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New Darien board has first meeting
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on April 30, 2009
DARIEN—The Darien Village Board tonight held its first meeting since the April election. Many votes were split 4-3, although others were unanimous. The board appointed positions to the personnel and planning committees and voted to keep David Danz as the village’s legal counsel. The board met in closed session so ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin swine flu recap
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 30, 2009
By The Associated Press Here’s a look at Thursday’s swine flu developments in Wisconsin: -- Gov. Jim Doyle declared a public health emergency after the number of probable swine flu cases in the state rose to five. The order directs the Department of Public Health to take all necessary means ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Doyle declares public health emergency
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 30, 2009
MADISON (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle declared a public health emergency Thursday after two more probable cases of swine flu were identified, bringing the state’s total to five. The declaration directs the state health department to take all necessary steps to prevent and respond to flu cases and distribute anti-viral ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Janesville schools take flu precautions
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 30, 2009
JANESVILLE – The Janesville School District announced Thursday that its is allowing children to wear facemasks to school if they chose to do so. Masks cover the nose and mouth and could help ward off swine flu. District officials and union leaders planned to meet Thursday afternoon ”to determine the ...Read more, view comments (50) »
Suspected Wis. swine flu case contracted in Calif.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 30, 2009
FRIENDSHIP, Wis. (AP) — Health officials say an Adams County man suspected of having swine flu was exposed to the virus when he traveled to San Diego last week. Sue Kunferman is the director of the Wood County Health Department. She says the man felt sick when he returned and ...Read more, view comments (17) »
AP sources: Chrysler to file for bankruptcy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 30, 2009
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Obama administration officials say Chrysler will file for bankruptcy protection after talks broke down with a small group of the company's creditors. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the filing plan has not been formally announced. The government had long hoped to stave off ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Wis. court asked to rule on release of e-mails
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 30, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court is being asked to consider whether personal e-mails sent by public employees are subject to the state's open records law. The case involves five employees of the Wisconsin Rapids School District. A citizen asked for e-mails they sent from their work computers ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Avon/Sugar River Park area flooded
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 30, 2009
In Rock County, floodwaters are between 2 and 8 inches over the road at several locations between Avon Store Road and Hopkins Road in the area West of Sugar River Bridge, according to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office today. Floodwaters also are encroaching on the Charley Bluff landing, according to ...Read more, add a comment »
Concerns raised on salt storage facility site
Posted by GINA DUWE on April 30, 2009
Council member Tom McDonald wants the Janesville City Council to discuss changes to an approved plan to build a $195,000 salt storage facility. During Monday night’s council meeting, McDonald asked that the issue be placed on the agenda for the next meeting, May 11. The council last year approved borrowing ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Officials: Swine flu found in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 29, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Two probable swine flu cases have been found in Milwaukee, and four of the city’s public schools have been ordered closed. A third probable case is reported in Adams County in central Wisconsin, officials said. There’s been no immediate confirmation from the federal Centers for Disease Control ...Read more, view comments (46) »
CAMDEN Playground closed through May 1
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 29, 2009
JANESVILLE--CAMDEN Playground will be closed to the public from 3 to 7 p.m. today for general cleaning and painting. Everyone is invited to participate in the work day. The playground will be closed and fenced off through Friday or until the paint is dry. Direct questions to Janesville Leisure Services, ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Court: Car repair shops must get customer consent
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 29, 2009
Wisconsin customers must give car repair shops advance authorization for repairs or they do not have to pay, an appeals court ruled Wednesday.
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Wis. businesses say banks stingy with TARP funds
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 29, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Local banks have been stingy with their bailout funds, endangering small businesses that otherwise have the means to survive, business owners told a congressional panel Wednesday. A number of bank executives countered that their banks have increased lending in the past six months and remain committed to ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Smith Road reopens
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on April 29, 2009
Smith Road, from Avon Store Road to County T, has reopened, according to Rock County Highway Superintendent Hal Mayer. The road was closed earlier this week due to flooding.Read more, add a comment »
Organizers work to expand food program
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 29, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State agriculture officials are working to expand a program that brings local produce to schools in Wisconsin. Nine communities are participating in the Farm to School program; including Eau Claire, Prairie du Chien and Viroqua. Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Lora Klenke says her agency is working ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Investors consider new ice arena
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on April 29, 2009
The Janesville Ice Arena has no ice. And the part needed to repair the refrigeration system is so old, a new one has to made from scratch. Meanwhile, private investors are considering building a new ice arena—also from scratch. On Tuesday, City Manager Eric Levitt confirmed rumors that a group ...Read more, view comments (69) »
Janesville district to lay off 6 teachers
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 29, 2009
Six Janesville public school teachers will be laid off at the end of the school year. The school board voted 8-1 Tuesday to approve the teacher-staffing plan for 2009-10. The plan will mean laying off six teachers, said Steve Salerno, director of administrative and human services. Salerno asked the board ...Read more, view comments (29) »
Junior A hockey nets approval
Posted by JOHN MCPOLAND on April 29, 2009
Junior A hockey is coming to Janesville. The North American Hockey League granted conditional approval of Janesville’s proposed expansion franchise during a teleconference Tuesday. “If we’re not in the end zone now, we’re on the goal line,” said Bill McCoshen of the Wisconsin Hockey Partners. News of the league vote ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Lawmakers approve alarms in day care vehicles
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 28, 2009
MADISON (AP) - Day care providers would have to install alarm systems in their vehicles to make sure drivers don't leave children behind under a bill state lawmakers approved Tuesday. The state Senate approved the measure on a voice vote. The Assembly voted unanimously to approve it hours later with ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Beloit pastor convicted of obstructing after trial
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 28, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A Beloit pastor was convicted this afternoon of obstructing an officer stemming from his 2007 arrest after police questioned him for trying to spread the word of God to two boys. A jury convicted him after a two-day trial in Rock County Court. David J. Fogderud, 66, of ...Read more, view comments (62) »
Janesville murder suspect appears in court
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 28, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The man accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend in the city's Fourth Ward neighborhood will have a preliminary hearing next month. Kyle E. Hicke, 37, of 108 Forest Lake Drive, Milton, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm by a felon and ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Wis. lawmakers approve day care vehicle alarms
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 28, 2009
The Wisconsin Senate has approved a bill requiring safety alarms in day care vehicles.
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State test results generally positive for Janesville
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 28, 2009
Janesville public school officials are pleased with how students performed on the latest round of state tests, but room for improvement remains. The Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exams are required under the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. Each test taker receives a grade of "minimal," "basic," "proficient" or "advanced." ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock River about ready to push past banks again
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on April 28, 2009
After a weekend of intermittent and occasionally torrential rains, the Rock River is getting ready to overflow its banks—again.
