepp
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 11, 2008
JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) - The best friend of the woman murdered a year ago along with her two children says she's relieved that charges have finally been filed in the case. Angie Puckett talked today after Rock County prosecutors charged James Koepp with stabbing and strangling Danyetta Lentz, 17-year-old Nicole ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Company will pay for identity theft insurance for errant mailing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 11, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Recipients of a mailing that included their Social Security numbers on the labels will be able to get free identity theft insurance and credit monitoring for one year. A vice president with the company responsible for the mailing says details about what is going to be ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Former Monroe County sheriff's department lt. charged with abuse
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 11, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A former Monroe County sheriff's lieutenant who admitted to having sexual contact with a mentally ill female inmate has been charged with abuse. The felony charge against 60-year-old David Schaldach was announced today by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. According to the complaint, Schaldach was a ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Packers call for shovelers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 11, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - The Green Bay Packers are recruiting snow shovelers again. They're needed to clear Lambeau Field of overnight snowfall before tonight's pep rally and tomorrow's playoff game. The Packers have the shovels. All recruits have to do is show up at noon at the west side ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Teen faces charges after fatal crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 11, 2008
CROSS PLAINS, Wis. (AP) - A 17-year-old boy is suspected of driving drunk or drugged in a Dane County crash last night that killed a girl who was his passenger. The 17-year-old girl from Spring Green died at the scene in Cross Plains. Sheriff's authorities say the boy crossed the ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Tornado damage estimate hits $18 million
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 11, 2008
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) - The damage estimate is at $18 million from the tornadoes that smashed through Kenosha County, demolishing more than two dozen homes and damaging nearly 80 others. County Emergency Management officials released the estimate that they acknowledge was based on using property and assessment records and ``best ...Read more, add a comment »
Fatal accident in Beloit Township
Posted by STACY VOGEL on January 10, 2008
One person died after a rollover accident on Highway 213/Madison Road and Nye School Road in Beloit Township this morning. The vehicle was traveling north on Madison Road when it left the roadway, overcorrected and crossed into the southbound lane, according to a news release from the Town of Beloit ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Robson introduces fire-safe cigarette bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 10, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin could join 22 other states in requiring that only fire-safe cigarettes be sold here. A bipartisan bill has been introduced today in the Legislature that would require the type of cigarettes that automatically extinguish when they're not being smoked. Democratic Senator Judy Robson of Beloit ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Average gasoline price for early January is highest ever
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 10, 2008
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin motorists are paying record prices for unleaded gasoline for early January - nearly $1 more than a year ago. And experts say it likely means some bigger bills in spring when prices historically spike. AAA Wisconsin says the statewide average price today is $3.14 a ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Doyle orders review of procedures
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 10, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Governor Doyle is ordering all state agencies to review their procedures for protecting personal information. His order comes after the second gaffe in a little over a year resulted in Social Security numbers going out on a public mailing. Texas-based EDS Corporation sent the mailings late ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Three Janesville students expelled
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 10, 2008
The Janesville School Board expelled three high school students at a meeting Tuesday. They were: -- A student accused of possessing marijuana on school grounds. The student is expelled through the end of the 2008-09 school year but may apply for early reinstatement starting with 2008 summer school. To earn ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit evaluates school facilities
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 10, 2008
The Beloit School Board is watching district growth carefully as it decides how to best utilize its facilities. School board president Jeff Klett says the high school and elementary schools are specific focuses of the evaluation. He says there will be tough decisions about the facilities, and the district may ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Rock County could stiffen smoking ordinance
