ADVERTISEMENT
Job center gains workers
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 31, 2008
Gazette Staff and Associated Press MADISON A state plan to consolidate its job assistance programs might mean more employees for the Rock County Job Center. The move comes at a time when Rock County is dealing with downsizing at Janesville’s General Motors plant and layoffs at related businesses such as ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Two arrests in two hours
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 31, 2008
BOSCOBEL, Wis. (AP) — A Lafayette County man was arrested twice in less than two hours for drunken driving on Friday night. The Grant County Sheriff’s Department says the 51-year-old man from the Village of Benton was first arrested around 10:30 p.m. for operating while intoxicated. After being taken to ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Home sweet home for 395th
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 31, 2008
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — About 45 soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve’s Appleton-based 395th Ordnance Company are back in Wisconsin after a year in Iraq. The soldiers are currently undergoing several days of debriefing at Fort McCoy before they return to the Fox Cities by bus. Family Readiness Group Leader ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Saturday road closures for Riverside Park
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 30, 2008
Due to an event being held at Riverside Park on May 31, the north end of the park at the baseball diamond and Parkside Drive will be closed. The upper road will also be closed at Parkhill Road and Parkside Drive. These closures will begin at 5 p.m. and end ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Janesvillian named Stevens Point schools superintendent
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 30, 2008
STEVENS POINT -- The Stevens Point School Board announced Friday that it has chosen Steven K. Johnson as its the new superintendent. Johnson has been an administrator with the Janesville School District for more than 22 years. His current title is director of human and administrative resources. The decision came ...Read more, view comments (9) »
House on fire in Clinton Township
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 30, 2008
CLINTON TOWNSHIP--Several local fire departments are fighting a house fire at 10600 E. County P in Clinton Township, south of the village of Clinton. The fire was reported shortly before 1 p.m. Two residents escaped the fire, but there were pets inside, according to Rock County Communications dispatch reports.Read more, add a comment »
Janesville School Board member resigns
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 30, 2008
JANESVILLE — Janesville School Board member Amy Rashkin is stepping down after 13 months in office. She announced her resignation in an e-mail today. The resignation comes after a tense school board discussion Tuesday about a new administrative position that Superintendent Tom Evert is proposing. Rashkin told fellow board members ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Janesville engineering company to close
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 30, 2008
JANESVILLE -- ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer and ThyssenKrupp Krause announced today they will close their Janesville operations Sept. 30. The company was formerly known locally as Gilman Engineering. The company's news release states that the move is part of a consolidation of manufacturing operations at its Auburn Hills, Mich., facility and ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Palmer wading pool is closed
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 30, 2008
JANESVILLE--Due to mechanical issues, the Palmer Park wading pool is temporarily closed. The pool closed on Friday, May 30, and will be closed through the weekend. Staff anticipates opening the wading pool on Monday if work is done. If you have questions, call city of Janesville Leisure Services at (608) ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Audit reports state food inspections going well
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 30, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new audit says state workers are doing a fairly good job inspecting Wisconsin’s retail food and dairy operations. The Legislative Audit Bureau report released Friday found that between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2007 almost 99 percent of the state Department of Agriculture, Trade ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Slow no-wake ban lifted on Rock River in city and Janesville Township
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 30, 2008
At 5 p.m. today the slow no-wake ban will be removed on waters of the Rock River in the City of Janesville and the town of Janesville. The speed ban has been in place since March as a result of flood conditions. This area of the Rock River is confined ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Firefighters investigating fire at Brittany Apartments in Beloit
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 30, 2008
The Beloit Fire Department is investigating a possible fire at Brittany Apartments, an eight-unit apartment complex, at 1956 Colony Court. A large amount of smoke showing was reported at 4:45 a.m. and building tenants were evacuated. By 5 a.m., police were called to the scene to clear away bystanders and ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Baby killed in driveway accident
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 29, 2008
A 15-month-old girl was killed in Newark Township this morning after she was backed over by a vehicle. Charley M. Brown was pronounced dead at 10:44 a.m. at Rockford Memorial Hospital, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office. Investigators believe Dwayne E. Fellenz, 32, Beloit, was ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Studer surveys delayed
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 29, 2008
JANESVLLE -- A survey of Janesville School District parents that was supposed to be mailed out last week has been delayed, the district announced. The surveys, being conducted by The Studer Group, were mailed out May 22 or 23, said Paul Frederick of The Studer Group. But locally, the district ...Read more, add a comment »
Judge denies water sampling at Larson Acres
Posted by GINA DUWE on May 29, 2008
JANESVILLE--A Rock County judge denied a request this morning from the town of Magnolia to take water samples from the Larson Acres property. The parties are in court because the town and a group of neighbors are appealing the state livestock siting board’s decision, which overturned some conditions the town ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Lawton apologizes for “scabs” comment
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2008
KEWAUNEE, Wis. (AP) — The lieutenant governor is apologizing for using the word “scabs” to describe replacement workers at Kewaunee Fabrication. Barbara Lawton used the word a couple of times while visiting striking union workers outside the Kewaunee plant earlier this week. Boilermakers Local 487 has been on strike since ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Debris found in Wis. more than 100 miles from Iowa tornado
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2008
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin residents have been finding debris from a tornado that struck Sunday more than 100 miles away in Iowa. Prairie du Chien police Chief Mike King says most of what has turned up in his Crawford County community are lightweight materials, such as photographs, ...Read more, add a comment »
United Way expects pledge shortfall
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 29, 2008
Fearing that givers will fall $100,000 short of their 2007 pledges, United Way of North Rock County is cutting funding to agencies 7 percent for the second half of 2008. And if more pledges or donations don’t come in, agencies might see more cuts for 2009. The United Way collected ...Read more, add a comment »
Fatal crash victim ID released
Posted by STEVE BENTON on May 29, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A Beloit woman is identified as the victim of Wednesday's fatal one car crash in the Town of Turtle. The Rock County Sheriff's Department says 22-year-old Katherine Fernihough was pronounced dead at the scene of severe head trauma. She was ejected from the car after it ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Teen to face trial on charges of posting nude pic on MySpace
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2008
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — A La Crosse teen accused of posting nude pictures of a 16-year-old girl on his MySpace page has been bound over for trial. Seventeen-year-old Alex Phillips stood mute at a preliminary hearing Wednesday, so the court recorded not-guilty pleas to the charges of child pornography, ...Read more, view comments (16) »
IRS closes Country Furniture by Schulers
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 28, 2008
UPDATE: Fulton Township home destroyed
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 28, 2008
A family of six is homeless tonight after a fire destroyed their home in Fulton Township. Firefighters were called to 11636 N. Heritage Ridge around 1:30 p.m. and found the home engulfed in flames. Owners Scot and Lynn Eisenbraun and two of their four children were not home at the ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Supreme Court reprimands one of its own
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2008
MADISON — The Wisconsin Supreme Court publicly reprimanded one of its members Wednesday for violating the judicial code — the first time the court has disciplined one of its own. Justice Annette Ziegler escaped with the lightest punishment possible from her colleagues on the high court. She could have been ...Read more, view comments (6) »
House fire in Fulton
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 28, 2008
The Edgerton Fire Department is fighting a residential fire in Fulton Township. A call came in for the fire at 11636 N. Heritage Ridge St. at 1:28 p.m., a Rock County Communication dispatcher said. Several other fire departments were called to mutual aid. The dispatcher did not know if the ...Read more, add a comment »
UW-Madison chancellor candidate recommended
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2008
MADISON — Cornell University Provost Carolyn “Biddy” Martin was recommended Wednesday as the next chancellor at UW-Madison. A Board of Regents committee and UW System President Kevin Reilly recommended Martin for the job out of three finalists. She has accepted, but her appointment won’t be complete until confirmed by the ...Read more, add a comment »
Washington Road reopened in Fulton Township
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 28, 2008
FULTON TOWNSHIP--Hal Mayer, highway superintendent for the Rock County Department of Public Works, announced this afternoon that Washington Road from Hartzel Road to Stebbinsville Road in Fulton Township has been reopened after flood waters receded. Contact Mayer at (608) 757-5465 if with questions.Read more, add a comment »
UW-Madison to revisit idea of raising tuition for engineers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2008