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ScoopieNight is fundraiser for Skate Park
Posted by SID SCHWARTZ on April 28, 2009
The effort to build a Janesville Skate Park will receive 10 percent of the proceeds from ScoopieNight today at the Court Street Culver's in Janesville. Details of the fundraiser were incorrectly reported earlier in The Janesville Gazette.Read more, view comments (3) »
Food pantries, shelter receive federal help
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 28, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More help is headed to food pantries, homeless shelters and meal sites in Wisconsin. Sixteen organizations that help distribute food and other goods to local pantries and shelters will get $2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Governor Doyle says the tough economy has ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Plans advance for water tower
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on April 28, 2009
The city of Janesville will keep working toward building a new water tower, but plans are not concrete yet. The city council Monday night voted to move forward with plans to build a 1.5-million-gallon water tower on the city’s northeast side and a large-diameter water main to connect existing mains ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Road closed due to flooding
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on April 27, 2009
Rock County Highway Superintendent Hal Mayer announced Monday that Smith Road from Avon Store Road to County T is closed due to flooding. The section of road is near the Sugar River.Read more, view comments (3) »
Stimulus funding for local schools announced
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 27, 2009
Wisconsin schools will receive $366 million in federal stimulus money to help students living in poverty and those with disabilities.
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Beloit Newark Road closed
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 27, 2009
From the Rock County Public Works Department: Hal Mayer, Rock County Highway Superintendent, announced that Beloit Newark Road is closed from County T to Avon Stores Road, Avon Township, because of flooding.Read more, view comment (1) »
Elkhorn schools to discuss controversial class
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on April 27, 2009
ELKHORN — Some parents are concerned about a unit taught in an English literature class at Elkhorn High School, and the school board today is expected to revise procedures for offering the unit in upcoming years. Students are presented with about 10 topic choices to pursue each spring as part ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Slow, no wake posted in Beloit Township
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 27, 2009
From the Rock County Sheriff's Office: Town of Beloit Chairman Greg Groves has requested that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office again post a “Slow No Wake” sign in Beloit Township. This posting will remain in effect until it is requested to be stopped by the Town of Beloit Chairman.Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis health officer says no cases of swine flu here
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 27, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state's top public health official says 10 samples have been tested in Wisconsin for swine flu since Saturday but not have come back positive so far. State Health Officer Seth Foldy says testing on a small number of those cases continued on Monday at a ...Read more, view comments (8) »
GM to cut 21,000 US factory jobs, shed Pontiac
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 27, 2009
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Corp. said it will cut 21,000 U.S. factory jobs by next year, phase out its storied Pontiac brand and ask the government to take company stock in exchange for half GM's government debt as part of a major restructuring effort needed to get more government ...Read more, view comments (64) »
State soldiers will work at Iraqi prisons
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 27, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Many of the 3,200 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers beginning to arrive in Iraq will help run the two biggest prison camps. The soldiers are part of the largest combat mobilization of the Wisconsin Guard in more than 60 years. They've been training at Camp McGregor in ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Nursing home project stalls
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on April 27, 2009
The owner of the former Mercy Manor has until the end of this month to kick-start an assisted-living facility project that appears to be at a standstill. If Brad Goodrich doesn’t have building plans to the city by then, the city could issue a raze or repair order and then ...Read more, add a comment »
Kane County sweeps Beloit
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 27, 2009
The Beloit Snappers lost twice to the Kane County Cougars in a Midwest League baseball doubleheader here Sunday. The Cougars pounded the Snappers, 11-6, in the opener and edged Beloit, 8-7,in the night cap. For a full story, read Monday's Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or ...Read more, add a comment »
Flood watch in southwest Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 26, 2009
WINONA, Minn. — The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for southeast Minnesota, southwestern Wisconsin and northeast Iowa into Monday morning. Forecasters say slow moving thunderstorms have the potential to drop from 2 to 4 inches of rain across the region. The flood watch is effective from ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wisconsin inland fishing season opens Saturday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 26, 2009
MADISON — Wisconsin's inland fishing season opens Saturday, and the state Department of Natural Resources says it expects to sell 1.4 million fishing licenses this year. Resident licenses cost $20 each. The governor's annual fishing opener will be held on the Chippewa Flowage. The DNR says that because spring has ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Home on fire outside of Edgerton
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 26, 2009
EDGERTON – A fire broke out this morning in a home outside of Edgerton in Dane County, a Rock County official said. Flames were reported at 11:26 a.m. in a single-family home at 552 County X, the dispatcher said. No injuries were reported, the dispatcher said. The Edgerton, Stoughton, Cambridge, ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Sheboygan dad accused of breaking infant’s ribs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 25, 2009
SHEBOYGAN—Sheboygan police say a 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of severely injuring his 3-week-old son. Authorities say the baby suffered at least three broken ribs and a fractured skull. Police and a social worker were called to the Sheboygan home Friday after receiving a report of an injured ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Court upholds convictions in Wis. casino theft
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 25, 2009
MADISON — Two Wisconsin men who rigged a casino giveaway contest to win $10,000 could soon be headed to prison. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago declined to throw out the convictions of Darwin Moore and Bruce Knutson. The two were found guilty of conspiring to steal money ...Read more, view comments (9) »
USPS to have Simpsons stamps ceremony in Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 25, 2009
SPRINGFIELD — The U.S. Postal Service is looking for people who look or sound like one of "The Simpsons." It's releasing stamps of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson on May 7. The same day, it's holding a contest in Walworth County's Springfield where fans who look or sound ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Janesville superintendent recommends cuts
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 24, 2009
JANESVILLE – The superintendent of the Janesville public schools revealed her recommendations Friday for budget cuts in the 2009-10 school year. Superintendent Karen Schulte recommends cutting these positions: -- The athletics director. -- One special-education teacher. -- Director of student services. -- One central-office clerical position. -- One central-office manager. ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Janesville therapist suspended for inappropriate relationship
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 24, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A Janesville therapist has been suspended on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a patient. Brad W. Knapp had his licenses to practice as a professional counselor and advanced practice social worker suspended indefinitely, according to the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing. According to the complaints: ...Read more, view comments (145) »
Former Rock County man sentenced in federal court
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 24, 2009
MADISON -- A former Rock County man was sentenced in U.S. District Court this afternoon to seven years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States. Mario Salas-Rodriguez, 40, a Mexico citizen, was deported after his 1992 conviction in Rock County Court for cocaine distribution, according to a U.S. Attorney’s ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Janesville police chief hired
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 24, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Dave Moore, acting Janesville police chief, will be the city's next top cop. The Janesville Police and Fire Commission this afternoon asked Moore to be the city's police chief. Moore had been the deputy police chief until becoming acting chief after Neil Mahan retired. He has been promoted ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Two arrested in Lake Geneva heroin bust
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on April 24, 2009
LAKE GENEVA -- Two Lake Geneva residents were arrested Thursday evening for possession of heroin.