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 10, 2008
As state lawmakers discuss the possibility of a statewide smoking ban, Rock County is looking at options for a stiffer smoking ordinance. County Board Chair Rich Ott says one of the options is to have smoke-free campuses. But some of the county buildings are leased, with nearby public parking lots ...Read more, view comments (98) »
Tornado cleanup continues
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 09, 2008
WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP (AP) – Cleanup efforts continued Wednesday, two days after a rare series of January tornados tore through southeastern Wisconsin, destroying 26 homes and damaging more than 75 others. Volunteers, friends and families of homeowners were working in Wheatland Township to clear debris from the storms, fire chief Alan ...Read more, add a comment »
Reward increases for alpaca slaying
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 09, 2008
Moved by cruelty of the crime, an Oklahoma family started a fund drive to collect reward money with hopes of solving an animal cruelty case in Delavan. On Oct. 10, Tana Ward noticed one of her baby alpacas was missing from the pasture at Willow Tan Farm on County O ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Three-car accident involves Delavan squad
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 09, 2008
DELAVAN—A town of Delavan police sergeant was involved in a three-car accident on Highway 50 near Eagle Street about 5:50 a.m. Wednesday. According to the accident report, drafted by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Raymond Clark was eastbound on Highway 50. His squad rear-ended a stopped minivan waiting to ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Ticket auction to benefit tornado victims
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on January 09, 2008
LAKE GENEVA—Lake 96.1 is auctioning off two pairs of Hannah Montana tickets to benefit the victims of the tornado that destroyed dozens of homes in Wheatland Township in Kenosha County. The online auction began this afternoon and closes at 3 p.m. Friday. The top two bidders will each receive a ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Turner has tentative contract agreement
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 09, 2008
BELOIT TOWNSHIP—The Beloit Turner School District and its teachers have a tentative contract agreement for this school year and next, district Administrator Dennis McCarthy said this afternoon. This week, attorneys for both sides are nailing down language for the 403 (b) tax-free retirement benefit, McCarthy said. The board could go ...Read more, add a comment »
School board evaluates Evert
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 09, 2008
JANESVILLE The Janesville School Board held a closed meeting Tuesday to evaluate the performance of Superintendent Tom Evert. "The board continues to be very pleased with Dr. Evert’s leadership in promoting student learning and achievement and gave him high marks for the district’s accomplishments from November of 2006 to December ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Proposal to raise minimum wage heads for debate in state Senate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 09, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A proposal to increase the state's minimum wage is headed for debate in the state Senate. The bill by Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker would increase the minimum wage from $6.50 per hour to $7.25. The wage would then automatically increase based on inflation. The measure ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Watch Bush speak in Jerusalem
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 09, 2008
Click here to view President Bush’s news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert live from Jerusalem, beginning at approximately 9:55 a.m.Read more, add a comment »
Parental pornography case delayed
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 09, 2008
JANESVILLE—A preliminary hearing for a Milton couple accused of exposing their 8-year-old daughter to sexual acts and pornographic material has been postponed because neither defendant has a lawyer. The hearing for Lisa and Jeff Wickline, 1006 W. Madison Ave., Milton, was supposed to be Tuesday. Instead, the court commissioner scheduled ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Cause of death changed in murder trial
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 09, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - Prosecutors in Mark Jensen's murder trial have changed their theory on what caused the death of his wife. A convicted criminal who spent time in jail with Jensen says Jensen told him that he sat on his wife and shoved her head in a pillow to ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville school board questions new position
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 09, 2008
Some of Janesville's School Board members appear to be caught off-guard by the price tag for a coordinator for the district's new four-year-old programming. The coordinator will be paid $112,000 including benefits next year. That's an amount included in the start-up costs approved by the school board on December 10th. ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Sheriff's captain shoulders blame for missing tornado sirens
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 08, 2008
