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Bar owner gets 4 months for stunt gone wrong
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A former Green Bay bar owner whose customer got burned by flaming alcohol has been sentenced to four months in jail. Thirty-two-year-old Adam Ward had pleaded no contest to injury by negligent use of fire for the October 2007 incident. Prosecutors say Ward ignited alcohol ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Four clerks cited for giving alcohol to minors
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 28, 2009
Four clerks were cited Friday in alcohol-compliance checks, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office. Underage buyers, under the supervision of sheriff's deputies, tried to buy alcohol at businesses throughout Rock County, the release says. They succeeded at four sites, it says: -Shopiere Tap, 5227 E. ...Read more, view comments (46) »
Police: Man pulls knife at Clinton gas station
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 28, 2009
Police have arrested a man who they say pulled a knife on a stranger at Citgo gas station, 505 Peck Ave., Clinton. Clinton police Sgt. Ed Fairchild said George R. Erdmann, 48, of 4544 E. Highway 14, Janesville, pulled a knife on a Clinton man at about 9:50 a.m. because ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wisconsin woman to appear on stamp
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2009
WATERTOWN, Wis. (AP) — A Watertown native will soon be shown on a postage stamp. The U.S. Postal Service will release a Mary Woodard Lasker stamp on May 14 as part of its "Distinguished Americans" series. Lasker, who died in 1994, was an advocate of medical research for cancer, stroke, ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Appleton man avoids prison in drunken driving death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2009
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — An Appleton man convicted of killing a woman in a drunken driving crash has been sentenced to one year in jail and nine more years on probation. Twenty-five-year-old Douglas Wassmann had pleaded no contest in December to a felony charge of homicide by intoxicated use of ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Traffic backed up north of Janesville
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 27, 2009
An overturned semitrailer truck has backed up traffic on Interstate 90/39 for a couple of miles north of Janesville. Northbound drivers can expect delays starting around the Highway 26 exit to the rest stop between Manogue Road and Kennedy Road. Workers are removing the truck.Read more, view comments (15) »
Madison appliance maker to cut up to 350 jobs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Sub-Zero Freezer/Wolf Appliance says it will lay off up to 350 workers on or after May 1 due to slow sales. The company builds high-end refrigerators, freezers and cooking appliances. Its Thursday announcement follows the layoff of 79 workers in January at the Wolf Appliance division ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Federal spending bill would expand Ice Age trail
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A spending bill working its way through Congress includes $1 million to expand the Ice Age Park and Trail in Wisconsin. The House of Representatives approved the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill this week, and the Senate is to consider it next week. Trailway director Andrew Hanson says ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Sheridan to visit Rock County Job Center
Posted by STAN STRICKER on February 27, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: State Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan plans to visit the Rock County Job Center Friday morning to speak with displaced workers. The Democrat from Janesville says no where in the state has been hit harder than Rock county. Sheridan wants to update residents on an additional three ...Read more, view comments (34) »
Rock County Board approves equal amounts for parks, conservation
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 27, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Rock County parks and land conservation programs will split environment impact fees from American Transmission Company evenly. The Rock County Board debated the county's role in farmland preservation, and how much to spend on parks. After eight citizens spoke unanimously in favor of splitting the $1.8 ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Racine man gets 16 years for break-in, killing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2009
RACINE, Wis. (AP) — A 20-year-old Racine man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison in a home robbery and fatal shooting. Xavier Johnson is one of six people convicted in the August 2007 death of 28-year-old Antonio Strong. Prosecutors say the men broke into Strong's apartment, took $6,000 ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Court: Wis. company not liable for $1.5M in death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An insurance company doesn't have to pay $1.5 million to the estate of a developmentally disabled man who died after being left in a bathtub at a county group home. The District 4 Court of Appeals says Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Co.'s insurance policy with Wood ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Chrysler laying off 150 in Kenosha
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2009
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Chrysler says it plans to lay off as many as 150 people next month at its engine plant in Kenosha. Chrysler spokesman Max Gates says beginning March 23, production on both lines will be reduced indefinitely as it continues to deal with declining sales. Production at ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Flood Watch issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 26, 2009
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a flood watch for portions of south central Wisconsin and southeast Wisconsin, including Rock, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties from 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon through late tonight. Heavy rainfall of one inch will fall in ...Read more, view comments (4) »
No change in Darien police chief status
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 25, 2009
DARIEN--The Darien Village Board on Wednesday night did not vote to change the employment status of Police Chief Steve DeVoy. DeVoy has been suspended with pay since Dec. 1. The board made two unanimous votes in open session after a 90-minute closed session: -- Instruct a village attorney to call ...Read more, view comments (41) »
Doyle reviews rail in Spain
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says he's reviewing Spain's high-speed rail systems and talking up Wisconsin manufacturers to Spanish train builders. Doyle is in Spain through Saturday. He told Wisconsin reporters during a conference call Wednesday he took a high-speed train from Madrid to Malaga. Doyle says he ...Read more, view comments (39) »
Wis. offers tax credits for dairy, meat processors
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin is looking to expand its dairy and meat processing industries with two new tax credit programs included in the state budget bill approved last week. One program gives tax credits to dairy cooperatives that upgrade their plants to increase production or efficiency. The other gives tax ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Balloons to float again in Monroe
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2009
MONROE, Wis. (AP) — The Monroe Balloon Rally will take off again this year, thanks to a new organizer stepping in to pump it up after the Chamber of Commerce bowed out. The chamber's 8-1 vote in early February seemed to wipe out hopes of holding a 24th consecutive summer ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Janesville School Board faces big computer-repair bill
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 24, 2009
JANESVILLE—The Janesville School Board may take action March 10 on recommendations that it spend over $3 million to fix its aging computer system. Not only is the technology out of date, but a variety of best practices are not being followed, leaving the system vulnerable, according to a report by ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Beloit man dies in traffic crash