Amber L. Drummond, 24, and Jeremy L. Nunn, 32, were taken to the Walworth County Law Enforcement Center jail after Lake Geneva police executed a search warrant of their residence on the 200 block of ...
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Wisconsin tax collections down nearly 4 percent
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 24, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — In another sign of the recession, Wisconsin's tax collections are down nearly 4 percent this year compared to last. The Department of Revenue reported the latest figures for March on Friday. They show a decline in all taxes collected so far this year, except excise taxes. ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Dogs search Janesville schools
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 24, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Drug-sniffing dogs searched two Janesville middle schools Friday morning as part of an ongoing effort. No drugs were found during the search by two Janesville Police Department dogs, said district spokeswoman Sheryl Miller. Students at Edison and Franklin middle schools were in a "soft lockdown" as the dogs ...Read more, view comments (41) »
Lambeau among sites considered for FIFA World Cup
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 24, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Lambeau Field is among dozens of sites being considered to host the FIFA World Cup match. The USA Bid Committee made the announcement Thursday. Fifty-eight venues are interested or under consideration in 49 metropolitan markets around the country to host in 2018 or 2022. The ...Read more, view comments (9) »
United Way reaches goal
Posted by STAN STRICKER on April 24, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The United Way of North Rock County reaches its fundraising goal. Resource Development Director Tammy DeGarmo says 100.1% of the $1.35 million goal has been reached. This is the first time the goal has been attained since 2000. She says the total does not include the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville homicide suspect appears in court
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 23, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A Milton man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in Janesville's Fourth Ward neighborhood was ordered held in the Rock Couny Jail this afternoon on $1 million cash bail. Kyle E. Hicke, 37, of 108 Forest Lake Drive, Milton, made his initial appearance in Rock County Court. He was ...Read more, view comments (54) »
Anti-abortion activists oppose Wis. board nominees
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Anti-abortion advocates and Republican state senators want to block appointments of three people who support abortion rights to Wisconsin state boards. The appointments were up for a vote Thursday in the state Senate. Retired businessman Roger Axtell and attorney Mike Weiden have been nominated for the ...Read more, view comments (79) »
Murder suspect faces charges
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 23, 2009
Kyle E. Hicke, suspect in the murder of Erica M. Ostenson, has been arrested on a charge of first-degree intentional homicide, according to a news release from the Janesville Police Department. Hicke, 37, Milton, is accused of shooting Ostenson, 25, Janesville, outside her home and leading police on a high-speed ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Doyle says raising gas tax worth considering
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says raising the gas tax by 3 cents a gallon is an idea worth considering, even though he earlier promised not to increase the tax during his second term in office. Doyle says he prefers to tax oil companies, rather than consumers, as ...Read more, view comments (45) »
Janesville unemployment rises again
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Unemployment rates are going up in just about every corner of Wisconsin. Statistics released by the Department of Workforce Development on Wednesday show joblessness went up in March in all 12 metropolitan areas and 64 out of 72 counties. Statewide, the unemployment rate rose to 9.4 ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Long summer shutdowns slated for GM plants
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 22, 2009
DETROIT — Two people briefed on the plan say General Motors will close most of its U.S. factories for up to nine weeks this summer because of slumping sales and growing inventories of unsold vehicles. The people did not know exactly when the shutdowns would occur, but both say they ...Read more, view comments (16) »
DNR says no earn-a-buck this fall
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 22, 2009
WEST BEND — There will be no earn-a-buck this fall. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approved a one-year moratorium on the contentious program Wednesday. The suspension will not apply in areas with chronic wasting disease, however. The earn-a-buck program is designed to control burgeoning deer herds. Hunters in areas with ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Janesville murder suspect under interrogation
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 22, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The Milton man accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend Wednesday morning on Janesville’s west side remains under interrogation this afternoon, police said. Charges will likely be filed tomorrow, police said. Kyle E. Hicke, 37, 108 Forest Lake Drive, Milton, was arrested after a high-speed chase throughout Janesville and ...Read more, view comments (32) »
UPDATE: Woman shot this morning has died
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 22, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The woman shot on Janesville's west side this morning has died, a friend said. The Rock Couny coroner is at Mercy Hospital for a death investigation. Coroner Jenifer Keach would not confirm whether her investigation was related to the shooting. Police chased a suspect from Janesville to Beloit ...Read more, view comments (104) »
Police say gun at school was stolen
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 22, 2009
MONROE, Wis. (AP) — Investigators say a shotgun brought to Monroe High School by a 16-year-old student was stolen. Green County sheriff's deputies say the gun was taken from a building in Cadiz Springs Township last week. The male student appeared in Green County juvenile court Tuesday following his arrest ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Sightings, photo give evidence of cougar
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 22, 2009
CALEDONIA, Wis. (AP) — Anna Lashley can’t forget her surprise when she looked out her kitchen window three years ago and spotted a big cat. “I looked up and there’s this lion in the back yard, and I thought it must have gotten away from the zoo,” she said. “I ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Janesville closes part of Riverside Street
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on April 21, 2009
JANESVILLE--Riverside Street between Pearl Street and Palm Street is scheduled to be closed to through traffic starting Thursday morning. The street will remain closed for about four weeks. Traffic will not be detoured around the closure for this project. Local access to driveways will be maintained throughout the closure. A ...Read more, add a comment »
Brewers surpass 2 million tickets sold
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 21, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers sold their 2 millionth ticket on Tuesday. That's the earliest the franchise reached the milestone since April 19, 2001. Last season, the Brewers drew over 3 million fans but didn't reach 2 million sold until April 24. Brewers vice president Rick Schlesinger says ticket ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Scam uses name of well-known charity
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 21, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning about a work-at-home scam that uses the name of a well-known charity. The bureau says "help wanted" ads may have recently been placed in some newspapers soliciting for a regional donations coordinator for Habitat for Humanity International. In one case, ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wisconsin arts get slice of stimulus
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A small slice of federal stimulus money for the Wisconsin Arts Board will be used to preserve jobs at qualifying arts organizations. Arts Board executive director George Tzougros (ZOO'-grohs) says $318,000 will be distributed in one-time grants of $10,000, $15,000 and $25,000 to help local organizations ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Web site to list all stimulus-related job postings
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — All job postings tied to Wisconsin projects paid for with federal stimulus money will be posted on the same state Web site. Gov. Jim Doyle announced Monday he has signed an executive order requiring all contractors and subcontractors involved with those projects to post job openings ...Read more, add a comment »
Human services reviewing toddler's overdose
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Dane County Department of Human Services is reviewing the overdose death of a 3-year-old girl at a YWCA homeless shelter in Madison. The department contracts with the YWCA to provide shelter for homeless women. Amaya Walker was living at the shelter with her grandmother, who ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Severe Weather Awareness Week begins
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 20, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Severe weather is serious business according to Rock County's Emergency Management Coordinator. Shirley Connors says the media has helped build awareness about the danger of severe weather. April 20-24 is Wisconsin Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, and Connors urges everyone to review their emergency plans. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