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is reviving a proposal that would require engineering students to pay $1,400 more in tuition than other undergraduates. The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the proposal next week. If approved, tuition for engineering majors would go up $600 next fall and $400 in ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville man arrested in fatal accident
Posted by STEVE BENTON on May 28, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A 23 year old Janesville man faces felony charges in a fatal traffic accident Wednesday morning. Rock County sheriff's deputies arrested Richard K. Bennett of at Beloit Memorial Hospital following a one vehicle accident on South Townhall Road in the Town of Turtle. Sgt. Jude Maurer ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wisconsin drops out of top 10 tax states
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — New research bumps Wisconsin from the ten highest-taxed states in the nation for the first time since 1980. Two analyzes of recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows Wisconsin’s taxes increased in the fiscal year ending June 2006, the latest figures available — but that other ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Simmons calls back laid off workers
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 28, 2008
After a difficult six weeks, there’s finally some good news associated with layoffs in Janesville. Simmons Co., a Janesville mattress manufacturer, has called back about 45 of the 71 employees it laid off at the end of April. “I wasn’t expecting it quite this fast, but our business hasn’t been ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville School Board member hopes for district job
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 28, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville School Board commissioner Amy Rashkin hopes to apply for a staff development job the school district may create. Commissioner Tim Cullen says that's inappropriate. He says the school board is not a job-creating agency for its members. Commissioner Kevin Murray also voiced opposition to the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
McCain focuses on raising money in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2008
Wisconsin Republicans who lined up behind home state favorite Tommy Thompson in the early days of the presidential race are now being courted by Arizona Sen. John McCain as he looks to shore up support in the upper Midwest. Many of those former Thompson backers are expected to open their ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wisconsin Assembly to attempt budget veto overrides
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Assembly will try to override the governor’s vetoes on the state budget repair bill. Lawmakers passed a bill earlier this month that would solve the state’s $527 million shortfall in part by ordering state agencies to cut $69 million. The bill specified school aid, ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wisconsin governor signs Great Lakes compact
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle has signed an interstate treaty that would prevent arid states from drawing water from the Great Lakes. Wisconsin became the fifth state to ratify the Great Lakes Compact when Doyle approved it Tuesday during a ceremony along Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The eight Great ...Read more, add a comment »
GM speeds up pickup truck production cut at Flint factory
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2008
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Corp. says it will speed up production cuts at a pickup truck factory in Flint that had been closed due to a strike at a parts supply company. GM spokesman Tony Sapienza said Tuesday it’s unclear when the Flint plant will restart production. When it ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Rock Aqua Jays will perform Wednesday show
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 27, 2008
Although the Rock Aqua Jays canceled Memorial Day weekend shows due to high water on the Rock River, the local amateur water ski show club will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday on the river at Traxler Park. Performances are free and twice weekly—Wednesday and Sunday—through Labor Day weekend. Shows begin ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Freeze warnings for parts of Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2008
UNDATED (AP) - Some Wisconsinites enjoyed 80-degree temperatures on Memorial Day. But, what a difference a day makes - about 40 degrees difference. The bottom dropped out of temperatures last night, triggering freeze warnings for northern Wisconsin. The drop in the mercury is courtesy of Canadian high pressure, which has ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Doyle set to sign Great Lakes Compact today
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2008
Governor Doyle is set to finally sign the Great Lakes Compact today. That's the treaty that generally bans the diversion of water outside the lakes' basin. Cities that straddle the basin's border or lie within counties that straddle the border could apply for an exemption. State lawmakers have been working ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Interstate cameras to be installed
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 26, 2008
MADISON After a slow response during a winter storm left some 2,000 vehicles stranded on Interstate 90/30, the state says it’ll place highway cameras in the Janesville area. Officials also say they’re looking at putting more gates on highway on-ramps, and they’ll hold a drill next month to help them ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Man arrested in Milwaukee stabbing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 25, 2008
MILWAUKEE Police have arrested a 70-year-old man accused of stabbing to death a 65-year-old woman in a downtown parking garage Sunday. Police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said Elisabeth K. Witte, Whitefish Bay, was stabbed multiple times about 12:40 a.m. Sunday. Police found Witte on the ground and the man next ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Hart waives preliminary hearing
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on May 23, 2008
ELKHORN--The 17-year-old Genoa City girl accused of killing a man in a November drunken-driving crash waived her right to a preliminary hearing Friday afternoon. Krystal A. Hart is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle, obstructing an officer and bail jumping.Read more, view comments (6) »
Feds looking into Wis. travel contract case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 23, 2008
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is investigating the prosecution of Georgia Thompson, a Wisconsin state employee wrongly imprisoned for corruption. The department makes the revelation in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, which released it this week. The Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating allegations of „selective ...Read more, add a comment »
Clinton teachers have tentative contract agreement
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 23, 2008
CLINTON—The Clinton School District and teachers union have a tentative agreement on the 2007-2009 contract, board President Randy Gracyalny said Friday. Gracyalny would not share contract details because the teachers and board have not seen them. The district had a mediation session May 19 and agreed on part of the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Investigation reveals no illegal porn on former Clinton janitor's computer
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 23, 2008
JANESVILLE--The Rock County Sheriff's Office this morning said no illegal material was found on computers taken in March from the home of a former Clinton Elementary School janitor. Reports from the investigation have not been filed, and it's too soon to know whether there is probable cause for the sheriff's ...Read more, view comments (59) »
Janesville administrator candidate for superintendent job
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 23, 2008
JANESVILLE -- A top Janesville School District administrator is one of two candidates for the job of superintendent of the Stevens Point School District. Steve Johnson, director of human and administrative services for the Janesville district, confirmed this morning that he is a candidate in Stevens Point. The Stevens Point ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Some river restrictions lifted
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 23, 2008
The towns of Milton and Fulton lifted their slow, no-wake restrictions on the Rock River today. However, slow, no-wake restrictions will remain in effect on the river in Janesville Township and in the city of Janesville through the weekend and into next week. Clear Lake in Milton Township also remains ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Attention for jail diversion program
Posted by STAN STRICKER on May 23, 2008
Rock County's Jail Diversion Programs may be attracting national attention. Rock County Sheriff Bob Spoden says USA Today is planning on doing a feature article on methods to relieve jail overcrowding. Spoden says jail diversion programs like electronic monitoring have reduced the inmate population by almost 100 prisoners. The impact ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wausau mother given probation in baby’s death arrested again
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 22, 2008
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — A mother given a second chance by a judge after her child died while she was high on methamphetamine has been arrested again. Everest Metro Police records say 26-year-old Jessica Kasten of Wausau was arrested Wednesday night and cited for drunken driving. Records say her two ...Read more, view comments (15) »
One pleads guilty in murder of Miller executive
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 22, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — One of three people charged with taking the life of a Miller Brewing Company executive during a robbery has pleaded guilty to felony murder. Seventeen-year-old Carlos Gonzalez entered the plea just before his final pretrial hearing, which was scheduled for Thursday. Lodewikus “Vic” Milford was fatally shot ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Fire causes extensive damage to apartment complex
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 22, 2008
FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (AP) - Fire has caused extensive damage to an apartment complex in Fort Atkinson. The complex includes 32 apartment units. About one-third of the building's roof collapsed as more than 50 area firefighters worked the fire overnight Wednesday. No injuries have been reported. Residents of the 32 ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Janesville City Council will consider new fire station in August
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 22, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: City Manager Steve Sheiffer hopes to gain City Council approval for a new fire station before he retires in September. As part of a city facilities tour, Sheiffer told the council the city also needs a fifth ambulance for the city on its west side. That ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Charter outages affect Rock County customers
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 21, 2008
The outage originates with a third-party network provider who has sustained damage to their network and began around 8:00 A.M. Wednesday.