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 24, 2009
A Beloit man is dead after a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Highway 11 in Rock County’s Spring Valley Township. Frank C. McIntyre, 75, of Beloit, was pronounced dead after being taken to Mercy Hospital in Janesville, according to a press release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. The press ...Read more, view comments (10) »
UPDATE: Accident closes Highway 11
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 24, 2009
Emergency responders are at the scene of a “traffic accident with injury” on Highway 11 and Potter Road, west of Orfordville, according to Rock County dispatch. The accident was reported at 3:51 p.m. According to dispatch, Highway 11 between Pann Road to Brodhead Street west of Orfordville will be closed ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Public hearing set on Wis. Indian logos
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 24, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — People will get a chance next month to tell lawmakers what they think about a bill that would permit education officials to prohibit American Indian mascots in schools. The Assembly Education Committee plans a public hearing on the measure March 17 at the state Capitol. The ...Read more, view comments (44) »
Schneider National freezes pay
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 24, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Schneider National says it's freezing pay this year as it deals with a soft freight market. The Green Bay trucking firm says market conditions are some of the most difficult in decades. Schneider is also deferring funding for retirement plans and 401(k) matches until the ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Hockey team decision delayed
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 24, 2009
The city council Monday night delayed for at least two weeks a decision on whether to spend $200,000 to bring a junior A hockey team here. Two issues—beer sales and unhappy current ice rink users—were at the forefront of the discussion. The council had been scheduled to act on an ...Read more, view comments (93) »
Wis. Reservist weighing options after Iraq refusal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 24, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — An Army Reservist from Green Bay says he's weighing his options after an e-mail exchange with his company commander over his refusal to return to duty in Iraq. Spc. Kristoffer Walker served a previous Iraq tour as an infantryman and is with the 353rd Transportation ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Police release description of bank robber
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 23, 2009
Edgerton Police Chief Tom Klubertanz has released a description of an Edgerton bank robber. The robber is male, 5 feet, 8 to 10 inches with a stocky build, Klubertanz told WCLO Radio. He weighs about 200 pounds and was wearing a maroon hooded sweatshirt. The robber did not display a ...Read more, view comments (47) »
Update: Police investigating Edgerton bank robbery
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 23, 2009
Bank of Edgerton was robbed early this afternoon, Edgerton Police Chief Tom Klubertanz told WCLO Radio today. Police responded to a hold-up alarm at the bank, 102 N. Main St., at 1:26 p.m., a Rock County Communication spokeswoman said. Klubertanz said police are working with bank security to get a ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Janesville schools superintendent appears in vodcast
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 23, 2009
JANESVILLE—Janesville’s interim school superintendent spoke to her staff Monday through a video posted on the district’s Web site. Superintendent Karen Schulte said she would make weekly addresses through the “vodcasts.” In her first video, recorded with the help of Craig High School staff, Schulte noted that the district and the ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Janesville woman to stand trial on attempted homicide charge
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on February 23, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A Janesville woman accused of trying to kill her husband pleaded not guilty this morning to attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Nickole E. Pergande, 35, of 530 S. Randall Ave., Janesville, appeared in Rock County Court for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. She was ordered to stand trial and ...Read more, view comments (43) »
Wages for farm workers drop compared to a year ago
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The average wage for agricultural workers in the Upper Midwest has dropped 70 cents an hour in the past year. The National Agricultural Statistics Service says the average wage for agricultural workers in the lake region of Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota was just over $11 an hour ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Madison to buy hybrid buses with stimulus money
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz says the city will use $9.5 million in federal stimulus money to buy more diesel-electric hybrid buses. Cieslewicz says the city plans to buy 18 more of the buses. It bought its first five hybrid buses in 2007. Each hybrid bus costs ...Read more, view comments (25) »
No injuries in bus accident
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 23, 2009
No one was injured when a bus transporting six Beloit area residents to Kandu Industries went in the ditch this morning at County G and Townline Road, north of Beloit, officials said. The Van Galder bus lost power on County G, and the driver attempted to turn onto Townline Road. ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker raises money for possible gubernatorial run
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker has raised more than $400,000 for what could be a run for governor. The Republican has not yet declared his intention of running against Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle in 2010. Doyle had about $1.4 million in his campaign account at the end ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wisc. Msgr. Dolan welcomed as next NY archbishop
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) — Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, a defender of Roman Catholic orthodoxy who led an elite seminary for U.S. priests and became known for his energy, wit and warmth, was named archbishop of New York on Monday. The Vatican said Dolan would succeed Cardinal Edward Egan, 76, ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Teacher dies after being punched
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2009
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A Kenosha teacher who tried to stop some men from harassing his female friends died after he was punched and fell to the concrete. The confrontation happened outside the Big Shotz Sports Bar in Kenosha about 2 a.m. Saturday when Colin Byars was leaving with some ...Read more, view comments (43) »
School board presidents will discuss budget issues
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 23, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Some area school board presidents will be meeting soon to discuss topics of mutual interest. Janesville School Board President DuWayne Severson has scheduled a meeting of local school board presidents from Milton, Edgerton, Clinton and Beloit Turner. It will be held March 12th at the Educational ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Governor's plan gives UW students more tuition aid
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2009
MADISON — Nearly 40,000 Wisconsin college students would get enough financial aid to offset tuition increases during the next two years under Gov. Jim Doyle's budget proposal. Doyle promised that University of Wisconsin System tuition increases would be moderate and in line with recent hikes of 5.5 percent the past ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Kenosha police investigate man's death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2009
KENOSHA — Kenosha police are investigating after a 24-year-old man was punched outside a tavern, fell to the pavement and died. Police identified the victim as Colin Byars of Kenosha. According to police, he left the tavern early Saturday with some women who were socializing with him, and he intervened ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Busy highway will see lane reduction