GM plant to close this week
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 19, 2009
JANESVILLE — As first announced in February, production at the General Motors plant in Janesville will end this week, a GM official said. GM spokesman Christopher Lee confirmed operations at the southern Wisconsin plant will cease Thursday. About 1,200 employees were let go just before Christmas when GM ended SUV ...Read more, view comments (68) »
Tornado season is upon us
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 19, 2009
Monday marks the beginning of Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. State emergency management officials are planning a statewide tornado drill on Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service will issue mock tornado warnings around the state. State officials say many schools and businesses traditionally run drills in conjunction ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Janesville homes evacuated for gas leak
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 18, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Homes in the vicinity of the 500 block of North Pine Street in Janesville are being evacuated Saturday morning because of a gas leak. No injuries were reported. Janesville police and fire got the call at about 7:40 a.m. after something struck and ruptured a natural gas line. ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Afton Road being closed for spill
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 17, 2009
Afton Road, also known as County D, is being closed near Plymouth Church Road between Janesville and Beloit at about 3:40 p.m. Friday. Rock County 911 Center asks that motorists avoid Afton Road. The Rock County Sheriff's Department is evacuating residents within 350 feet of an anhydrous ammonia spill that ...Read more, view comments (21) »
UPDATE: Pharmacy robber took drugs
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 17, 2009
A masked robber demanded and received prescription drugs at Mercy Milton Pharmacy this morning, a Milton police official said. Three employees and no customers were present when the man entered and implied he had a gun, Lt. John Conger said. The robber is described as a white man in his ...Read more, view comments (31) »
UPDATED: Bank back to work after call for natural gas smell
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 17, 2009
No natural gas leaks were detected after Janesville firefighters responded to a report of a possible natural gas smell inside Chase bank, 100 W. Milwaukee St., this morning, Capt. Jim Dennis said. The call came in at 10:32 a.m. after people inside the bank smelled natural gas. Evacuation was in ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Vandalism closes Monroe High
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 17, 2009
MONROE, Wis. (AP) — All Monroe schools closed Friday because of vandalism at the high school. Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley says vandals used some sort of projectile to break glass on seven doors on one side of the building. Kelley says another object, possible a baseball bat, was used ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Police responding to Milton robbery
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 17, 2009
Milton police and the Rock County Sheriff's Office are responding to a robbery at Mercy Milton Medical Center, 725 S. Janesville St., Milton. The call came in at 9:09 a.m., a Rock County Communications Center dispatcher said. Authorities believe the robber fled north on Highway 26, the dispatcher said. They ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Doyle approval rating at all-time low in survey
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 17, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle's approval rating hit an all-time low in a survey that has tracked it since he took office in 2003. The St. Norbert College Survey Center Poll sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio released Friday shows that only 45 percent of respondents are very or ...Read more, view comments (33) »
Man charged in Rock County with hiding corpse, kidnapping
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 16, 2009
JANESVILLE -- An Illinois man suspected of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s lover and dumping the body in Janesville faces felony charges in Rock County. Raymond C. Williams, 39, Rockford, Ill., was charged Thursday afternoon with hiding a corpse and kidnapping. A warrant has been filed for his arrest. He is accused ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Court upholds Milwaukee orchestra taxes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 16, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state appeals court has ruled the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra isn't entitled to a $700,000 sales tax refund. The orchestra filed tax returns in July 1997 claiming a refund of $719,456 in taxes it paid on its sales, including ticket sales directly to patrons and through ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wisconsin US attorney resigns
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 16, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The U.S. attorney in Madison has resigned. Former President George W. Bush appointed Erik Peterson the top federal prosecutor in the 44-county Western District of Wisconsin in June 2006. Peterson has said the Obama administration asked him to stay on temporarily. But he said he has ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Baby injured in crash
Posted by STEVE BENTON on April 16, 2009
A helicopter is responding to a crash involving a car and tanker west of Beloit. Town of Beloit police are responding to an 8:30 a.m. call from 6261 W. Liberty Road, near the intersection of Paddock and Mill Pond roads. Preliminary information indicates injuries to the occupants in the car, ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Harley-Davidson to cut more jobs as 1Q profit dips
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 16, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson Inc. said Thursday it expects to cut up to 400 more jobs as its first-quarter profit tumbled 37 percent due to a sluggish motorcycle market. But the company beat Wall Street expectations and stood by its full-year forecast for motorcycle shipments, sending shares higher in premarket ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Land O'Lakes to close Madison Dairy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 16, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Land O'Lakes Inc. plans to close its butter manufacturing plant in Madison and lay off 120 employees. The cooperative based in St. Paul, Minn., said Madison Dairy would close within 60 days because it no longer is economically feasible to operate. Spokeswoman Jeanne Forbis said other ...Read more, view comments (9) »
City council member forms coalition to address poverty
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 16, 2009
A Janesville City Councilwoman is organizing a poverty coalition to help address gaps in education, transportation, health care, food and shelter. Kathy Voskuil says services are available, but she wants to put a plan in action and get the rest of the community to rally behind it. She's currently working ...Read more, view comments (14) »
2 Janesville principals retiring
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 15, 2009
JANESVILLE--Two elementary school principals will retire at the end of the school year, the Janesville School District announced Wednesday. They are Madison School Principal Susan Masterson and Jefferson School Principal Alice Wilkens Mann. This brings to three the number of elementary principals who announced retirements this spring. The third is ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Janesville man sentenced in contract killing case
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 15, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The man accused of hiring a hit man to kill a Janesville City Council member and his girlfriend was sentenced to prison this afternoon in Rock County Court. Joseph R. Chrislaw Sr., 46, of 733 Kellogg Ave., No. 3, Janesville, was sent to prison for three years and ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Janesville woman hospitalized after motorcycle crash
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 15, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A Janesville woman is hospitalized after her motorcycle collided with a car on Hyatt and North Parker Drive. Fire officials say the woman was ejected from the motorcycle in the collision that occurred shortly before 1:30 Wednesday afternoon. She is being treated at Mercy Hospital for ...Read more, add a comment »
Anti-tax protesters turn out for dreaded April 15
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 15, 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Protesters in Wisconsin and elsewhere around the country are gearing up to rally against tax day with "tea parties." Organizers say they're steamed at government spending since President Barack Obama's administration took over and are planning their own mini-revolts. The rallies are designed to echo the ...Read more, view comments (56) »
Madison woman charged in death of grandchild
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Madison woman is charged in the overdose death of her 3-year-old granddaughter. A criminal complaint says 39-year-old April Walker didn't get help for the child for nearly six hours after discovering she could not be awakened. Amaya Marie Walker had oxycodone and Valium in her ...Read more, view comments (50) »
Packers schedule release big for hotels