Walworth County Sheriff's Department Communications Capt. Jay Maritz is taking the blame for not sounding the tornado sirens in several county municipalities. At the 911 dispatch console inside the Walworth County Law Enforcement Center, Maritz told a dispatcher to press one button to send the tornado warning to some communities, ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Towns to run in 43rd district
Posted by STACY VOGEL on January 08, 2008
Former state Representative Debi Towns has announced she will run for her old seat in November. Towns served as representative for the 43rd Assembly District for four years before narrowly losing her seat to Democrat Kim Hixson in November 2006. The district covers Edgerton, Footville, Milton, Orfordville and Whitewater.Read more, add a comment »
State investigates possible privacy glitch
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 08, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State officials are investigating whether Social Security numbers were visible on an informational brochure sent to Medicaid and BadgerCare recipients. Jane Marvin says that she recently received the brochure which included her Social Security number on the label. Marvin says she was also one of the ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Watch coverage of the NH primaries
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 08, 2008
Click here to view live primary coverage from New Hampshire. Tonight you can watch the Democrats here and watch the Republicans here.Read more, add a comment »
Statewide smoking ban to receive committee vote
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 08, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin's proposed statewide smoking ban hasn't caught fire in the Legislature just yet, but it is about to get its first vote. The ban backed by Gov. Jim Doyle is scheduled for a vote on Tuesday in a Senate committee. It is expected to advance, but ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Storm damage assessment begins
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 08, 2008
TOWN OF WHEATLAND, Wis. (AP) - Local officials and teams from the National Weather Service begin to assess the full extent of tornado damage in southern Wisconsin at daybreak. Kenosha County Sheriff's Lieutenant Paul Falduto says they'll survey the damage in the light of day, determine what homes are no ...Read more, add a comment »
Armed suspect robs Racine Street Stop-N-Go
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on January 08, 2008
Janesville woman charged after child's death
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 08, 2008
JANESVILLE — A Janesville woman is charged in connection with the death of her boyfriend's 14-month-old son. 26-year-old April S. Peabody is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 29th on charges of Child Neglect Resulting in Death and Obstructing an Officer. According to the criminal complaint, 14-month-old Israel Gordon ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Council to hold primary
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 07, 2008
The Janesville City Council voted Monday to hold a primary before the April election. Eleven candidates have filed nomination papers for three open seats. No incumbents are seeking re-election. The primary, which would be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, would whittle that number to six.Read more, view comment (1) »
Storm spawns multiple twisters in Kenosha County
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 07, 2008
The storm that blew threw parts of Rock and Walworth counties Monday afternoon spawned multiple tornadoes in Kenosha County, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting on its Web site. Six to eight homes near the intersection of Highway 50 and County O were leveled or badly damaged between 4 and ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Tornado touches down in Kenosha County
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A tornado has touched down in Kenosha County. Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter says the twister hit the town of Wheatland, damaging five homes. Getter says there are no reports of injuries and the extent of damage is unknown. She says the storm system that ...Read more, add a comment »
Tornado warnings expire for Rock, Walworth counties
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 07, 2008
Rock County was under a tornado warning for about 20 minutes this afternoon. Sirens sounded at 3:21 p.m. Monday when the National Weather Service in Sullivan issued a warning because the agency’s Doppler radar “indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Machesney Park, Ill., moving northeast at ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Southern Wisconsin Technical Rescue responds to Boone County
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 07, 2008
Officials reported that the tornado that charged through Boone County around 3:45 this afternoon knocked a house onto a person. Technical rescue teams from Janesville, Beloit, town of Beloit, town of Turtle and Clinton were called to the scene at 4:30 p.m., but Boone County cancelled the page at 4:45. ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Dane County warns of fog danger
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 07, 2008
MADISON—The Dane County Sheriff’s Department is warning of thick fog throughout the county and is warning travelers to use extreme caution. “These same conditions were a significant factor in the several vehicle crashes on Interstate 90/39 yesterday that resulted in two fatalities,” according to a news release. “Citizens should not ...Read more, add a comment »
Tornado sighted in Boone County Ill.