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 21, 2009
MADISON — One of the busiest stretches of highway in Dane County will be reduced from six lanes to four starting Monday. Construction workers will replace pavement and install median safety walls on a 3.7-mile stretch of I-39/90/94 from the Dane County line north into Columbia County. The Wisconsin Department ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wis. governor proposes switch to one license plate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 21, 2009
WAUSAU — Gov. Jim Doyle wants to save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next two years by putting only one license plate on Wisconsin cars and trucks. Doyle included the switch from two to one plates in the two-year, $62.7 billion budget plan he unveiled Tuesday. It's part ...Read more, view comments (42) »
Wis. soldier says he won’t return to Iraq
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin Army Reservist refused to leave Friday to return to his unit in Iraq, saying he’s become disillusioned with the U.S. role there. Spc. Kristoffer Walker of Green Bay said he sent an e-mail to his squad leader, platoon sergeant and company first sergeant ...Read more, view comments (152) »
Winter storm warning issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 20, 2009
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow, which is in effect from 10 p.m. Friday evening to 3 p.m. Saturday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect. Moderate to heavy snow is expected to begin ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Janesville declares Saturday snow emergency
Posted by SID SCHWARTZ on February 20, 2009
Janesville has declared a snow emergency for Saturday starting at 10 a.m. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. To ensure that you do not receive a parking ticket, move your vehicle before 10 ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Ships on Great Lakes may need permits from Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle wants to create new ballast water discharge permits for vessels on the Great Lakes to fight the spread of invasive species. Doyle's budget proposal includes about $460,000 for three Department of Natural Resources positions to administer the permits. But budget summary documents don't ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Wis. governor proposes school funding reform
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle said a plan to lift to state revenue caps for school districts that meet certain requirements could be before the Legislature by next fall. Doyle told the Wisconsin State Journal the move would be part of an overall school funding reform bill. Critics ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Republican lawmakers object to fee increases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers are objecting to a proposal to increase fees for licenses held by more than 375,000 people in a variety of professions. The objections raised by Sen. Luther Olsen of Ripon and Rep. Robin Vos of Burlington will require the Legislature's budget committee to ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Woman charged with unauthorized adoption
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2009
WEST BEND, Wis. (AP) — A Missouri woman faces a felony child abduction charge in Wisconsin where she's accused of buying a baby from a couple for $6,000. A criminal complaint filed Thursday in Washington County says 36-year-old Denise Novotny of Clinton, Mo., received the infant shortly after she was ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Winter storm watch issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 20, 2009
From the National Weather Service: The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. Snow is expected to begin over south central Wisconsin late this evening and spread eastward across southeast Wisconsin overnight into Saturday morning. Snowfall ...Read more, view comments (29) »
2 more sentenced in Wisconsin cocaine ring
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge has sentenced two brothers involved in a southern Wisconsin cocaine ring. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb sentenced 32-year-old Maximo Pineda-Buenventura to 17 1/2 years in prison and 30-year-old Teodulo Pineda-Buenventura to 5 years for conspiring to deal cocaine. The brothers will be deported ...Read more, view comments (40) »
Stimulus gives Wis. more money for clean water
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin will get an additional $144 million for projects to improve its wastewater and public drinking water systems thanks to the federal stimulus bill. That's according to the chief of environmental loans for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Robert Ramharter says the new money means state ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Wisconsin plan would recognize same-sex couples
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Same-sex couples could form domestic partnerships and receive some of the same benefits as married people under Gov. Jim Doyle's budget plan. Partners would have a right to make hospital visits and end-of-life decisions and inherit property. Public employees would be able to add partners to ...Read more, view comments (169) »
Police try to put an end to YouTube fights
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay police are trying to stop middle school students from organizing fist fights that end up on the Internet. Extra police patrols have been added at Franklin Middle School, where students fights have been posted on the YouTube Web site. Principal Matt Weller says ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Doyle open to toll roads
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle has backed away from his staunch stand against charging tolls on Wisconsin highways. The governor has indicated for the first time that he would be open to the idea. Doyle told the Journal Sentinel that he dislikes the idea of toll roads, but said ...Read more, view comments (69) »
Wis Legislature passes bill to start fixing budget
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — With no Republican support, the Wisconsin Legislature passed a bill late Wednesday that raises taxes on everything from iPod downloads to corporate income, to help balance a record-high budget shortfall. The fast-tracked measure also includes money for job training to put people back to work and ...Read more, view comments (18) »
GM schedules end of medium-duty line
Posted by JIM LEUTE on February 18, 2009
General Motors announced today that it will end medium-duty truck production at its Janesville plant on April 23. The move will result in the layoff of about 100 employees associated with medium-duty production partnership with Isuzu. A few skilled trades employees will remain past the April date. Workers were told ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Oshkosh Corp. loses appeal of military contract
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2009
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Oshkosh Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp., cut out of the competition to build lightweight military tactical vehicles, have lost their challenge of the Pentagon's decision. Oshkosh Corp. and its defense contractor partner filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office in November after they were eliminated ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Federal judge strikes down Wis. judicial rules
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge has struck down rules that prohibit Wisconsin judges from joining political parties, soliciting campaign donations and endorsing partisan candidates. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb says the rules do little to advance an independent judiciary and violate judges' free speech rights. She says the ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin sailor charged with murder
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin sailor told police in Virginia he didn't realize his gun was loaded when he pointed it at his girlfriend's head and pulled the trigger, killing the woman. Darren Mackie is charged with second-degree murder in the death of fellow Navy sailor, 20-year-old Caitlin Trask. A ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Rock County stands to gain from federal stimulus