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 15, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Some Green Bay area hotels added staff to handle a barrage of reservation calls that come with the release of the Packers' 2009 schedule. Cambria Suites says the initial excitement about the season can be overwhelming. General manager Craig Bleier says the tough economy apparently ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Conference on transgender healthcare
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 15, 2009
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — Organizers say a lack of awareness on the unique health care needs of transgender and transsexual patients led to this week's conference at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Janelle Fischer of La Crosse says she began her transition from living as a man to a ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Janesville schools dodge teacher layoffs, for now
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 14, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The Janesville School Board delayed voting on the district’s 2009-10 staffing plan Tuesday night, giving the administration and teachers more time to work on ways to avoid layoffs. The teachers union had agreed before the meeting to extend the deadline by which layoff notices must be issued for ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Janesville board votes down Chinese school
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 14, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The Janesville School Board voted Tuesday night not to apply for a grant that would have led to the establishment of a charter school to teach Chinese to elementary school students starting in 2010. There's still hope for some kind of elementary-school Chinese program, however. Some board members ...Read more, view comments (41) »
Crime becomes political football
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 14, 2009
MADISON — A top state Justice Department official denied Tuesday that he asked sheriffs for examples of high profile crimes in order to discredit Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposal to let some inmates out of prison early. Gary Hamblin, administrator of the Justice Department’s Division of Law Enforcement Services, last month ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Average state income tax refunds up
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The average amount of refund state income tax filers are receiving is up from last year. The state Department of Revenue reported Tuesday that the average refund paid this year is $662. That compares to $636 last year. More returns have been processed to date so ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Nurse called out of surgery and laid off
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Dean Health System nurse was called out of surgery so a manager could tell her she was being laid off. Dean Health says the surgery was minor and the patient wasn't affected, but the manager who summoned the nurse from surgery violated medical protocol. Dean ...Read more, view comments (59) »
City Council votes to allow alcohol sales at ice arena
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 14, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Hockey fans might soon be able to buy a beer at the Janesville Ice Arena, but they won't be able to buy hard alcohol there. The Janesville City Council approved an ordinance Monday allowing fermented malt beverages at the ice arena. Some council members suggested it ...Read more, view comments (62) »
GM recalls 1.5 million vehicles due to potential engine fires
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 13, 2009
From the Associated Press: General Motors Corp. is recalling 1.5 million vehicles because of potential engine fires. GM said there have been no reports of any fires or injuries. Some of the recalled vehicles are no longer in production. The recall includes the 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue, the 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand ...Read more, view comments (44) »
Wis. soldiers prepare for Iraq deployment
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 13, 2009
CAMP MCGREGOR, N.M. (AP) — Something called muscle memory is seen as the best defense for 3,200 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers who by May 1 will travel the last leg of their journey from places such as Boscobel and Baraboo to the dusty, unpredictable streets of Baghdad. The 32nd Infantry ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Salaries for Wisconsin professors low
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 13, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A new national report released Monday shows salaries for professors at Wisconsin's public and private universities are below the national average. The American Association of University Professors tracked salaries for full professors and found the University of Wisconsin-Madison trails the national average by $6,000. At UW-Milwaukee, the ...Read more, view comments (29) »
9 injured when wagon overturns
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 13, 2009
LANCASTER, Wis. (AP) — An Easter Sunday horse-drawn wagon ride turned into a frightening ordeal for some family and friends in Grant County. Sixteen people in the wagon were thrown into a rocky ditch when a piece of equipment on the wagon apparently broke and sent the horses down a ...Read more, view comments (16) »
White House has a new favorite
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on April 12, 2009
CHICAGO — President Barack Obama fulfilled a campaign promise to his daughters with their new puppy, but the decision to forgo a shelter dog is sure to leave some animal activists growling. Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog, will make his public debut at the White House on Tuesday after ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Milwaukee officer making a "full recovery"
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 12, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Milwaukee police officer who was injured in a gun fight with an armed suspect is making a full recovery. Police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz says the 30-year-old officer was involved in the shooting on Saturday afternoon. The officer has not been identified but he does have ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Cheesehead to get green crown
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 12, 2009
FRANKLIN, Wis. (AP) — A southern Wisconsin company will create a custom-designed crown for Miss USA. Franklin-based Diamond Nexus Labs is an online jewelry company known for its lab-created precious gemstones. The gemstones are all synthesized using environmentally friendly processes. There are no toxic byproducts or pollutants. Miss USA will ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Dolan says final Milwaukee mass
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on April 12, 2009
Apr. 12--Mary Panak came to the farewell mass of Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan with a camera, a small quilt and a framed photo of her son Dillon, who died in 2006. She’d hope to get close enough to Dolan, who presided over his last Milwaukee mass on Easter Sunday, to ...Read more, add a comment »
Brodhead teen seriously injured in single-car crash
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on April 12, 2009
A 16-year-old faces two counts of causing bodily harm by reckless driving after a single-car crash. At 9:12 p.m. Saturday, officers were called to a car versus tree accident on South Dickey Road just north of West Keesey Road in Spring Valley Township, according to a press release from the ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Races unchanged after recounts
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on April 11, 2009
The winners of three local races kept their seats after Saturday recounts. In Edgerton, third district Alderman Ken Westby, the incumbent, asked for a recount after he lost to Mark Wellnitz, 79 to 78. Saturday’s recount confirmed Wellnitz’s win, according to Edgerton City Clerk Cindy Hegglund. In the Town of ...Read more, add a comment »
Police officer shot in Milwaukee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 11, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A police spokeswoman says a uniformed officer is in critical condition after a gun battle with an armed suspect. Police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz says the suspect is also in critical condition in a hospital, where he’s in police custody. She says the shooting occurred Saturday about ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wind turbines disrupt weather forecasting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — It’s the wind turbines versus Doppler radar in southern Wisconsin. National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Ravinsky says a new energy wind farm in east-central Dodge County is interfering with the Weather Surveillance Doppler Radar at the Sullivan office in eastern Jefferson County. He says visual noise ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Wisconsin gorilla found in Minnesota
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 11, 2009
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — John Bray is looking for the person who lost a massive gorilla on Blatnik Bridge in Duluth. Bray says he was driving across the bridge Thursday afternoon when a huge stuffed brown stuffed animal flew off the truck in front of him. Bray says it flew ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Brewers rally to win
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 10, 2009
The Milwaukee Brewers rallied for two runs in the ninth inning against new Chicago Cubs closer Kevin Gregg for a 4-3 victory in their home opener Friday.