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 07, 2008
At 3:43 p.m., police reported a possible tornado sighted in Boone County, Ill., about six miles south of Sharon and moving northeast toward the village. It was about seven miles west of Harvard, Ill. The storm is expected in the Walworth and Fontana area by 3:50 p.m. and by Pell ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Possible tornado heading toward Walworth County
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 07, 2008
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 3:25 p.m. for Walworth County. According to police scanner traffic, a strong storm that could produce a tornado was near Machesney Park, Ill., and heading toward Sharon. Radar indications are the storm is getting stronger and has the potential to produce ...Read more, add a comment »
Accident on Riverside Drive in Beloit Township
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on January 07, 2008
Cars collided in front of 3245 S. Riverside Drive in Beloit Township about 2:30 p.m. today. The address is near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Philhower Road, just south of Preservation Park. Over the scanner, responders said they were extricating a patient and called for an additional ambulance.Read more, add a comment »
Council candidates correct errors on forms
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 07, 2008
Two Janesville City Council candidates have corrected the errors on their nomination forms, which means 11 residents are running for the three open seats. The council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 18 N. Jackson St., to decide whether to hold a primary. Candidates Kelly O’Brien and ...Read more, add a comment »
I-90 crash victims identified
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Authorities have identified both people killed in Sunday's crashes on Interstate 39-90 outside Madison. Seventy-nine-year-old Delbert Smet of Fond Du Lac was killed in a five-car pile up near Highway N southeast of Madison. The State Patrol says that crash involved three cars and two semitrailers. ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Odor of smoke at Hedberg Library
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 07, 2008
JANESVILLE—Thirty to 40 people evacuated the Hedberg Public Library in downtown Janesville at 10:50 this morning after an automatic fire alarm sounded. Firefighters found no flames or smoke. Their initial theory is that a roof leak caused an electrical short, triggering the alarm and subsequent evacuation. No one was injured, ...Read more, add a comment »
Watch candidates in New Hampshire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 07, 2008
Click here to view live coverage from New Hampshire as the primary approaches.Read more, add a comment »
Beloit casino avoids rejection
Posted by STEVE BENTON on January 07, 2008
The Beloit casino application would have been one of over 20 relegated to the trash can late last week if weren't for a lawsuit pending in Washington D.C. district court. So says Joe Hunt, representative for the St. Croix and Bad River bands of Chippewa. Hunt says they have an ...Read more, add a comment »
Conditions improve for those injured in pile-up
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Two people critically injured in the massive interstate pileup near Madison are improving. Seven people remain hospitalized at University Hospital in Madison. All are now in serious condition. Thirty-three others were treated and released from three Madison hospitals. More than 100 vehicles piled up on Interstate ...Read more, add a comment »
Council to decide on primary
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 07, 2008
City Council President George Brunner is calling a special meeting Monday night at 6:00 to decide whether to hold a primary election. Eleven candidates have returned papers for the three open seats. That's an unusually high number for Janesville. Citizens are allowed to comment before the council votes. A primary ...Read more, add a comment »
Opening statements expected today in poisoning death of wife
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 07, 2008
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP) - Opening statements are expected today in the case of Mark Jensen, who is accused of poisoning his wife to death. Julie Jensen was found dead in her Pleasant Prairie home in 1998 of ethylene glycol poisoning. Her husband Mark Jensen was charged in 2002, but legal ...Read more, add a comment »
Rural Janesville woman dies in crash
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 06, 2008
A rural Janesville woman died in a two-car crash on Highway 26 just northeast of Janesville shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday. The Rock County Sheriff’s Department reports that Faye Snyder, 77, was pronounced dead at the scene. Snyder was trying to turn south onto Highway 26 from Bingham Road when ...Read more, add a comment »
Interstate motorists warned
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 06, 2008
The Wisconsin State Patrol is asking motorists caught up in the traffic blockage on Interstate 90/39 not to use the crossovers to switch from one side of the highway to the other. Doing so is hampering rescue crews’ efforts, according to a State Patrol news release. The Interstate is closed ...Read more, add a comment »
Massive pileup blamed for blockage
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 06, 2008
At least one person has been killed in a 30-vehicle pile-up on Interstate 90/39 outside of Madison, the Associated Press is reporting. The Wisconsin State Patrol says the highway has been shut down in both directions, and cars are backed up for 5 miles. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says a ...Read more, add a comment »
1 dead as I-90 remains blocked
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 06, 2008
Numerous traffic accidents with at least one fatality have stopped traffic on Interstate 90/39 from the I-94 interchange in Madison south to Dane County N, the State Patrol reports. Traffic is stopped in both directions, and motorists should find alternate routes, a State Patrol spokeswoman said. “It’s going to be ...Read more, add a comment »
Interstate traffic stalled
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 06, 2008
Traffic is stopped in both directions on Interstate 90/39 from Madison south to the County N/Stoughton exit, the State Patrol reports. Numerous traffic crashes with at least one fatality are responsible. The State Patrol urges motorists to find alternate routes.Read more, add a comment »
Bad accident on Highway 26
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 06, 2008
JANESVILLE—Highway 26 north of Janesville is blocked because of a serious two-vehicle accident. Rescue workers responded to the accident with injuries at about 2 p.m. today at Highway 26 and Bingham Road. A Rock County dispatcher said numerous law enforcement officers were working to block traffic in an area where ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Man shoots suspected car thief
Posted by GAZETTE GAZETTE on January 06, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) – Milwaukee police say a 24-year-old man is in serious condition Sunday after he was shot while allegedly trying to steal a vehicle. Police say the man suffered multiple gunshot wounds while apparently breaking into the vehicle Saturday night. He was taken to a Wauwatosa hospital. Police Captain ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Did wolf migrate to Oshkosh area?