Posted by STAN STRICKER on February 18, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Rock County may have some projects eligible for federal stimulus dollars. Rock County Administrator Craig Knutson is very interested in exploring what areas qualify. He says topping the list are several bridge repair projects, improvements at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, and increase in Medicaid reimbursements. ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Incumbents survive Turtle Town Board primary
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 17, 2009
TURTLE TOWNSHIP--Both incumbents and two challengers survived the five-way primary for Turtle Town Board. The results: Incumbent Tim Kopp, 335 votes; incumbent Lester Oldenburg, 146 votes; Margaret Palubinski, 144 votes; Darrell Simonides, 243 votes. Those four will move on to the general election in April. Tom Straub, with 105 votes, ...Read more, add a comment »
Incumbents survive Darien primary
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 17, 2009
DARIEN--All three incumbents survived an eight-way primary election Tuesday night for Darien Village Board. The unofficial results: Incumbent Craig McCue, 94 votes; incumbent Phil Putman, 85 votes; Cheryl Kaufenberg, 80 votes; Debi Olmstead, 72 votes; incumbent Allen Kenyon, 58 votes; Cindy Holmes, 55 votes. Those six will go on to ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Two newcomers win primary for Fontana School Board
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on February 17, 2009
FONTANA A psychologist and a school bus driver advance to the general election after winning the primary Tuesday. Clinical psychologist Leo Bourneuf, 46, of 569 Forest Glen Drive, received 70 votes, and school bus driver Lis Price, 51, of 200 Abbey Springs Drive, received 27 votes. General surgeon Dmitry Pasikhov, ...Read more, add a comment »
Burwell, Polzin advance in Delavan chairman race
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 17, 2009
DELAVAN TOWNSHIP--The incumbent and one challenger for town of Delavan chairman will advance to the general election in April. Former Delavan Town Clerk Dorothy Burwell earned 248 votes. Incumbent Chairman Wayne Polzin earned 132 votes. A third candidate, board member Jim Wolfgram, earned 32 votes. Wolfgram withdrew from the race ...Read more, add a comment »
Clinton voters say "no" to referendum
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 17, 2009
CLINTON--Voters soundly turned down a $9.63 million referendum for upgrades and some expansion to district schools. The referendum failed 968-576. The district has no plans to come to voters with another project in the near future, Administrator Pam Kiefert said. Plans included upgrading the elementary school’s aging boiler and air ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Two advance from primary for Lake Geneva District 2 alderman
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on February 17, 2009
LAKE GENEVA A current alderman and a former alderman advance to the general election after winning the primary Tuesday. Incumbent Mary Jo Fesenmaier, 45, of 633 Sue Ann Drive, received 79 votes, and former alderman M.L. “Mac” McBride, 54, of 205 E. South St., received 42 votes. Newcomer Ted F. ...Read more, add a comment »
New Janesville hospital delayed
Posted by JIM LEUTE on February 17, 2009
Unfavorable credit markets will delay but not destroy a $140 million hospital and physicians complex planned for Janesville. Officials of SSM Health Care of Wisconsin and Dean Health System said Tuesday that the new complex on Janesville’s east side likely will not open until 2011, up to a year after ...Read more, view comments (48) »
Major player in ethanol network in bankruptcy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 17, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State agriculture auditors are monitoring the bankruptcy of a major player in the state's ethanol production. Olsen's Mill has scores of grain contracts with Wisconsin farmers. A Green Lake County judge has appointed a receiver to manage the company's assets. The president of the family owned ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Inmate found dead
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 17, 2009
The death of an inmate at the Rock County Jail is being investigated. A short news release from the sheriff's office says the death was discovered at 11:34 Monday night.. Both the sheriff's office and coroner's office are looking into it. Click here to read the full storyRead more, view comments (49) »
Turtles may be killed in roadway project
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2009
MADISON — Turtles considered threatened in Wisconsin could be killed in the reconstruction of I-94 from Milwaukee to the Illinois border. The Department of Natural Resources is taking public comments through March 6 before deciding to authorize the "incidental taking" of the Blanding’s turtle as well as a Seaside crowfoot ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Troop sendoff could mean traffic delays
Posted by on February 16, 2009
MADISON -- The sendoff ceremony for the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Brigade could mean traffic backups on Madison's beltline and near the Dane County Coliseum on Tuesday, the Dane County Sheriff's Office is warning. The sendoff for the approximately 3,200 soldiers is planned from noon until about 2 p.m. ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Doyle proposal would remove some court records
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Gov. Jim Doyle proposal to keep some online court records out of public view drew criticism Monday. Doyle has proposed that renters who are evicted due to a foreclosure action against their landlord not have a record of the eviction listed in an online court ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Economic development not on Edgerton agenda tonight
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 16, 2009
Mayor Erik Thompson will not ask the Edgerton City Council to let him appoint a chairperson for a new economic development committee at tonight's meeting, Administrator Ramona Flanigan said. As reported Saturday, Thompson said he was going to talk to the council about the new committee at tonight's meeting, ...Read more, add a comment »
Gas prices top $2 per gallon in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The price of gas has passed the $2 mark again. AAA reports the average price for a gallon of regular fuel is $2.01 statewide. That's up 6 cents per gallon from a month ago, but still much less than a year ago, when the average was $3.03. ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Military pilot safe after emergency Wis. landing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Airport authorities in Madison say a military pilot enforcing a no-fly zone for the president was unhurt after the pilot had to make an emergency landing. The Air National Guard F-15 was enforcing a flight-restriction zone Sunday over Chicago for President Barack Obama. A fire indicator ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Cell tower planned for Janesville church
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 16, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: US Cellular is asking the City of Janesville for permission to build a cell tower at St. Mark's Church on Mount Zion Avenue by the interstate. Gale Price, manager of building and development services for the city, says the tower is proposed to be free-standing in ...Read more, view comments (71) »
Lake Winnebago victims identified
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2009
MCT REGIONAL NEWS By Ben Poston Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MCT) Feb. 15--Authorities have identified a girl who died after her father’s truck fell through the ice on Lake Winnebago Saturday. Savannah Kleinhans, 9, of Cambria, died as a result of drowning, according to the Calumet County Sheriff’s Department. Daniel M. ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Ceremony set for Wisconsin soldiers heading to Iraq
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 3,000 Wisconsin soldiers deploying to Iraq will get a big send-off in Madison on Tuesday. About 3,200 Wisconsin Army National Guard soldiers and their families will be honored during a noon ceremony at the Alliant Energy Center. Gov. Jim Doyle, lawmakers, mayors and National ...Read more, view comments (7) »
More than 500 sturgeon speared on Opening Day