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Deceased candidates have mixed success
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 10, 2009
POYNETTE, Wis. (AP) — A village board member who died of a heart attack on Sunday defeated a living opponent and was re-elected Tuesday. In a four-way race for three seats on the village board, Gary Guitzkow finished third with 188 votes. That was 66 more votes than incumbent David ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Special needs picnic canceled
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on April 10, 2009
Due to flooding, Janesville’s Leisure Services Department has canceled the Special Needs Picnic scheduled for Saturday, April 11. The event has been rescheduled to 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 14th at Riverside Park.Read more, add a comment »
Accident causing delays on Interstate
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on April 10, 2009
An accident at 2:21 p.m. this afternoon on Interstate 39/90 is causing significant delays in the northbound lanes, according to a news release from the Wisconsin State Patrol. The accident took place between the Highway 11 and Highway 14 exits in Janesville. The Rock County Highway Department is cleaning up ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Recount planned in Plymouth Township
Posted by GINA DUWE on April 10, 2009
PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP—Town of Plymouth officials will hold a recount for the chairman’s race at 9 a.m. Saturday at the town hall, 8219 High St., Hanover. Larry Harding, 8217 Front St., Hanover, edged out incumbent William Schweder, 719 S. Dunbar Road, Janesville, in Tuesday’s election 151-147. Schweder requested the recount on ...Read more, add a comment »
Revenue, attendance drop at dog track
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 10, 2009
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Revenue and attendance continues to decline at the state's only remaining dog track. A new report shows Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha lost $3.4 million in 2008, on top of a $2.8 loss in 2007. Dairyland's executive vice president Roy Berger says there's nothing short of ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Recount planned in Rock Township
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 10, 2009
ROCK TOWNSHIP—Officials from the town of Rock will hold a recount at 9 a.m. Saturday at Rock Town Hall, 2105 S. County D, Afton, Clerk Deb Bennett said. The seat in question is for town board chairman. Board member Bryce O'Leary lost his bid to oust incumbent Chairman Mark Gunn ...Read more, add a comment »
Woman banned from senior center sues
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 10, 2009
MONROE, Wis. (AP) — An elderly Monroe woman banned from a senior center for abusive language during a card party has filed a federal lawsuit claiming her free speech rights were violated. Seventy-eight-year-old Edith Milestone wants a jury to decide the matter. Behring Senior Center director Tammy Derrickson says Milestone ...Read more, view comments (25) »
City manager proposes job consolidation
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 10, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville city manager has a plan to consolidate jobs. In a memo to the City Council, City Manager Eric Levitt recommends eliminating four vacant positions and broadening the scope of three others, which would provide a cost savings of $275,000 in 2010. The change would ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Governor's race starts early
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 09, 2009
MADISON — The simmering 2010 governor’s race is moving quickly to a boil with a new television ad attacking presumptive Republican candidate Scott Walker. The ad, slated to run Sunday on one Milwaukee station, comes a full 19 months before the election. Paid for by the state Democratic Party, the ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Wisconsin DNR recommends earn-a-buck moratorium
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 09, 2009
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources is recommending a one-year moratorium on an unpopular rule that requires deer hunters to shoot an antlerless deer before they kill a buck. DNR Secretary Matt Frank said Thursday the earn-a-buck moratorium would be in effect in all of Wisconsin ...Read more, view comments (10) »
UPDATED: Officials responding to house fire
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 09, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The house fire at 814 McKinley St., has been knocked down, and everyone made it out safe. One firefighter received non-life threatening injuries, the fire department reports. Rules do not allow the department to reveal the type of injuries. Both families affected got help from the American Red ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Wis. high court asked to review gay marriage vote
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether the state's ban on gay marriage was properly put to voters. Political science instructor William McConkey claims the referendum illegally put two issues to voters at the same time. A Dane County judge dismissed the case ...Read more, view comments (54) »
Report finds $103M in waste in Milwaukee schools
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 09, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The governor and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett are taking steps that could lead to a takeover of the Milwaukee Public Schools after a report showed millions of dollars of waste in the system. The report released Thursday says Milwaukee schools could save as much as $103 million ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Federal stimulus funds could bring boost to local law enforcement
Posted by on April 09, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A federal Justice Assistance Grant could provide a boost to local law enforcement agencies. The Rock County Sheriff's Office hopes to apply for the JAG funds on behalf of the cities of Janesville and Beloit. Assistant County Administrator Josh Smith says the funds would address gang ...Read more, view comments (12) »
New law protects home buyers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 08, 2009
MADISON -- Gov. Jim Doyle has signed into law a bill that allows home buyers who believe a seller has lied to sue for fraud to recover damages. The law change Doyle signed Wednesday reverses a state Supreme Court ruling from last year that said such lawsuits were not allowed. ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Beloit police investigate death
Posted by STAN STRICKER on April 08, 2009
Beloit police have begun a death investigation after a body was found in an apartment in the 1900 block of Colony Court.
Police Captian Bill Tyler says a phone call tipped off police late Wednesday morning.
Few details are being released until more is known about the identy of the ...
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Orfordville firefighters fighting brush fire
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on April 08, 2009
Orfordville firefighters remain at the scene at a brush fire at 9308 W. Highway 213, at the corner of Plymouth Church Road, according to a spokesman at the Rock County Communications Center. What started as a controlled burn got out of control, the lead dispatcher said. When the 11:04 a.m. ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Dean Health to lay off 90
Posted by JIM LEUTE on April 08, 2009
Officials at Dean Health System said today that about 90 positions within the organization will be eliminated. The affected positions, about 2 percent of the total staff, are in both patient care and non-patient care areas. Notification to affected employees has started and will continue to take place over the ...Read more, view comments (60) »
Pre-K enrollment, funding up; worry about economy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 08, 2009
WASHINGTON (AP) — The recession could spell trouble for the nation's youngest schoolchildren, despite positive trends in spending and enrollment for state pre-K programs, according to a report released Wednesday. At least nine states are likely to make cuts to pre-kindergarten programs including some of the biggest — California, Florida ...Read more, add a comment »
Former mayor asks to travel for counseling
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 08, 2009
RACINE, Wis. (AP) — The former Racine mayor caught in an Internet sex sting has asked to get counseling in Brookfield, the suburb where he was arrested and accused of trying to hook up with a young girl. Fifty-one-year-old Gary Becker is scheduled to be released from a sex addiction ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Milton has a new mayor
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 07, 2009
The city of Milton will have a new mayor for the first time in 10 years when Tom Chesmore is sworn in later this month. Chesmore, a city council member, defeated 10-year incumbent Nate Bruce by 15 votes tonight. Chesmore said the priorities for his first term will be keeping ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Incumbents, Perrotto elected
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on April 07, 2009
JANESVILLE—Three incumbents and challenger Frank Perrotto were elected Tuesday to fill the four open seats on the Janesville City Council. Incumbent George Brunner received the most votes with 4,024; incumbent Bill Truman received 3,817; challenger Frank Perrotto received 3,026; and incumbent Russ Steeber, 2,893. Nine candidates were on the ballot, ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Incumbents win big in Janesville School Board race
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on April 07, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Voters returned four incumbents and one newcomer to the Janesville School Board on Tuesday. The top vote-getter was Lori Stottler, followed by Greg Ardrey, DuWayne Severson, Peter D. Severson and Diedre Richard. Richard is the newcomer. She and Peter D. Severson, as the lowest two vote-getters among the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Evers beats Fernandez to win superintendent race
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 07, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The candidate for state superintendent who had backing from the state teachers union and enough money to advertise on TV has defeated the pesky challenger who dubbed herself a "mom on a mission." Based on preliminary results Tony Evers on Tuesday beat challenger Rose Fernandez 56 ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Influential Wisconsin justice wins re-election
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 07, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson won re-election Tuesday to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Abrahamson, known nationally as an influential state judge, easily defeated challenger Randy Koschnick, based on preliminary results. She waged an aggressive and largely positive campaign that focused on her experience and integrity. With 28 ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Watch election results here
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 07, 2009
Click here to see today's election results. Results will be posted as they come in.Read more, view comments (3) »
Home invasion suspects appear in Rock County Court
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 07, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Three Janesville men accused of breaking into an East Milwaukee Street home and beating a man appeared in Rock County Court this afternoon. Fernando Garcia, 29, Victor Garcia, 17, and Isaac Cortez, 18, each face two counts of party to armed robbery, one count of party to armed ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Rock County judge denies motion in serial rape case
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 07, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Jurors will hear about DNA evidence against the suspected Janesville home invader and serial rapist when he stands trial next week, a Rock County judge decided this afternoon. Michael R. Huber, 32, of 2133 Ontario Drive, believes DNA evidence was obtained from him with an illegal warrant. His ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Rock County fire departments respond to South Beloit fire
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 07, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Local fire departments are on the scene of a commercial fire in the 700 block of Eastern Avenue in South Beloit. South Beloit fire officials say the call came in at 11:33 Tuesday morning, and fire crews remained on scene at 1:30pm. According to Rock County ...Read more, add a comment »
Court Street lane closure starts Wed.