Read more,
view comments (30) »
Another Beloit man arrested on federal drug charges
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on May 21, 2008
BELOIT--Another suspect involved in a cocaine ring has been arrested, according to Beloit police. Marquell Hardnett, 23, Beloit, was arrested Tuesday morning after turning himself in. He previously was considered a fugitive. Local and federal authorities arrested 10 other suspects Thursday and Friday. They face charges including conspiracy to distribute ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Could Milton College be a college again?
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 21, 2008
A study from UW-Whitewater's Wisconsin Innovation Service Center suggested making Milton College the hub of the city as a way to make Milton a tourist destination. The study, presented to the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism this afternoon, suggested working with Blackhawk Technical College to make the ...Read more, view comments (25) »
McCain in Milwaukee next week
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 21, 2008
MILWAUKEE — Republican presidential candidate John McCain will be in Milwaukee next week for a fundraiser where tickets start at $1,000. The Arizona senator’s campaign Web site says he will be at a reception at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center on Thursday, May 29. Tickets to the main reception at ...Read more, view comments (5) »
UPDATED: Power restored in Milton
Posted by GINA DUWE on May 21, 2008
MILTON—Power is restored to about 800 Milton customers after Alliant Energy had an equipment failure at United Ethanol, triggering a reaction through the power grid this morning, Alliant Energy spokesman Steve Schultz said. A switch gear failed at the ethanol plant, causing a loss of power to all customers on ...Read more, view comment (1) »
FEMA reimbursements to cover much of Feb. snow storm costs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 21, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Federal officials have agreed to reimburse local governments in Wisconsin for three-fourths of the cost of a severe snow storm in February. Local governments in 11 Wisconsin counties spent $11.3 million during the storm in early February. Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter says the Federal ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Parking tops concerns for Janesville dog owners
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 21, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: People who use the Palmer Park dog exercise area are telling Janesville city officials they want to see ways to keep their dogs safe from traffic, and increased parking. The dog owners discussed different ways to accomplish those requests at a neighborhood meeting Tuesday night. A ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Janesville police give tip on MySpace nude photos
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 21, 2008
A La Crosse teen faces felony charges involving nude photos of a 16-year-old girl that he posted on his MySpace page. Seventeen-year-old Alex Phillips made an initial appearance Tuesday in La Crosse County Circuit Court on charges of possession of child pornography, sexual exploitation of a child and defamation. Authorities ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Milton High estimate at $67 million
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 20, 2008
A new high school in Milton could cost about $67.2 million, according to an estimate from Miron Construction. The company offered an initial estimate at the high school design team meeting tonight. The estimate included a pool, a four-station gym and a kitchen that would serve the entire district. It ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Child abuse expert says society becoming desensitized to sex
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 20, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A child abuse prevention expert says what was considered outrageous years ago is now the norm. Cordelia Anderson spoke Tuesday in Milwaukee at the national convention of Prevent Child Abuse America. Anderson displayed images such as Calvin Klein jeans ads and pictures of JonBenet Ramsey, the child ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Janesville GM buyout number over 450
Posted by STEVE BENTON on May 20, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: JANESVILLE — The list of Janesville GM employees ready to take the latest buyout offer reached 453 Tuesday morning according to UAW local 95 President, Brad Dutcher. He says he expects the number to grow to at least 500 by Thursday, the deadline. Employees would then ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Sen. Kennedy has malignant brain tumor
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 20, 2008
A cancerous brain tumor caused the seizure Sen. Edward M. Kennedy suffered over the weekend, doctors said Tuesday in a grim diagnosis for one of American politics’ most enduring figures. Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say tests conducted after Kennedy suffered a seizure this weekend show a tumor in his ...Read more, view comments (40) »
Nine counties violate ozone standards
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 20, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Nine Wisconsin counties violate the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for ozone pollution. The eastern Wisconsin counties are among 85 nationally that fail to meet the standards, requiring companies to operate under more restrictive rules against pollution. The counties include Door, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Triple homicide suspect pleads not guilty
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 20, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: 49-year-old James Koepp pleads not guilty to three counts of first degree intentional homicide in Rock County Court Monday afternoon. The charges carry three consecutive life sentences. Court Commissioner Charles Holznecht conducted the arraignment via telephone, since the video conferencing equipment wasn't connecting to Koepp at ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Clinton reaches tentative benefits agreement after mediation
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 19, 2008
CLINTON—Negotiators came to a tentative agreement Monday in mediation on early retirement benefits for teachers in the Clinton School District, district negotiator and school board President Randy Gracyalny said. Negotiators did not agree on salaries after Monday’s all-day session, Gracyalny said. Neither side was willing to share details of negotiations ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin governor to discuss economy, environment in Canada
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle is heading north to discuss the environment and economy with leaders in Canada. Doyle’s office says he left Monday to visit Winnipeg, Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto. The secretaries of the Natural Resources and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Aqua Jays cancel Memorial Day shows
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 19, 2008
You need water for water skiing. Just not too much water. The Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team is canceling its Memorial Day weekend shows due to continued high water conditions. The team was slated to perform their first show of the season this Sunday evening and again on ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Milwaukee teen pleads guilty in group sexual assault of girl
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 19, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Milwaukee teen accused of participating in the group sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl has pleaded guilty. Seventeen-year-old Terrell Jefferson entered the plea Monday morning in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. He was charged with one felony count of first-degree sexual assault of a child. He faces ...Read more, view comments (6) »
10 men face federal drug charges
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on May 19, 2008
MADISON--The United States Attorney's Office announced Monday that federal drug charges have been brought against 10 men after a 1 1/2-year investigation by the Rock County Safe Streets Task Force. A federal grand jury returned six indictments charging eight men and two criminal complaints against two other men. The men ...Read more, view comments (42) »
City of Beloit offers incentives to retain jobs
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 19, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The City of Beloit is poised to enter into a development agreement with Genencor, an enzyme manufacturer that decided to close its Beloit operations in 2005. City Economic Development Director Andrew Janke says in 2006, the company began researching ways to convert the facility into a ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. still falls short with minority contracts
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 19, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state government made gains last year, but again failed on its goal of hiring minority-owned companies for 5 percent of spending on goods and services. The goal, contained in state law, has been in effect since 1984 and has never been met. A report from ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Graffiti, bomb threat found at school
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 19, 2008
JANESVILLE A bomb threat found written on doors at Kennedy Elementary School this morning prompted a search inside the school and police combing the neighborhood, but school went on as normal, said Principal Niel Bender. The threat included “racial inferences” in addition to a threat of an explosion today at ...Read more, add a comment »
Effort under way to "save the wall"