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources says more than 500 sturgeon have been speared on the season’s opening day. DNR biologist Ron Bruch said Saturday the one-day harvest total was 506 fish. Fourteen fish weighed in at more than 100 pounds. The largest fish of the ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Police still seek Dalmatian
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 14, 2009
JANESVILLE--The Janesville Police Department is asking for the public's help to find a dog that bit a 5-year-old Tuesday night in the 2000 block of North Wright Road. The Dalmatian bit the child in the hip and left puncture wounds, police said. A young woman with red hair was walking ...Read more, view comments (50) »
DNA links hundreds of felons to unsolved crimes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — DNA submissions from convicted felons in Wisconsin have led to nearly 2,000 matches in other crimes over the past eight years. A match indicates the same person was involved in both crimes and can help investigators make an arrest. Wisconsin started requiring convicted felons to give ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wisconsin lawmakers vote party lines on stimulus
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2009
Wisconsin’s lawmakers voted on party lines when the House and Senate approved a $787 billion economic stimulus bill Friday. In the House vote, the bill was supported by Wisconsin Democratic Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Steve Kagen, Ron Kind, Gwen Moore and Dave Obey and opposed by Wisconsin Republican Reps. Tom Petri, ...Read more, view comments (29) »
Power back on to 600 Janesville homes
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 13, 2009
JANESVILLE--A broken transformer cut power briefly to 600 Janesville houses, an Alliant Energy spokesman said. Most of the outage was south of Racine Street near the Janesville Ice Skating Center. The power came back on about 7:55 p.m.Read more, view comments (11) »
Group seeks driver certificates for illegal immigrants
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on February 13, 2009
MCT REGIONAL NEWS By Georgia Pabst Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MCT) Feb. 13--A coalition of groups today stepped up its effort to convince Gov. Jim Doyle to allow illegal immigrants to obtain certificates that would allow them to drive and get car insurance. About 20 members of the Wisconsin Coalition for ...Read more, view comments (80) »
Wis. tax credits help pay for Depp's entourage
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin taxpayers contributed $450,000 toward Hollywood director Michael Mann's salary when he came to the state last year to film the big-budget Johnny Depp movie "Public Enemies." Records obtained by The Associated Press show the state's film tax credits not only covered a quarter of Mann's ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Odd Fellows to host Fourth of July celebration
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 13, 2009
JANESVILLE--Out with the old. And in with the new. The decades-old tradition of the Janesville Jaycees hosting the Fourth of July celebration in Janesville has come to an end. This Independence Day activities will be put on by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Wisconsin Lodge 14. “Even though we ...Read more, view comments (21) »
DNR warns about thawing ice as temperatures warm
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2009
RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) — The recent thaw is leaving some fishermen on thin ice. A truck went through the ice on Thunder Lake near Three Lakes on Wednesday, stranding the driver until firefighters could help him to shore. The driver wasn't injured. Department of Natural Resources recreational safety warden Jeff ...Read more, view comments (5) »
District phones not working
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 13, 2009
The Janesville School District's phones are not working. Calls can be made in-house, but schools are not able to receive incoming calls, said Sheryl Miller, public information specialist. The district's phone provider is working on the problem, she added.Read more, view comments (16) »
Lawyers in malpractice case donate to Wis. justice
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson has accepted $11,500 in donations from lawyers who have a pending medical malpractice case in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Abrahamson has not disclosed the donations from members of the Cannon & Dunphy law firm to parties in the case or ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Employee hoped to get fired
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Madison restaurant employee is accused of trashing his place of employment in an attempt to get fired and collect unemployment compensation. A criminal complaint filed Thursday against 35-year-old Ravone Jones says he showed up at a Qdoba restaurant Friday night and started throwing brownies and ...Read more, view comments (33) »
State home prices better than nation's
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The number of homes sold in Wisconsin dropped sharply last year, but sale prices held up better than the national average. The Wisconsin Realtors Association says home prices declined 9.5 percent nationally. In Wisconsin, prices dropped 3.7 percent in 2008. But, the volume of homes sales in ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Beloit's New Court Theatre drops the final curtain
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 13, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: BELOIT — The nine year run of Beloit's New Court Theatre has come to an end. Actor and Artistic Director for the company, Colleen Burns, says this is not a unique problem for Beloit. Other theater and performance venues are facing similar problems. She says just ...Read more, add a comment »
State license fees may increase
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2009
MADISON — Everything from cutting hair to selling burial caskets would cost more under proposed fee increases. The Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensure wants to collect $7.6 million more from fees for licenses it issues. It would receive about $31.4 million over the next two years instead of $23.8 ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Gas-price law ruled unconstitutional
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2009
MADISON — A federal judge has ruled that Wisconsin’s minimum markup on gas is unconstitutional. State law makes it illegal for retailers to sell gasoline without marking it up either 6 percent over what they paid or 9.18 percent over the average wholesale price, whichever is higher. The law, passed ...Read more, view comments (48) »
County urges evacuation near Fox River
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2009
WHEATLAND, Wis. (AP) — Kenosha County is urging residents along the Fox River in Wheatland and Salem to leave their homes for a few days. The river is expected to crest well above flood stage late Thursday. Over the years, the county has purchased many of the homes along the ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Police arrest group of teens in car vandalism
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 12, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A group of teens faces charges after reportedly shooting out the windows of a least a dozen cars Tuesday in Janesville. Officer Todd Bailey says the group used a BB gun or slingshot with marbles to vandalize the cars. The teens are from Afton. Bailey says ...Read more, view comments (33) »
Edgerton comittee reaffirms city hall site choice
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 11, 2009
The Edgerton Ad Hoc City Hall Committee still seems to favor building a new city hall next to the existing one, but it didn't rule out another option tonight. The committee re-examined five possibilities for city hall: building in the municipal lot, renovating the existing building, buying space in Fulton ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Lab Safety to lay off 50
Posted by JIM LEUTE on February 11, 2009
W.W. Grainger said today it will lay off as many as 400 employees—including 50 in Janesville—as a result of a 9 percent drop in January sales and a bleak outlook for the remainder of the year. Grainger owns Lab Safety Supply, which employs about 950 in Janesville. Grainger spokesman Robb ...Read more, view comments (175) »
Fed: Upper Midwest recession to continue in 2009