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 07, 2009
From the city of Janesville: One eastbound lane on West Court Street, from Linn Street to Franklin Street, is scheduled to be closed to through traffic beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday. One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times while work occurs. All lanes are expected to be ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Stolen plane from Canada escorted by US fighters
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 07, 2009
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — A man suspected of stealing a plane in Canada and flying erratically across three states was trying to commit suicide, hoping he would be shot down by military fighter planes, a state trooper said Tuesday. Adam Dylan Leon, 31, was arrested at a convenience store in ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Janesville committee to discuss beer sales at ice arena
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on April 07, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The group that hopes to bring a Junior A hockey team to Janesville also wants to bring alcohol sales to the city's ice arena. The city's Alcohol License Advisory Committee discusses an ordinance change Tuesday regarding alcohol sales at the city-owned facility. Tom McDonald is the ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Nearly $40M in Wisconsin Lottery prizes unclaimed
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 06, 2009
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Lottery says winners have failed to claim nearly $40 million in prizes in the past 11 years. And that figure doesn't include unclaimed scratch-off winners. Lottery spokesman Andrew Bohage says based on recent trends, another $3 million in winnings will go unclaimed for the ...Read more, view comments (17) »
North Pontiac to close part of Wednesday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 06, 2009
JANESVILLE--North Pontiac Drive, in the 3200 block north of Highway 14, will be closed to through traffic beginning at 6 a.m., Wednesday, April 8. All lanes are expected to be open by mid-day the same day. Traffic will be detoured around the closure on Highway 14 (Humes Road) and Highway ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Wisconsin churches see more men enter priesthood
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 06, 2009
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) — Some Catholic churches in Wisconsin are having unusual success in attracting new priests. The number of priests in the U.S. has dropped from about 59,000 in 1975 to about 40,600 last year. But pastoral ministries director Dwaine Habrat says St. Bronislava Catholic Church in Plover ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Recreation department expects busy summer
Posted by STAN STRICKER on April 06, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville City Recreation Department is bracing for a big demand on services this summer. Director Bonnie Davis says the economy may prompt many families to limit vacation spending and look for activities closer to home. Davis says her department is planning ahead to meet as ...Read more, add a comment »
Weather advisory canceled
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 05, 2009
The National Weather Service has canceled a winter weather advisory that had been in effect for much of southern Wisconsin. The service now says very little snow is expected north of Interstate 94, though the area just north of the Illinois border could see small accumulations.Read more, view comments (2) »
Bear on prowl in Juneau County
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 05, 2009
MAUSTON -- Juneau County authorities are warning residents about a black bear in the area that doesn’t appear to be very bashful. A Germantown Township resident called 911 on Saturday night to report a black bear eating seeds from a bird feeder in the yard. That’s about seven miles from ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Local company helping make happy Easter for families in need
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 05, 2009
America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin has received its largest donation of eggs ever — just in time for Easter. Whitewater-based S&R Farms and Lake Mills-based Daybreak Foods have donated 288,000 eggs. Second Harvest of Wisconsin President Bonnie Bellehumeur says in a statement that food donations are down and demand is ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Winter weather advisory until Monday morning
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 05, 2009
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory through 7 a.m. Monday for much of southern Wisconsin, including Rock and Walworth counties. According to the National Weather Service: Southern Wisconsin will see periods of mixed sleet and snow today, eventually turning entirely to snow. The region could see ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Supreme Court candidates clash over gun rights
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 05, 2009
Waukesha -- The state Supreme Court campaign is ending with a fight over a new issue: Who is the better friend of Wisconsin gun owners? Challenger Randy Koschnick, a Jefferson County circuit judge, told Carroll University Republicans last week that a 2003 dissenting opinion written by Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Bristol man crushed by trailer
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 04, 2009
TOWN OF BRISTOL — Dane County authorities say a male has died after being crushed by a large trailer. The sheriff’s office says it happened Saturday about 10:45 a.m. at a Town of Bristol home. Deputies say the male was apparently working under the trailer, which was supported by jacks. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Beloit school offers movie trip if students read 12,500 books
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 04, 2009
BELOIT — A Beloit elementary school principal has an ambitious goal for his students. Cunningham Elementary School Principal Robert Pickett has challenged his 284 kindergarten through fifth grade students to read a total of 12,500 books by the end of the year. If they succeed, Pickett will take the students ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Evansville native injured in Afghanistan
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 04, 2009
An Evansville Marine was seriously injured in Afghanistan on Friday. Cpl. Jacob "Jake" Janes, 23, stepped on an IED and had both legs amputated below the knees, his mom, Stacey Schumacher, said. He also had soft tissue damage to his thighs and hands, but Schumacher doesn't believe that will require ...Read more, view comments (41) »
CVS/pharmacy to close Creston Park store
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 04, 2009
JANESVILLE—CVS/pharmacy has decided not to renew its lease and will close its store at 1407 Creston Park Drive on Friday, April 24. Prescriptions will be transferred to the other Janesville store at 1832 West Court St., a company spokesman said Friday. All employees of the closing Janesville store will transfer ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Janesville man in critical condition after Beloit shooting
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 03, 2009
A Janesville man remained in critical condition tonight after an overnight shooting in Beloit. Anthony T. Stewart, 24, of 314 McKinley St., Janesville, was flown by helicopter Friday morning to University Hospital, Madison, Capt. William Tyler said. Another man, Antoine T. Green, 25, of 1529 Oak Street, Beloit, was taken ...Read more, view comments (54) »
Update: Accident cleared but two injured in Interstate crash
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 03, 2009
Traffic is flowing normally at the site of a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 90/39 near Edgerton, a Wisconsin State Patrol spokeswoman said. Two were injured in the crash, which happened at 1:26 p.m. in the southbound lanes near Goede Road, just north of the Dane County line. The driver was ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Man pleads guilty to Monterey Park attack