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 19, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A movement is under way at Janesville's Italian House restaurant to "save the wall". Shortly after announcing plans to relocate into the old Hardee's restaurant next door, owner Edmund Halabi says people became very interested in what's going to happen to a wall inside the restaurant. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Janesville police introduce new K9 unit
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 19, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Karo, the Janesville Police Department's K9 unit, is ready to start work. K9 Officer Glen Hageman has worked with the German Shepherd for about a month and a half. Karo stays with the Hageman family, joining Glen and Amy's two young sons and their family dog. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Mother claims bicycle accident, authorities claim shooting
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 18, 2008
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) — A Sheboygan woman already accused of shooting her daughter with a BB gun to win a $1 bet now faces charges of violating her bond. In a criminal complaint filed Friday, 28-year-old Angelique R. Vandeberg was charged with felony bail jumping for drinking alcohol. Vandeberg had ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Man really annoyed with county government
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 18, 2008
RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (AP) — A man accused in day-long standoff with deputies — that ended after an exchange of gunfire, deployment of tear gas and a fire — wouldn’t talk directly about whether he fired a gun. But Bob Bayliss, 60, did tell the Wisconsin State Journal of his ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Underage drinker crashes conveniently
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 18, 2008
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — La Crosse police didn’t have to go far to apprehend one underage drinker this weekend. Authorities say the 17-year-old girl was arrested Saturday morning after her car struck a tree near the police department. According to a police report, she and her two passengers had ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Illinois beef recalled from Wisconsin
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 18, 2008
CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago-based company has recalled an “undetermined amount of beef products” distributed in 11 states, including Wisconsin, due to an E. coli scare, federal officials announced Saturday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said no illnesses were reported Saturday with the voluntary recall from JSM Meat Holdings Co. ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Deceased theater student awarded degree
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 18, 2008
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — A theater student who died in a fire has been awarded the first “extraordinary” degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Peter J. Talen, 23, was killed in a house fire near UW-Madison in November. Talen had been a student at UW-La Crosse, but took ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Couple attacked in home
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 17, 2008
COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. (AP) — The Dane County sheriff’s department is investigating a home invasion in which an intruder pistol-whipped two residents. The sheriff’s department says the male entered a Cottage Grove apartment around 1:40 a.m. Saturday morning. The two people injured, a 63-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman, were ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Sen. Kennedy hospitalized
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 17, 2008
BOSTON (AP) — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was airlifted to a hospital Saturday after suffering a seizure at his home, and did not appear to have had a stroke as initially suspected, his spokeswoman said. The 76-year-old Democrat, the lone surviving son in a famed political family, was undergoing tests ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Hairy pig fascinates cheeseheads
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 17, 2008
VIROQUA, Wis. (AP) — A steady stream of vehicles pulled along the shoulder of the road to get a look at it: an enormous, hairy pig that apparently had been hit by a vehicle. “I took a look to see if it had any tusks,” Andy Sherry of Viroqua said. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Ryan suggests a "gut check"
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 17, 2008
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan says it’s “gut check time” for Wisconsin’s Republicans. Speaking at the party’s annual convention on Saturday, the Republican from Janesville says Democrats are on offense and it’s time for Republicans to “find out who we really are.” Echoing a theme made ...Read more, view comments (132) »
Man found dead along bike trail in Racine
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 17, 2008
ROCHESTER, Wis. (AP) — The Racine County sheriff’s department is investigating the death of a man whose body was found along a bike trail. Sheriff’s Lt. Bob Zortman says fisherman along the Fox River found the body of white, middle-aged man and notified the department around 8 p.m. Friday. He ...Read more, view comments (3) »
UAW, American Axle reach tentative agreement
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 17, 2008
DETROIT - About 3,600 workers at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. will find out soon whether a new contract was worth 80 days without a company paycheck. Bargainers for the United Auto Workers reached a tentative agreement with the company on Friday that could end a bitter strike against ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Lear announces lay offs
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 16, 2008
On Friday, Lear Corp. notified the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that the company would lay off 336 employees on July 14. Earlier this month, sources told the Gazette that Lear would lay off between 275 and 350 people, because of changes at Janesville General Motors Assembly Plant. In late ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Town of Beloit lifts slow/no wake
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 16, 2008
BELOIT TOWNSHIP--The Town of Beloit has requested that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office remove the slow/no wake zone for the portion of Rock River that flows through the township effective today, according to a press release from the sherrif's office. The request was made by town board Chairman Greg Groves, ...Read more, add a comment »
Doyle orders more cuts to budget, vetoes delay in school aid
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 16, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle has used his partial veto power to order state agencies to cut deeper and ensure schools will get promised aid payments on time. Doyle signed a bill Friday designed to fill a $527 million deficit in the current state budget brought on by ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Hearing examiner says Wis. DOT secretary abused discretion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 16, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state hearing examiner has determined that Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi abused his discretion when he transferred his chief counsel out of a job. The proposed decision by Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission hearing examiner Kurt Stege says 64-year-old Jim Thiel can have his old job ...Read more, add a comment »
Workers say union no longer effective
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 16, 2008
JANESVILLE “Just let us vote.” That’s the sentiment of hundreds of Woodman’s Food Market employees who say that United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1473 has worn out its welcome as the bargaining unit for the grocer’s 950 workers at stores in Janesville, Beloit and Madison. Earlier this year, ...Read more, view comments (17) »
City of Janesville cancels 4,500 delinquent water account notices
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 16, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Chances are if you've recently received a notice about a delinquent water account from the City of Janesville, you can disregard it. Administrative Analyst Peter Riggs says an addressing error occurred during the mailing of the notices. Some of the 4,500 notices were sent to the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Staskal will not be placed at group home
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on May 15, 2008
MADISON The operator of the adult family home in Madison that was to be Mark Staskal’s new home has decided not to accept him. Attorneys on both sides of the case confirmed early Thursday afternoon that Brighter Life Living, 924 E. Mifflin St., Madison, will not take Staskal as a ...Read more, view comments (39) »
Up to 40 percent of Wis. National Guard could be deployed
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The head of the Wisconsin National Guard says up to 40 percent of his soldiers may be headed overseas next year. Brigadier General Don Dunbar says 3,200 soldiers are expected to be mobilized to Iraq in early 2009. He says a few other Guard units might ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Brewers sign slugger Braun to $45 million contract
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 15, 2008