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2009
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is forecasting that the economic downturn in the Upper Midwest will continue through 2009. Employment by year-end is expected to be down from last year's levels and unemployment rates are expected to rise. However, Fed economist Toby Madden says that while ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Favre's agent: NY Jets QB retiring
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) — Brett Favre’s agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James “Bus” Cook to tell the team Wednesday that he won’t return for a 19th NFL season — and second with the Jets. In an e-mail to ESPN, Favre says ...Read more, view comments (94) »
UW-Madison sees applications drop
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Undergraduate applications for fall admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison have dropped for the first time in five years. UW officials say the reason isn't clear but it could be the recession or a smaller class of high school graduates. The number of applications dropped 3 ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Beloit College to introduce new president
Posted by STAN STRICKER on February 11, 2009
Officials at Beloit College are ready to announce the school's 11th president. College spokesman Ron Nief says an announcement is planned for Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 in Eaton Chapel on campus. The search lasted eight months and included 50 candidates. The three finalists all visited campus last month.Read more, view comments (2) »
Senate passes minimum wage bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2009
MADISON — Wisconsin’s minimum wage would increase by $1.10 per hour under a bill passed by the state Senate. Republicans and a variety of business groups oppose the increase, which they say would put people out of work and hurt companies that don’t have enough money to pay higher wages. ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Wis. governor seeks extension to drug program
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle has asked the federal government to extend Wisconsin's one-of-a-kind SeniorCare prescription drug program for another three years. Congress extended the program in 2007 so it will run through Dec. 31. It serves 86,000 senior citizens in Wisconsin. Doyle announced Tuesday that he has ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Doyle: Wis. would get $600M less under Senate plan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says the Senate's federal stimulus bill would give Wisconsin about $600 million less than the House version. Doyle said Tuesday that the difference will hurt education and basic services, such as firefighting. He told the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Counties Association that ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Carelessly opened car doors could result in fines
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Madison and state officials want to make it illegal for someone to open a car door into oncoming traffic without checking to make sure it's safe. The measures are designed to protect bicyclists from "getting doored." Bicyclist Linda Willsey suffered multiple contusions and fractured vertebra when ...Read more, view comments (39) »
Charities see car donations drop off in recession
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The executive director of the nonprofit Rawhide Inc. says he knew early on that the economy was tanking: Car donations dropped off. Rawhide Inc. runs a ranch for troubled teens in New London. About one-third of its budget comes from the donation and resale of cars, boats ...Read more, view comments (3) »
City Council vote paves the way for new parking
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 10, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville's city council votes to reassign leased parking for Mercy Options as a way to provide closer parking for the city's senior center. The city council also asked staff members to investigate angled parking stalls along St. Lawrence and Water Street. Reassigning the Mercy Options stalls ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Janesville man charged with attempted robbery
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on February 09, 2009
A Janesville man charged with attempted robbery of a credit union in Belvidere, Ill., remained held in jail without bond today after appearing in federal court. Roger A. Biel, 46, of 20 N. Wisconsin St., Janesville, is accused of attempting to rob ABD Federal Credit Union, Belvidere, at 5:15 p.m. ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Evers raises the most in Wis. superintendent race
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Tony Evers has raised more money than at least two others in the five-person race for Wisconsin state superintendent of schools. Evers is the current deputy superintendent. Campaign finance reports due Monday show he raised just over $30,000 this year through Feb. 2. He has nearly ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis. bill would protect mothers who breast-feed
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lags the nation in the number of mothers who breast-feed, and one lawmaker says that has to change. Democratic Rep. Sandy Pasch of Whitefish Bay testified Monday in favor of a bill that would allow women to breast-feed anywhere. More than 40 states have similar ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Federal aid sought for 5 Wis. school districts
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 09, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Five Wisconsin school districts are seeking federal assistance after losing millions of dollars in bad investments. The Kenosha, Kimberly, Waukesha, West Allis-West Milwaukee and Whitefish Bay school districts bought $200 million worth of collateralize debt obligations in 2006. Those are the same kind of investments that the ...Read more, view comments (8) »
'Person of interest' arrested in Kenosha death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 09, 2009
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Authorities in Arkansas have arrested a "person of interest" in the death of a Kenosha man. A news release from Kenosha police says 26-year-old Nicolas Subdiaz-Osorio of Kenosha was arrested Sunday night by an Arkansas state police officer who stopped his vehicle. Earlier Sunday, officers found ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Barn burns in Newark Township
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 09, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A barn fire west of Beloit in Newark Township is keeping firefighters from several departments busy Monday morning. The alarm was sounded around 5:30 at 7715 South County Highway H between Cleophas and Grove School Roads. There are animals in the some of the buildings.Read more, view comments (3) »
DNR issues air quality alert
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 08, 2009
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an Air Quality Watch for all Wisconsin counties starting at 12:01 a.m. Monday and continuing through 11 p.m. Monday. The watch was issued because of a forecast for elevated levels of fine particles in the air, according to a news release. Fine-particle pollution ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Snowmobiler falls through Lake Koshkonong ice
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 08, 2009
MILTON—An Evansville snowmobiler was treated and released at Mercy Hospital in Janesville after being rescued from the icy water of Lake Koshkonong on Saturday night. The Rock County Sheriff’s Office Water Rescue and Dive team was dispatched to Dahlman Park Landing in Milton Township, at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Allen ...Read more, view comments (32) »
UW-Stevens Point student dies
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2009
STEVENS POINT — A campus official at UW-Stevens Point said a 19-year-old student has died. Bob Tomlinson, vice chancellor for student affairs, said in a statement that the student was found unresponsive early Saturday morning in Thomson Hall, a residence hall on campus. The student was taken to an emergency ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Janesville School Board plans second closed meeting