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 03, 2009
A Janesville man pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery and two counts of first-degree sexual assault in Rock County Court today. Kenneth D. Jarrett, 22, Janesville, pleaded guilty in the Sept. 28, 2007, incident. As part of the plea agreement, Deputy District Attorney Perry Folts can recommend up ...Read more, view comments (50) »
Traffic delayed by crash near county line
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 03, 2009
Eastbound traffic on Interstate 90/39 is backed up as officials respond to a crash near Goede Road just over the Dane County line. The crash was reported at 1:26 p.m., according to the Wisconsin State Patrol. Officials will be closing traffic lanes as needed for the landing of a medical ...Read more, view comments (9) »
South River Road opens
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on April 03, 2009
South River Road from Avalon Road to Oakley Road in the town of Rock has reopened. The road was closed earlier this week because of flooding. High water signs remain up and motorists should use caution because water may still be on the road, Hal Mayer, Rock County highway superintendent, ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Humorist Keillor coming to Madison
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 03, 2009
MADISON — Minnesota humorist Garrison Keillor plans a benefit show in Madison next month to honor his late brother. Keillor’s brother, John Philip Keillor Jr., died Feb. 27 from injuries suffered in a fall at the Vilas Park ice skating rink in Madison. He was 71. The son of the ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Doyle's welfare proposals draw criticism
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 03, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Republicans are criticizing Gov. Jim Doyle's proposals to change the state's Wisconsin Works program as a costly gutting of the state's welfare reform. But Democrats say the governor's proposals will provide much-needed help to families in hard times. Doyle has proposed loosening the time limit on benefits, ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Rock County 4-H Fair announces entertainment
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on April 03, 2009
The Rock County 4-H Fair this morning announced the entertainment lineup for this year’s fair: --Tuesday, July 28. Rock County 4-H Fair Royalty Coronation, 7 p.m. --Wednesday, July 29. Rock County 4-H Fair Star Contest, 7 p.m. --Thursday, July 30. Senior citizen day. Terry Lee Goffee, the “Ultimate” Johnny Cash ...Read more, view comments (48) »
More potholes than usual for Rock County roads
Posted by STAN STRICKER on April 03, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Potholes are posing more of a problem this year on Rock county roads. County Public Works Director Ben Coopman says road crews have been busy keeping up. Coopman says for some reason more moisture than usual got into the soil under the pavement. He says after ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Darien records release delayed
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on April 02, 2009
ELKHORN--The release of records from the computer of fired Darien Police Chief Steve DeVoy was delayed today for at least 24 hours. Walworth County Judge Robert Kennedy has set a hearing for 1:30 p.m. Friday on the matter. The Janesville Gazette planned this afternoon to view thousands of documents compiled ...Read more, view comments (28) »
UPDATED: Gas leak evacuation ends in Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on April 02, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Evacuees are being allowed back in their homes after a gas leak was repaired at the intersection of Academy and McKinley streets in Janesville on Thursday afternoon, Janesville police report. A city bus took evacuees from a one-block radius of the leak to the city bus station on ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Finalists chosen for Janesville police chief opening
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on April 02, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The Janesville Police and Fire Commission has chosen four finalists for the city’s police chief position. Forty-three candidates from 19 states applied for the position after former Chief Neil Mahan retired in January. The finalists will be interviewed April 23 and April 24. The candidates include: - Thomas ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Rollover crash victim identified
Posted by STAN STRICKER on April 02, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Rock County Sheriff's Office has identified the Janesville man who was killed in a rollover accident on Highway 51 late Wednesday morning. Authorities say Michael Wellnitz appears to have been traveling southbound on Highway 51 near Driftwood Drive which is just south of the Southern ...Read more, view comments (39) »
Janesville official expects growth in Milton School District
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 01, 2009
A Janesville official expects long-term growth on the north and northeast sides of Janesville, the part of the city in the Milton School District, he told the Milton School Board on Wednesday. Brad Cantrell, Janesville community development director, expects growth to stall in the next few years because of the ...Read more, view comments (15) »
One dead in Rock Township crash
Posted by STACY VOGEL on April 01, 2009
A 44-year-old Janesville man died in a one-vehicle crash in Rock Township late this morning, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office and Town of Beloit Fire Department responded to the accident at 11:06 a.m. on Highway 51 near Driftwood Drive, the release ...Read more, view comments (44) »
Court: Wisconsin was right to deny man a handgun
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Justice Department properly denied a handgun permit to a man convicted of attacking his live-in girlfriend, a state appeals court ruled Wednesday. Joseph E. Koll, Jr., 50, of Princeton, was convicted of disorderly conduct in 1998. Some nine years later, in 2007, Koll tried ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Move plans on hold for Milton mail carriers
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on April 01, 2009
MILTON--The United States Post Office has put a hold on the possibility of moving Milton postal carriers to the Janesville office. “The relocation will be readdressed at a later date this year when the postal service will re-assess the data and logistics,” postal service spokeswoman Marge Oehlke wrote in a ...Read more, view comments (5) »
P.J. Hill ticketed for drunken driving
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill won't face criminal charges after being accused of leading police on a short chase in Madison while driving drunk. The 22-year-old Hill instead was ticketed Tuesday for first-offense drunken driving, reckless driving, refusing to take a Breathalyzer test and driving ...Read more, view comments (27) »
No school required for Wisconsin Works children
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on April 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed budget drops a requirement that children of Wisconsin Works recipients attend school. Department of Children and Families spokeswoman Erika Monroe-Kane says that since most families only stay on W-2 for a few months, the requirement doesn't make a difference in a child's ...Read more, view comments (13) »
JPD will post arrest records
Posted by STAN STRICKER on April 01, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville Police Department web site will soon feature a report of all adult arrests in the city. Acting Police Chief Dave Moore says the idea developed out of a request from residents in the Fourth Ward and Look West neighborhoods. The report will list the ...Read more, view comments (45) »