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers signed Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun to an eight-year, $45 million contract. The contract includes this season and a seven-year extension, meaning Braun will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2015 season, general manager Doug Melvin announced Thursday. The deal exceeds ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Wis. developer that lost building deal can’t sue state
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 15, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A developer that claims it lost a major building contract for political reasons cannot sue Gov. Jim Doyle’s administration for damages. The District 4 Court of Appeals has upheld a judge’s dismissal of the lawsuit by Prism, which was a bidder on a $68 million construction ...Read more, add a comment »
Cleanup from I-90 rollover
Posted by STEVE BENTON on May 15, 2008
Cleaning up the mess from a semi rollover at the I-90 and Highway 11 ramp may take awhile. The State Patrol and local officials say the mishap occurred around t2:00 a.m. as the driver was exiting I-90 to check his load. Officials say the truck was carrying cedar shingles, tools, ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Rock County ranks 13th in tourism spending
Posted by STAN STRICKER on May 15, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A state study shows tourism spending in Rock County totaled more than $233 million last year. Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christine Rebout is pleased Rock County ranked 13th in the state for spending. Rebout considers the ranking good, considering it compares to areas ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Koepp arraignment postponed
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 15, 2008
The arraignment of a man accused of killing a Janesville woman and her two teenage children is being postponed due to technical problems. 49-year-old James Koepp faces three counts of first degree intentional homicide in the January 2007 deaths. He was to appear via video from Columbia Correctional Institution, but ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Most Wisconsin House members vote against farm bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House passed a farm bill by a 3-1 measure Wednesday, but most Wisconsin members voted against it, concluding that the bill didn't do enough to rein in payments to wealthy farmers during a time of high food prices. Wisconsin House members rejected the bill on 5-3 ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Memorial Day parade route, main ceremony location changed
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 14, 2008
The Janesville Memorial Day parade route and location of the holiday’s main ceremony have been changed. “We knew we would have to alter the route if Traxler Park didn’t dry out,’’ said Tom Stehura, parade organizer, who also is a member of the Janesville Patriotic Society and Vietnam Veterans of ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wisconsin Senate passes Great Lakes compact
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Senate has ratified the Great Lakes Compact — again. The compact is designed to block arid states from taking water from the lakes. It needs approval from all eight Great Lake states and Congress before it takes effect. Four states have approved the deal ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Family gets $21 million settlement in Door County explosion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The three children of a Michigan couple killed in an explosion in Door County will receive a settlement worth more than $21 million, according to court documents. The teenage children of Patrick and Margaret Higdon and adult relatives filed a suit in U.S. District Court in Green ...Read more, add a comment »
Single lane closure, I-39 westbound, Rock County
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 14, 2008
From Wisconsin DOT: Maintenance work is taking place today on a portion of the westbound lanes of Interstate 39/90 in Rock County. Single lane closures will occur at the I-39/90 bridge over County M between Newville and Janesville. Motorists may encounter delays. The work will be completed today.Read more, view comments (2) »
Fire UPDATE: streets open, fire out
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 14, 2008
Janesville firefighters remained on scene of a condominium fire that broke out at 4301 E. Milwaukee St. early this morning. The call came in at 5:26 a.m. when police were asked to block off traffic on streets in the area. Owner Nancy MacDonald was awakened by a smoke detector. When ...Read more, add a comment »
Early morning house fire shuts down traffic
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 14, 2008
Janesville police have been asked to shut down traffic in the area of the 4300 block of East Milwaukee Street and Alpine Drive after the report of a house fire around 5:30 a.m. today. Residents reported flames coming from the basement of the duplex at 4301 E. Milwaukee St. at ...Read more, add a comment »
Repair bill may not cover state budget shortfall
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2008
MADISON — The budget-balancing plan the Senate passed Tuesday would still leave the state nearly $1.7 billion short three years from now. The nonpartisan legislative Fiscal Bureau delivered that news to Republican state lawmakers in two separate briefings just before the Democratic-controlled Senate voted 17-16 along largely partisan lines to ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Milton teachers want to resume negotiations
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Milton Education Association hopes to return to negotiations with the school board. MEA President Shelly Kress says since there haven't been any face-to-face meetings, there isn't a major sticking point now, except that the school board won't meet with MEA negotiators. She says the last ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Gov. orders tracking of offenders by race
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 13, 2008
MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle has ordered state law enforcement agencies to begin tracking offenders’ race. The order means the state Office of Justice Assistance and the Transportation and Corrections departments must track traffic citations, arrests, charges, sentencing and parole revocations by race and jurisdiction. Doyle says he also will ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Patient on Med Flight that crashed in Wisconsin has died
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 13, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The patient transported by a Med Flight helicopter that later crashed died hours after arriving at a La Crosse hospital, a coroner said Tuesday. The elderly woman died early Sunday after suffering bleeding in her brain, Crawford County Coroner Joe Morovitz said. The University of Wisconsin ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Staskal move approved
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on May 13, 2008
A Rock County judge ruled this morning that Mark Staskal will move from Mendota Mental Health Institute to an adult group on East Mifflin Street in Madison. Judge Michael Byron approved a conditional-release plan developed under the auspices of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services to place Staskal ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Traffic blocked on Highway 14 east of Janesville
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 13, 2008
LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP--A jack-knifed semitrailer truck is blocking both lanes of traffic at Van Allen Road and highways 11 and 14, a Rock County 911 Center dispatcher said. The accident took place at about 11 a.m. Emergency workers have called a tow truck to pull the vehicle from the ditch, ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Judge upholds DNR in Koshkonong case
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 13, 2008
A Rock County judge has upheld the DNR and a previous court decision regarding water levels on Lake Koshkonong. The DNR in 2005 denied a request from the Rock Koshkonong Lake District to raise the lake's level 7 inches in the summer and eliminate winter drawdowns. The lake district appealed ...Read more, view comments (29) »
Swat team training
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 13, 2008
From the Janesville Police Department: On Tuesday, May 13th, the Janesville Police Department Swat Team will be conducting a training exercise at 2807 Afton Rd. The training will take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. We do not expect any traffic or noise disruptions to occur ...Read more, add a comment »
Woman "drives through" Janesville Taco Bell
Posted by STEVE BENTON on May 13, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: JANESVILLE — The Taco Bell at Highway 14 and Pontiac in Janesville sustained extensive damage Monday night when a patron drove through the wall of the women's restroom. Janesville police say the 55-year-old female driver told them she wasn't feeling well, and hit the gas instead ...Read more, view comments (48) »
Fire engulfs Madison fraternity house
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 13, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Fire has consumed a fraternity house at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, leaving about two dozen residents without their belongings in the midst of final exams. Hundreds of students gathered early Tuesday morning as the Sigma Phi Epsilon three-story house went up in flames. A police officer ...Read more, add a comment »
Council reopens Riverside wading pool
Posted by STAN STRICKER on May 13, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A bit of summertime fun is coming back to Janesville. The city council Monday night approved funding to reopen the Riverside Park Wading pool. City Leisure Services Director Mike Williams says an opening date of June 28th is planned. The council approved $62,000 for start up ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Private vigil commemorates boy killed in fire