Posted by GAZETTE GAZETTE on January 06, 2008
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) – A gray wolf may have migrated to Winnebago County in eastern Wisconsin – a spot the animals are not usually sighted. Officials are waiting for a genetic test to tell them whether an animal killed by a bow hunter southwest of Oshkosh last month was a ...Read more, add a comment »
Chippewa Co. deputy dies
Posted by GAZETTE GAZETTE on January 05, 2008
BLOOMER, Wis. (AP) – A Chippewa County deputy died Saturday of injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car at the scene of a semi truck fire on Friday night. Jason Zunker, 31, died Saturday of his injuries, Sheriff James L. Kowalcyzk said Saturday. Zunker had been directing ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Doyle expected to endorse Obama
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 05, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Jim Doyle will endorse Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, an aide for the Illinois senator said Saturday. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity before the official announcement by the second-term Democrat. Obama’s presidential campaign has said campaign manager David Plouffe will announce a major ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Fog could make driving hazardous
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 05, 2008
Travelers, beware. The National Weather Service is warning that fog could develop over a wide area tonight and continue for the next two days. The advisory extends from central Wisconsin southward and eastward to Lake Michigan. Rock, Green, Jefferson and Walworth counties are included in this forecast. Fog could become ...Read more, add a comment »
Obama endorsement expected today
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 05, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) – Presidential candidate Barack Obama is expected to announce a major endorsement from Wisconsin. Obama’s campaign says campaign manager David Plouffe will make the announcement Saturday afternoon in a conference call with reporters. Gov. Jim Doyle has not yet endorsed a presidential candidate. But, his son Gus Doyle, ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Snowmobile trail closed
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 04, 2008
The Rock County Snowmobile Trail will be closed starting Saturday because of the warm weather, the county announced this afternoon. For more information or updates, contact the Rock County Parks Division at (608) 757-5458 for a recorded message. Or, go to www.co.rock.wi.us, or www.travelwisconsin.com for snowmobile ...Read more, add a comment »
Forecast threatens snowmobile trails
Posted by STEVE BENTON on January 04, 2008
A January thaw threatens to destroy a snowmobiler's paradise. Warm weather and rain over the weekend could bring a halt to activity on trails in Rock County. Levi Olson of the Snowmobile Alliance of Rock County says for the first time in years, they received a good snow base in ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Public visitation planned for Dreyfus
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 04, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - There will be a five-hour public visitation for former Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus, who died on Wednesday. Funeral services and burial for Dreyfus will be private on Monday. The visitation is scheduled Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building ...Read more, add a comment »
NFL's former coaches honor McCarthy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 04, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Packers coach Mike McCarthy finished runner-up for The Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year in a vote of by media members. But, a different voting group, NFL alumni, picked McCarthy as Coach of the Year. The vote comes from former NFL coaches. McCarthy says ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Hixson offers tax credit to reduce brain drain
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 04, 2008
A local lawmaker hopes a state income tax credit on student loan interest will provide incentive for students to stay in Wisconsin. Representative Kim Hixson is coauthoring the bill with Eau Claire Democrat Jeff Smith. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are signing on as cosponsors. Hixson says the ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Humane society rescues rattlesnake
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 04, 2008
The Rock County Humane Society is calling different agencies to discover what sort of rattlesnake they rescued from a Beloit apartment. Jim Hurley, manager of the Humane Society, says a landlord called and said someone left the snake behind when they moved out. The humane society workers thought it was ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Walworth County supervisor saves dog
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 03, 2008
Joe Schaefer, a 34-year veteran of the Walworth County Board supervisor, saved a dog from a burning building today. A fire at Michals TV repair shop in Lyons this morning killed one dog in an upstairs apartment. Schaefer and Greg Krawczyk, a technician at the shop, tried to get into ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Panel asks for a reprimand of newest Wisconsin justice