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 07, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville School Board is planning a second closed-door meeting Saturday evening. Thursday the board met for several hours at its attorney's office. The meeting was unusual because it was held away from school district offices, and only the school board and the board's attorney were ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Woman killed in Kenosha County fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2009
PADDOCK LAKE—Authorities say the rented home in Paddock Lake where a woman died in a fire had a clothes dryer vent pipe that was stuffed with lint and no working smoke detectors. Town of Salem Fire Chief Mike Slover the fire that was discovered about 12:30 a.m. Friday apparently started ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Clinic board approves plan for late-term abortions
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2009
MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP) — A clinic tied to the University of Wisconsin could soon start performing late-term abortions with Friday's approval from its board. The Madison Surgery Center board voted 6-0 Friday morning to approve a plan to offer second-trimester abortions at the clinic run by UW Hospital, the UW ...Read more, view comments (142) »
UW System suspends payments from 30 endowments
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System is suspending payments from 30 endowments whose values have dropped in the recession. System President Kevin Reilly said Friday the move will mean $700,000 in reduced payments for scholarships, projects and other initiatives. He says the value of all 30 endowments ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Beloit police seize 151 pounds of marijuana
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2009
BELOIT—Beloit Police Drug and Gang Unit members along with other officers from the department recovered 151 pounds of packaged marijuana, $19,600 in cash and a vehicle at 3 a.m. today in the 1800 block of Dell Drive, according to a press release from Deputy Chief Norm Jacobs. Samuel Velasco Garcia, ...Read more, view comments (161) »
School board saying little about closed session meeting
Posted by STAN STRICKER on February 06, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville School Board is remaining tight lipped on the need for a closed door meeting Thursday night. The board met for more than two hours at their lawyer's office. Attorney Dave Moore says in his more than four years working on behalf of the board ...Read more, view comments (11) »
DWD secretary to visit BTC
Posted by STAN STRICKER on February 06, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A manufacturing course at Blackhawk Technical College is getting a little recognition Friday from the Department of Workforce Development Secretary. DWD spokesman Dick Jones says Secretary Roberta Gassman will visit the BTC campus to award certificates of achievement to workers who completed the rigorous Manufacturing Skill ...Read more, view comments (2) »
UW restarts multimillion dollar computer project
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System is moving ahead with a new computer program to manage its payroll and benefits for employees after already spending $26 million on a previous failed effort. The university has budgeted $8 million just to plan for the massive and complicated conversion ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Donation to UW leads to $3M in financial aid
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System gave more than $1.7 million in need-based financial aid to students last semester thanks to a scholarship donation. Nearly 2,000 students received the aid from the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars. Roughly the same amount in aid will go to about the ...Read more, view comments (2) »
3-year-old hospitalized after being hit by car
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 05, 2009
HANOVER—A 3-year-old boy is in “guarded” condition today at University Hospital, Madison, after being hit by a car his mother was backing out of a family member’s driveway Wednesday afternoon at 8108 W. Mill St., Hanover, in Plymouth Township, according to Commander Troy Knudson of law enforcement services. Patricia A. ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Woodbridge to end operation of auto seats in April
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 05, 2009
BRODHEAD - Woodbridge Group will end its long association with the auto industry April 10 when it shuts down its molded foam operation for auto seats. About 60 full-time employees will be laid off, said plant manager Glenn Condon, who will be among those let go. Notices of the layoffs ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Some stations making the early switch
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The U.S. House vote to postpone the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting gives stations the option of switching sooner than June 12 if they choose. Some TV stations in the Madison market are going ahead with digital-only broadcasting on Feb. 17, the original conversion ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Potential buyer for former Case Feed building
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 05, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A dilapidated yet historic Janesville building might soon have a new owner. City officials say there's a buyer interested in the former Case Feed building at Rockport and Center. Gale Price, manager of building and development services for the city, says the city shouldn't have any ...Read more, view comments (29) »
United Alloy lays off workers
Posted by JIM LEUTE on February 04, 2009
After six months of record sales, a Janesville manufacturer hit a wall in January and has laid off about 15 percent of its workers. United Alloy CEO Terri Roessler said employees learned of the layoffs and other cost-cutting measures Monday. United makes fabricated metal parts and components for the industrial ...Read more, view comments (54) »
Fundraising during budget banned in Wis. Assembly
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Lawmakers will not be able to raise funds during debate of the state budget in the Wisconsin Assembly. A bipartisan committee voted unanimously Wednesday to pass a rule halting campaign fundraising from the moment the governor introduces his budget until it passes the Assembly. Three Republicans ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wausau Paper cuts 60 salaried jobs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2009
MOSINEE, Wis. (AP) — Wausau Paper has cut 60 salaried jobs at nine facilities because of a slowdown in orders over the last five months. Company spokesman Perry Grueber says the move affected 50 workers and will keep 10 positions from being filled. Grueber says the permanent job cuts were ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Dodge County board won't pray after complaint
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2009
JUNEAU, Wis. (AP) — The Dodge County Board of Supervisors will hold a moment of silence to begin board meetings starting Feb. 10 instead of a prayer after a complaint. Dodge County Board Chairman Russell Kottke received a letter in January from the Freedom from Religion Foundation notifying him that ...Read more, view comments (74) »
Local transit systems earn federal awards
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 04, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Transit systems in the Rock Valley area are each enjoying an Award of Excellence from the federal government for having "zero findings" during a recent review. Michelle Gavin, Beloit Director of Transit, says "findings" are considered problems or issues with the transit systems receiving federal funding. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Janesville manufacturer to be sold
Posted by JIM LEUTE on February 03, 2009
Faced with mounting debt and the lack of the time or money to satisfy creditors, the owners of Freedom Plastics have put the Janesville manufacturer of PVC pipes and fittings up for sale. Company owners hope that Janesville jobs aren't lost in the process. Freedom’s 155 employees—including 86 in Janesville—learned ...Read more, view comments (61) »
Brewers, 2B Rickie Weeks avoid arbitration
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 03, 2009
Second baseman Rickie Weeks and the Milwaukee Brewers agreed Tuesday to a $2.45 million, one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration.