Posted by STAN STRICKER on May 13, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Neighbors and relatives gathered at a private vigil Monday evening to remember seven-year-old Derek Mattingly, who was killed in a weekend fire in Janesville. Next-door neighbor Sheila Miller says she remembers Derek loved to go everywhere with his grandmother. She says whenever he heard his grandmother ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Edgerton principal recommends cuts
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 12, 2008
As expected, Edgerton High School Principal Jim Halberg recommended cutting one English teacher and one special education teacher in 2009-10 at tonight's school board meeting. The high school has to cut $200,000 in staff that year because of dropping enrollment and a change in the state funding structure. Cutting an ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Sex offender released in Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 12, 2008
JANESVILLE--Janesville police are notifying the public of a convicted sex offender's release from Rock Valley Community Programs halfway house into the community. Kenneth G. Ashmore, 45, was released Monday from the Rock Valley facility between Beloit and Janesville, according to a Janesville police news release. He has established residence in ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Wis. budget deal delays school payments, cuts state spending
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A deal to solve Wisconsin’s $527 million shortfall relies on a $125 million delay in aid payments to schools but not a new hospital tax advocated by Gov. Jim Doyle and Democrats. The Legislature is to vote later this week on the deal announced Monday. It ...Read more, view comments (3) »
No night goggles, warning system on crashed Wis. helicopter
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A company spokesman says the medical helicopter that crashed in Wisconsin did not have two pieces of safety equipment recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board. Mike Allen, senior vice president at Denver-based Air Methods, says the helicopter was not equipped with a computerized voice system ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Wisconsin lawmakers reach deal on $527M budget shortfall
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers say they have reached a deal to solve the state’s $527 million budget shortfall. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker’s office says a deal has been reached and details will be announced at a late Monday morning news conference in the Capitol Republican Assembly ...Read more, view comments (11) »
NTSB on scene of medical helicopter crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The National Transportation Safety Board said today it has an investigator on the scene of a fatal medical helicopter crash in the town of Onalaska. The work now begins to determine what caused the crash of a UW Hospital Med Flight late Saturday that killed all ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Janesville City Council to explore new forms of public participation
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville City Council President Amy Loasching wants to change the public comment portion of city council meetings, so citizens with concerns not on the agenda do not have to wait until the end of meetings to voice them. The city administration performed a peer city review ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Three killed in Med Flight crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 11, 2008
MADISON -- A medical helicopter on a return flight after dropping off a patient crashed after takeoff, killing the surgeon, nurse and pilot aboard, officials said Sunday. The University of Wisconsin Hospital Med Flight helicopter was returning to Madison on Saturday night from the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La ...Read more, view comments (4) »
State warns online cigarette buyers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 10, 2008
MADISON — The state’s Revenue Department has sent out more than 1,000 letters this year to smokers who bought cigarettes online telling them to stop buying cigarettes that way or to pay the $1.77-per-pack state tax that’s now in effect. The letters could mean the smokers could be billed if ...Read more, view comments (47) »
Accident slows Interstate at Janesville
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 10, 2008
JANESVILLE -- Traffic is down to one lane in either direction after a four-vehicle accident on Interstate 90/39 at Janesville. The accident occurred around 4:20 p.m., apparently in the northbound lanes, north of the Racine Street overpass. Janesville fire and police units, along with the State Patrol, responded to the ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Fire update: Deceased child identified
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 10, 2008
JANESVILLE -- The Janesville Police Department released the name of the boy who died as a result of a west-side house fire this morning. He is Derek R.J. Mattingly, 7. The fire call went out shortly before 8 a.m. this morning at 327 N. Palm St. Derek Mattingly's parents were ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Controlled burn at old county farm today
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 10, 2008
JANESVILLE -- The Janesville Fire Department planned to burn a large barn today at the Rock County complex off of North County F. The controlled burn was planned as a mutual-aid drill with five to seven other fire departments participating, according to a statement the fire department released this morning. ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Child dies in Janesville fire
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 10, 2008
JANESVILLE -- A 7-year-old boy is dead, and his 2-year-old brother was flown by helicopter for treatment after a fire on Janesville's west side this morning, the fire department reported. Firefighters responded shortly after 8 a.m. to the fire at 327 N. Palm St., an older house that was divided ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Beloit shooting injures three
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 10, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Three people are injured in a Beloit shooting shortly before 3:00 a.m. Saturday. Captain Bill Tyler says Beloit police responded to multiple reports of shots being fired in the 1200 block of Randall Avenue. Officers located a house that had been struck by several rounds. Police ...Read more, view comments (40) »
Lake Mills native sets UW-Madison record
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 09, 2008
MADISON – Junior Amanda Hoeppner set a UW-Madison record in the hammer throw to lead the Badgers on the first day of the Wisconsin Twilight track and field meet on Friday. The Lake Mills native won the invitational hammer with a school record throw of 187 feet. She broke a ...Read more, add a comment »
Waukesha plant announces closing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 09, 2008
WAUKESHA — Envirotest Wisconsin plans to close its Waukesha plant as of July 1, resulting in as many as 105 permanent layoffs there and at 11 other locations, state officials said Friday. The Department of Workforce Development said it was working with regional partners to help the affected employees. The ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Woman's remains found in occupied house
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 09, 2008
NECEDAH — A sheriff’s deputy discovered the remains of a 90-year-old woman on a toilet in a house she shared with a woman and two children, authorities said Friday. Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth charged 35-year-old Tammy Lewis and 57-year-old Alan Bushey (pronounced “boo-SHAY”) with two felony counts of ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Wis. governor avoids questions while budget talks continue
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 09, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Gov. Jim Doyle refused to discuss the state's budget Friday, as lawmakers continued their search for a solution to the state's expected $527 million shortfall. Legislative leaders met Thursday with a representative from the governor's budget office but did not emerge with a deal. They and ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Telfer to be UW-Whitewater chancellor
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 09, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The interim chancellor at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been recommended as its next leader. Richard Telfer says he looks forward to leading the university where he has worked 23 years. UW System President Kevin Reilly and a Board of Regents special committee are recommending Telfer from ...Read more, add a comment »
Schneider National cuts top speed to 60 mph
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 09, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — One of the nation’s largest trucking companies is cutting the top speed for its 10,600 rigs to 60 mph. Green Bay-based Schneider National says a top speed of 60 mph will save the company nearly 4 million gallons of fuel a year. Even if a ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Footville bank robbery suspect sentenced
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 09, 2008
A Rockford, Ill., man convicted in a Footville bank robbery received a shortest prison sentence so far among those convicted in the case. Donald Thompson, 21, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years and four months behind bars in the Nov. 9 robbery. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb said Thompson’s sentence ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Milton School District to change the way employees handle cash