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 03, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A special panel of appeals court judges is asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to reprimand one of its own. The three-judge panel says Justice Annette Ziegler committed misconduct while she was a Washington County judge by hearing cases that involved a bank where her husband was ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Six-alarm fire in Walworth County contained
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on January 03, 2008
LYONS—Firefighters from more than 20 departments are still working to put out a six-alarm fire at Michals TV, 6063 S. Railroad St. Business owner James Michals said he opened the store around 9 a.m. He had to stop back home, only a couple blocks away, to pick up something he’d ...Read more, add a comment »
Minister sentenced for having sex with teen student
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 03, 2008
ELKHORN A former youth minister at Grace Church in Burlington was sentenced to three years in prison for having sex with a high school-aged student of his. Scott A. Hoppe, 33, of Woodstock, Ill., had a sexual relationship with the girl, now 20, for more than two years. He was ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Six alarm fire in Walworth County
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 03, 2008
TOWN OF LYONS, Wis. (AP) - A six-alarm fire is burning in Walworth County. Firefighters from Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties have responded to the blaze at a building in the Town of Lyons. The building housed business on the main floor and possibly apartments above. Copyright 2008 by The ...Read more, add a comment »
Reaction to Dreyfus death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 03, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Governor Doyle has ordered U.S. and Wisconsin flags to be flown at half staff at all state properties and military installations to honor the passing of Lee Sherman Dreyfus. The 81-year-old former Republican governor passed away at his Waukesha home last night. Doyle says benefited from ...Read more, add a comment »
Lee Dreyfus has died
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 03, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Former Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus has died. He was 81. His son, Lee Dreyfus Junior, says his father died at home in Waukesha last night while watching TV. The former governor was elected in 1978, upsetting Congressman Bob Kasten in the Republican primary and then defeating ...Read more, add a comment »
Watch election coverage from Iowa
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 03, 2008
Click here to view live coverage from Iowa and New Hampshire on Wednesday and Thursday this week as the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire primary approach. Here is the schedule for Wednesday (subject to change without notice): Now: Mike Huckabee 8:30 a.m. : John Edwards 10:30 a.m. : ...Read more, add a comment »
Mukwonago coach accused of sexually assaulting player
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 03, 2008
MUKWONAGO, Wis. (AP) - A Mukwonago High School girls basketball coach is accused of sexually assaulting a player. Todd Huth is facing five counts of sexual assault of a student by school staff. A criminal complaint says the 16-year-old girl told authorities Huth threatened to cut her from the team ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville City Council primary possible
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 03, 2008
It's unusual, but it's not unheard of. With at least nine candidates receiving ballot status and another two pending, the Janesville City Council will decide Monday whether to hold a primary election for three open seats. Deputy clerk/treasurer Dave Godek says any time an election has more than eight candidates ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Trial set to begin in Elkhorn
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 03, 2008
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) - Jury selection is scheduled in Elkhorn today for the trial of a man accused of poisoning his wife with antifreeze at their Pleasant Prairie home. Court documents show that before she died 10 years ago Julie Jensen told a neighbor, police and her son's teacher that ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville man dies in Whitewater parking lot
Posted by MIKE HEINE on January 02, 2008
WHITEWATER—A Janesville man died outside a propane company on Whitewater’s south side sometime Wednesday morning. Steven F. Haney of Janesville apparently died of natural causes, Lt. Tim Gray said. An autopsy will be held sometime Thursday. Haney had known heart conditions, Walworth County Chief Deputy Coroner Tom Miller said. A ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Packers playoff game causes others to reschedule