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4 injured in power plant explosion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 03, 2009
OAK CREEK, Wis. (AP) — Authorities say four people have been injured in an explosion at the We Energies power plant south of Milwaukee. We Energies spokeswoman Irissol Arce says the explosion happened in a dust collector at the utility's coal handling facility. Emergency responders were called to the plant ...Read more, add a comment »
Dairy researchers want a barn upgrade
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 03, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are hoping for a slice of federal stimulus money to upgrade the dairy barn. The building that houses the university's research cows was built in the 1950s. The stalls were designed for smaller cows. Improved genetics have made research cows ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Reward offered for whereabouts of Janesville shooting suspect
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 03, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Janesville Police and Janesville Area Crimestoppers are offering a cash reward for information about a shooting suspect. The agencies are offering up to $1,000 for information about the whereabouts of 28-year-old Anthony Darwin. Police investigations show Darwin shot a small caliber handgun in the direction of ...Read more, view comments (41) »
Janesville School Board to discuss long-range plans
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 03, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A Janesville School Board development session Tuesday will help the board prepare for the next five years. Superintendent Tom Evert says past school boards have played a very active role in development of five year plans. The workshop will feature a discussion on long-range goals for ...Read more, view comments (16) »
District tries to lower price tag for new high school
Posted by STACY VOGEL on February 02, 2009
The Milton School Board will try to lower a proposed $76.7 million price tag for building a new high school and moving the middle school to the existing high school building before bringing the issue to the voters. The board discussed possible cost cuts at a special meeting tonight, including ...Read more, view comments (8) »
State launches new program to help Wis. businesses
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 02, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new Internet-based program being offered by the state Department of Revenue is designed to help Wisconsin businesses manage their state tax accounts. Businesses can use the new program to electronically file tax returns, make payments, update account information, and view history and correspondence with the ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Snowmobilers want to ride to school
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 02, 2009
MAZOMANIE, Wis. (AP) — The student parking lot at the high school in Mazomanie could be filled with snowmobiles if the school board approves. About 20 families in the Wisconsin Heights School District are asking the board to allow students to ride snowmobiles to school. Meghan Meinholz says she'd rather ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Janesville man arrested after carjacking
Posted by STEVE BENTON on February 02, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A 34-year-old Janesville man with an extensive criminal history is facing numerous charges stemming from a weekend car-jacking incident in Beloit. The victim told police the suspect asked for a ride but then forced his way into the back seat of her car and told her ...Read more, view comments (131) »
Open enrollment begins Monday
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on February 02, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Open enrollment starts Monday for schools across Wisconsin. Tami Carlson, Administrative Services Secretary in the Janesville School District, says students transfer into Janesville for many reasons. She says students don't need to provide a reason when they transfer. However, through conversations she's learned reasons include extra-curricular ...Read more, view comments (14) »
White House farmer finalists announced
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Farmers from Wisconsin, Washington and California have won an online poll to choose nominees for a White House farmer. The poll was conducted as part of a lobbying effort to have President Barack Obama hire a White House farmer and create an organic fruit and vegetable garden ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Wisconsin man dies in snowmobile crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2009
AUTRAIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A Wisconsin man has died following a collision involving his snowmobile and five companions’ sleds in Alger County. State police at Munising identify the victim of Saturday morning’s crash at 42-year-old Nicholas Waranka of Port Washington, Wis. Paul Murphy, a 44-year-old from Lake Quivira, Kan., ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Drinking, driving and urination: Wis. lawmaker makes court appearance
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lawmaker is scheduled to appear in Columbia County Circuit Court on Wednesday to face drunken driving and marijuana charges. Rep. Jeffrey Wood, an independent from Bloomer, is scheduled to make his initial appearance on charges of third-offense operating while intoxicated, possession of marijuana and possession ...Read more, view comments (11) »
New UW-Madison leader reaches out to lawmakers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2009
After the November election, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin sent every lawmaker a note of congratulations. In December, she had the school's lobbyist hand-deliver Christmas cards to their Capitol offices. And she has invited all 132 lawmakers and guests to her official residence for an informal get-to-know-you event Monday, ...Read more, add a comment »