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 09, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Milton School District is changing the way its employees handle money. District Business Manager Diane Meyer says the change in policy is in direct response to thefts by a former employee. Melinda Quinn pled guilty last year to stealing $47,000 from the high school over ...Read more, view comments (3) »
County to assess land donation
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 08, 2008
JANESVILLE--The Rock County Board on Thursday voted unanimously to move forward with negotiations over a parcel of property that could be donated to the county. The county has 90 days now to perform environmental due diligence on the property and determine what it would cost to demolish two buildings on ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Officers to be commemorated
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on May 08, 2008
Ceremonies in Madison and Beloit will commemorate police officers who have died in the line of duty and serve as a reminder of the dangers faced daily by law enforcement. Friday in Madison, the 18th annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be at noon on the Capitol grounds. Three ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Rock County Board to vote on land donation
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 08, 2008
JANESVILLE--At 6 p.m. tonight the Rock County Board could take action to move toward accepting donated land along the Rock River. John Buck, Chicago, has offered to donate to the county 3.6 acres north of the Indianford Dam in Fulton Township. Tonight the board will decide if county staff should ...Read more, add a comment »
New program lets some Wis. residents ship drugs for disposal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 08, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Residents in two Wisconsin counties will soon be able to send their unused drugs for safe disposal by a Milwaukee company. The University of Wisconsin Extension, the state Department of Natural Resources and Capital Returns Inc., which disposes of pharmaceuticals, plan to start a pilot program next ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Friends say pilot who died in crash was expert on riverboats
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 08, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Friends are remembering Dennis Trone as a consummate pilot, both in the riverboats he steered along the Mississippi River and in his home-built airplane. The 77-year-old Illinois man died Monday when his plane crashed after taking off from the Brodhead Airport near Madison. Trone was known ...Read more, add a comment »
Jackson School principal recommended
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 08, 2008
If the Janesville School Board approves Supt. Tom Evert’s recommendation at its May 12 regular board meeting, Dr. John Walczak will become the next principal at Jackson Elementary School. He would replace Pat Johnson, who is retiring June 30. Walczak has been assistant principal at Edison Middle School since 2000. ...Read more, view comments (2) »
State: man scammed fans on Packers tickets
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 08, 2008
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A former Wisconsin man accused of illegally selling Green Bay Packers tickets — and failing to come up with tickets fans thought they bought — has agreed to state sanctions, including no longer using the same Internet Web site, officials said Wednesday. Ben Huettl, 29, ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Woodman's employees plan rally
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 08, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Woodman's grocery store union workers plan a rally at Janesville's Palmer Park Thursday afternoon. Citizen Action of Wisconsin is sponsoring the rally. Director of Programs Robert Kraig says people in Janesville know manufacturing jobs are hard to hold onto in the global economy. He says in ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Jarrett motion hearing postponed
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 07, 2008
JANESVILLE--A motion for a change of venue for Kenneth D. Jarrett, the Janesville man accused of robbing a teenaged Janesville couple Sept. 28 and raping the girl, has been postponed. Jarrett has requested a different attorney, defense attorney Cynthia Stoppel said in court Wednesday morning. Judge James Daley set Jarrett’s ...Read more, view comments (6) »
UW System announces 4 finalists for top job at UW-Madison
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Three of four finalists to be the next University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor have ties to the state’s flagship university. UW System President Kevin Reilly announced the four candidates on Wednesday. The two men and two women are vying to replace Chancellor John Wiley, who is stepping ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Evansville supports wind energy in survey
Posted by STEVE BENTON on May 07, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: EVANSVILLE — If a survey is any indication, residents in the Evansville area could have a significant amount of their energy provided by the wind soon. Project Developer for EcoEnergy, Curt Bjurlin, says Evansville Water and Light would like to place wind turbines west of the ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Report: Wis. one of worst states for falls by people over 65
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 07, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — An independent organization says more Wisconsin residents over 65 die from accidental falls than do seniors in almost any other state. In a report released Tuesday, the National Safety Council said Wisconsin had one of the highest rates of deaths from falls as well as one of ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Success of Rock County jail diversion programs requires new staff
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 07, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The Rock County Sheriff hopes to add a new deputy and new correctional officer to deal with the county's changing inmate population. Sheriff Bob Spoden says the Workender program allows qualified non-violent inmates to serve their sentence by participating in community service work crews on the ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Sheiffer calls for economic summit
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 07, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville City Manager Steve Sheiffer says 20 years is long enough between economic summits and is proposing one for the summer. Sheiffer admits the current economic news is challenging, but rather than saying, "woe is me...woe is me," Sheiffer suggests planning a strategy for the future. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
State workers take over $900,000 in trips despite warnings to cut back
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 07, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - In the weeks after Governor Doyle's administration ordered state employees to curb unnecessary travel, those same workers charged the state more than $900,000 for hundreds of trips around the world. Records obtained by The Associated Press show that Wisconsin state employees visited at least 30 states ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Poll: Majority of Wis. residents want universal care
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 06, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A majority of Wisconsin residents say in a new poll that they favor a universal health care system run by the state government. Sixty-one percent of those who responded to the University of Wisconsin Survey Center’s Badger Poll say they favor replacing the current health care ...Read more, view comments (61) »
Wis. bars who banned drink specials win price-fixing case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 06, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The state Supreme Court says Madison bars who agreed to eliminate drink specials are not guilty of an illegal price-fixing conspiracy. The court refused to reinstate a lawsuit brought by drinkers claiming they were overcharged as a result of the 2002 agreement by bars to stop ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Mercy expansion approved
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 06, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: Mercy Hospital will be able to build a parking structure addition now that the Janesville Plan Commission has approved the project. Margaret Delaney is a co-chair of the Neighborhood Action Team and requested the plan commission hold another public hearing if mercy decides to build more ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Plane crash victim identified
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 06, 2008
BRODHEAD, Wis. (AP) - The pilot killed in a single-engine plane crash in Green County has been identified as a 77-year-old Illinois man. The cause of Monday's crash near the Brodhead Airport remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities. The amateur-built ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Workers: UW escort program turned away students
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 06, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Employees say a University of Wisconsin-Madison program that walks students home safely at night has been understaffed when its services are in high demand after a student's murder. Employees say the SAFEWalk program has turned away several students seeking escorts in part because the university refused ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Pilot killed in Brodhead crash
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 05, 2008
Green County authorities say an amateur-built plane crashed in a field next to the Brodhead Airport.