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 02, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - The Green Bay Packers playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12th has some organizers rescheduling their events for that day. The Green Bay Gamblers' home game against Cedar Rapids at the nearby Resch Center has been rescheduled to the following day. A science expo ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Two Supreme Court candidates top spring election ballot
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 02, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - No challengers to the two candidates for state Supreme Court are expected to emerge before today's filing deadline. Incumbent Justice Louis Butler submitted the required signatures on December 27. Challenger Burnett County Circuit Judge Michael Gableman was planning to turn his in this afternoon. The deadline ...Read more, add a comment »
739 die in traffic accidents in 2007 in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 02, 2008
WAUSAU, Wis., (AP) - The state Department of Transportation says 739 people died in traffic crashes on Wisconsin roads and highways in 2007. That's up slightly from a year ago when crashes killed 712 people but still significantly below the five-year average of 788 fatalities. According to preliminary reports, the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville trash collection delayed
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 02, 2008
From the city of Janesville: "Due to the holiday and recent winter weather conditions, trash and recycling collection for Wednesday, January 2 will not be completed by the end of the day. If your trash and recycling collection day was Tuesday, January 1, collection will take place Wednesday, January 2, ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Watch election coverage from Iowa
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 02, 2008
Click here to view live coverage from Iowa and New Hampshire on Wednesday and Thursday this week as the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire primary approach. Here is the schedule for Wednesday (subject to change without notice): Hillary Clinton: 9:15am, 12:45pm, 3:30pm. Barack Obama: 9:00am, 4:00pm. Mitt Romney: ...Read more, add a comment »
State's motorists will pay more
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 02, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - Wisconsin motorists will pay more this year in fees. It'll cost 20 dollars more to register your car. Titling it will cost an additional $24.50. Getting or renewing a driver's license will cost $10 more. The fee increases in the New Year are expected to generate about ...Read more, view comments (22) »
New tactic for teacher talks
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on January 02, 2008
JANESVILLE A new year, a fresh start? That seems to be the idea of both Janesville public school teachers and school board members. Talks on a 2007-08 contract have produced conflict but no results thus far. Now comes a new initiative. Superintendent Tom Evert, acting under orders from the school ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Help for smokers in the new year
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 02, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - If one of your New Years' resolutions is to quit smoking, the state wants to help. Starting yesterday, people who call the state's Tobacco Quit Line can get a free two-week starter kick of nicotine medicines. The cost is being covered by the additional one-dollar-per-pack tax ...Read more, view comment (1) »
New drug discount card for Rock County's uninsured
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on January 01, 2008
United Way is offering a nationwide program to help the uninsured pay for prescriptions. The drug discount cards are free, like similar cards offered in the county. Rob Wilkinson, Medicare Part D Specialist for the Rock County Council on Aging, says it's probably best to bring several of the different ...Read more, add a comment »
Tennessee holds off Wisconsin in Outback Bowl
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on January 01, 2008
Tyler Donovan's last pass as a Wisconsin Badger was intercepted in the end zone, and Tennessee held off Wisconsin to win today's Outback Bowl, 21-17, in Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin fell behind 21-7 in the first half as its defense had trouble stopping Tennessee. The Badgers scored before the half and ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville included in film festival
Posted by STEVE BENTON on January 01, 2008
The Beloit International Film Festival is fast approaching and organizers are including Janesville in event activities for the first time. Spokesman, Ron Neif, says one of the "reveal parties" will be in Janesville next week. Neif says they're include Janesville in the excitement because the event is expanding rapidly. Neif ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wisconsin corn farmers have record-breaking harvest
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on January 01, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state's corn growers produced more this year than ever before. Farmers produced 462 million bushels of corn, breaking the previous record of 437 million bushels, set in 1994, according to a December estimate by the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. This year's ...Read more, view comments (2) »