Read more,
add a comment »
Bond set in car-stunt case
Posted by MIKE DUPRE' on May 05, 2008
JANESVILLE -- A signature bond was set Monday afternoon for the Parker High School student charged in the accident that severely injured a schoolmate Friday night. Jason T. Klein, 17, of 1237 S. Arch St., Janesville, did not enter a plea in court to the charge of reckless driving causing ...Read more, view comments (29) »
Orfordville tanker rolls on way to fire
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 05, 2008
NEWARK TOWNSHIP--An Orfordville Fire Department tanker truck rolled over on County H and Mill Pond Road just before 2 p.m. Monday, according to Rock County 911 Center dispatch reports. Orfordville was one of several departments dispatched to a car on fire in a barn at 1:30 p.m. at 8314 W. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Menards expands into development
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 05, 2008
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Home improvement retailer Menards is creating need for its drills, saws and toilet seats in a way that’s unique to its industry. The Eau Claire-based company is developing homes in residential subdivisions. Homes have already been built in Yorkville, Ill., and plans are in the works for ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Layoffs expected at GM supplier Lear
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 05, 2008
JANESVILLE Lear Corp. in Janesville is expected to lay off more than 275 people in Janesville because of production cuts at its largest local customer, General Motors. When it takes effect this summer, the move will eliminate more than a third of Lear’s hourly workforce of 670. Lear is a ...Read more, view comments (9) »
UAW Local 95 election this week
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 05, 2008
JANESVILLE With its largest unit struggling, United Auto Workers Local 95 will elect a new leader this week. Mike Sheridan, Local 95 president for the last six years, is retiring from General Motors and is not seeking re-election. Sheridan continues to represent Janesville in the Wisconsin Assembly. Kurt Kempf and ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Janesville schools to offer girls defense course
Posted by STAN STRICKER on May 05, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: A new class will be offered in the Janesville School District this fall. The class will be limited to females over 16 and will include self defense. District Director of Student Services Karen Schulte tells WCLO’s Stan Milam Show Janesville police are partnering in the effort. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Feingold mum on presidential candidates
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 04, 2008
DE PERE (AP) — Sen. Russ Feingold still isn’t saying which Democratic presidential candidate he prefers. At a listening session in De Pere on Saturday, Feingold said he’ll be happy either way, but he’s just anxious for the Democratic race to be resolved. Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton ...Read more, view comments (11) »
350 arrested at Mifflin Street block party
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on May 03, 2008
MADISON (AP)—Around 350 people have been arrested at the Mifflin Street block party, but there have been no major problems with the annual event, police said. Police spokesman Joel DeSpain said that Saturday’s party has brought less than 10,000 people to the street and that there were probably still 6,000 ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Janesville GM supplier announces layoffs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 03, 2008
MADISON -- The state Department of Workforce Development says two companies - including a Janesville supplier to General Motors - will lay off a total of 237 workers in the next two months. Logistics Services of Fenton, Missouri, will lay off 132 workers from its Janesville plant about the first ...Read more, view comments (30) »
April was second safest on record: DOT
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 03, 2008
The state Department of Transportation says last month was the second-safest April on record in more than 60 years in terms of traffic deaths. The DOT recorded 37 deaths, compared to 63 in April of last year. The state's five-year average for traffic fatalities in April is 59. The number ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Weather service confirms second tornado
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 03, 2008
The National Weather Service says last week's storm system that produced a tornado near Wyocena also spawned another near Prairie du Sac. The weather agency originally confirmed only the Wyocena tornado, which caused an estimated $550,000 in damage to several homes and businesses on April 25. Meteorologists said they determined ...Read more, add a comment »
Lawmakers issue statement on Simmons layoffs
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 02, 2008
Sen. Judy Robson and Rep. Mike Sheridan issued the following joint statement regarding the layoffs at the Janesville Simmons factory: “Our thoughts are with the laid-off workers and their families. It is never pleasant to be suddenly thrown out of work. We are in regular contact with the Department of ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Flood warning continues for the Rock River
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 02, 2008
Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast for the Rock River at Newville where the flood warning continues until further notice. At 8 a.m. today, the stage was 11.06 feet. Flood stage is 10.0.Read more, view comment (1) »
Simmons announces layoffs
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 02, 2008
JANESVILLE A Janesville mattress manufacturer laid off 71 workers this week, a corporate spokeswoman confirmed this morning. The Simmons Co. announced the layoffs to workers on Wednesday, said Christine Foster, speaking from the company’s Atlanta headquarters. The workers’ last day of work was Friday, she said. Fifteen of the layoffs ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Sales of Janesville-built trucks continue to fall
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 02, 2008
JANESVILLE For those still unsure of the effect rising fuel prices are having on the sales of General Motors’ full-size sport utility vehicles, April’s sales numbers tell the story. GM said Thursday that a sharp sales increase in fuel-efficient cars and crossovers could not make up for soft truck demand. ...Read more, view comments (34) »
More charges exchanged in Woodman’s union dispute
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 02, 2008
JANESVILLE Charges and countercharges continue in the case of more than 900 Woodman’s employees who either do or do not want continued union representation. Woodman’s filed an unfair labor practice charge Tuesday alleging that United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1473 has engaged in objectionable conduct by granting financial benefits ...Read more, view comments (30) »
State responds to GM layoffs
Posted by STAN STRICKER on May 02, 2008
From the WCLO newsroom: The state begins its response Friday for the autoworkers in Janesville expected to lose their jobs this summer. The State Department of Workforce Development is holding its first meeting of a Rapid Response Team to deal with the layoffs announced at General Motor's earlier in the ...Read more, view comments (19) »
PSC chairman steps down, governor appoints assistant to post
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 01, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The chairman of the state Public Service Commission says he’s going to step down. Dan Ebert says he’ll leave the three-person commission on May 23. Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday appointed PSC executive assistant Eric Callisto to replace him. Ebert has served as chairman of the ...Read more, add a comment »
Report: Wisconsin spends a lot on schools compared to nation
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 01, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new report says that Wisconsin’s better-than-average benefits explain why the state’s schools spent 8.5 percent more than the national average to educate students. The report released Thursday by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance is based on U.S. Census data showing Wisconsin’s school expenses were 14th highest ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wis. court upholds school zone crime law in domestic case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 01, 2008
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A man accused of beating his ex-wife with a hammer can face stiffer criminal charges because the attack happened near a school. The Wisconsin Supreme Court says prosecutors can use the so-called school zone penalty enhancer against Leonard Quintana. That law gives tougher penalties for those ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Footville bank robbery suspect sentenced
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 01, 2008
One of the gunmen in a Nov. 9 Footville bank robbery was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years and one month in federal prison, five years probation and ordered to make restitution of $950. Curtis Seaberry, 21, Rockford, Ill., carried a semi-automatic, .22-caliber pistol into Mid-American Bank and went behind the ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Wisconsin sees nearly 40 percent rise in Hispanic population
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 01, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) - New figures show the Hispanic population in Wisconsin grew about 40 percent since the 2000 census. The latest census data released today puts the number of Hispanics in Wisconsin at about 272,000 as of last July, which is up from about 195,000 in 2000. Nationwide, the Hispanic ...Read more, view comments (57) »
