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GM prepares for bankruptcy protection announcement
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 31, 2009
DETROIT — With the clock ticking on a June 1 government deadline to restructure, General Motors Corp. worked feverishly Sunday to shore up its global businesses to clear the way for a speedy reorganization in bankruptcy court. GM, part of American life for more than 100 years and once the ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Stricker wins Colonial on second playoff hole
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 31, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas — Edgerton native Steve Stricker blew a final-round lead right after he took it and gave away another stroke by missing a short par putt down the stretch. Stricker stayed at it, though. A chip-in birdie on 17 helped him get in a three-man playoff. Then, lucky ...Read more, view comments (7) »
AirFest sets attendance record
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 31, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Beautiful weather and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels helped attract a record number of people to Southern Wisconsin AirFest, officials said. “It was our best year ever,” said Tom Morgan, AirFest executive director. About 60,000 people attended AirFest this year, three times more than the 20,000 who attended ...Read more, view comments (15) »
52-year-old man dead in tractor accident
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 31, 2009
TOWN OF SHELDON — Authorities say a 52-year-old man died Saturday when he was run over by a tractor. The Monroe County sheriff's office says a 59-year-old woman was backing up a tractor Saturday afternoon near the town of Sheldon to set up a piece of farm equipment. The man ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Beloit Township playground among pet projects in state budget
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 31, 2009
MADISON — An Oshkosh opera house, a playground in the Town of Beloit and a stone barn in northeastern Wisconsin are among the beneficiaries of spending items quietly inserted into the state budget. Democrats who control the Legislature's budget committee approved millions of dollars of spending in lawmakers' home districts ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Twin Cities, Milwaukee rank among nation's fittest
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 31, 2009
MILWAUKEE — An organization that focuses on exercise science has ranked the Twin Cities as the second-fittest of the nation's most populous metropolitan areas. Milwaukee was ranked No. 17. The American College of Sports Medicine based its 2009 rankings on how well the communities encourage healthy lifestyles. Minneapolis ranked high ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Badger, Palmyra-Eagle soccer teams win
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 30, 2009
Lake Geneva Badger defeated Racine Case, 3-1, in a Division 1 regional final, while Palmyra-Eagle shut out Mayville, 4-0, in a Division 3 regional final, in area girls soccer action Saturday. Badger next plays Kenosha Tremper at Kenosha on Thursday, while Palmyra-Eagle plays at Hustisford on Thursday in sectional semifinals. ...Read more, add a comment »
Milton advances to soccer sectional
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 30, 2009
Junior Amber Davis scored two goals against Racine Park in a regional final Saturday to send Milton to a sectional semifinal meeting with top-seeded Kenosha Bradford on Thursday. Milton scored once in the first half and twice in the second, and keeper Sloane Hecimovich made three saves in the shutout. ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Parker soccer team falls
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 30, 2009
Janesville Parker's girls soccer team saw its season come to an end in the WIAA Division 1 regional finals Saturday afternoon. Top-seeded Kenosha Bradford shut out the Vikings, 5-0. Bradford plays Milton in a sectional semifinal game Thursday in Kenosha. For a full story, read Sunday’s Janesville Gazette, read online ...Read more, add a comment »
1 teen dead, 2 critical in Madison accident
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 30, 2009
MADISON — One 15-year-old girl has died after a crash involving a drunk driver and a car full of teenagers in Madison, while five other teens were in the hospital on Saturday. Police mistakenly reported earlier Saturday that two teens died. The girl died at the scene injuries suffered in ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Some lawmakers question use of Capitol by homeless
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 30, 2009
MADISON — Some Wisconsin lawmakers say the state needs to do a better job of helping the homeless people who often occupy the state Capitol. The homeless rest and socialize in the building from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., when it closes and police shoo them out. Police say the ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Wisconsin has most swine flu cases in nation
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 30, 2009
MADISON — Wisconsin has more confirmed cases of the swine flu than any other state. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported 1,430 confirmed cases. Wisconsin officials say the number of cases here is nothing to worry about. They say the number largely reflects the state's ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wisconsin parks, trails offer free admission
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 30, 2009
Outdoors lovers in Wisconsin can commune with nature free-of-charge Sunday.
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Hart, Fielder homer in Brewers' 3-2 win
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2009
MILWAUKEE -- Braden Looper was upset he'd let down his grandfather. Corey Hart picked up his hurting teammate. While most of the Brewers took Thursday off to rest, Looper attended a funeral for 84-year-old LaVerne Looper of Granite, Okla., the man who bought Braden his first Wilson A2000 glove and ...Read more, view comment (1) »
UAW members approve General Motors concessions
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2009
DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union has ratified a package of concessions designed to reduce General Motors Corp.'s labor costs, completing a key piece of the automaker's massive restructuring effort. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said at a news conference Friday that 74 percent of GM's 54,000 U.S. production and ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Jessica Simpson spotted in Racine boutique
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2009
RACINE — Jessica Simpson was spotted in a boutique in southern Wisconsin, but no one seemed to recognize her. The pop star-turned-country music singer was at Inside Out in Racine last Saturday. Simpson's boyfriend is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who is from Burlington. He was no where to be ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Drop in income forces Madison diocese to cut costs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison is cutting costs amid a controversy over its leadership. The diocese announced this week that it will cut some employees' pay, reduce staff and close its Catholic Multicultural Center, which helps the needy. The diocese says the recession and a ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Doyle signs bill requiring alarms in day care vans
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Day care providers in Wisconsin will now have to install alarm systems in their vehicles to make sure drivers don't leave children behind. Gov. Jim Doyle signed the requirement into law Friday morning in Milwaukee. He says this will help keep Wisconsin's children safe. Two children in ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Economic development tool would help Janesville
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 29, 2009
JANESVILLE – The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee voted early Friday morning to create a “Development Opportunity Zone” for Janesville. A DOZ would offer tax credits to companies that create jobs. Five million dollars is designated for the zone, to be used over five years, with an option to extend the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Jane Brandley, former Lake Geneva mayor, dead at 74
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on May 29, 2009
Jane Brandley, who served one term as mayor beginning in 1995, died at home Monday.
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WalworthCountyToday.com: Whitewater High senior nets $88,000 in scholarships
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on May 29, 2009
Today's headlines from WalworthCountyToday.com
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Early release of felons approved by committee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 29, 2009
A prison reform plan that would allow some nonviolent felons to get out early and ease monitoring of sex offenders and others won approval early Friday morning by the Legislature's budget committee. Gov. Jim Doyle proposed the changes as a way to reduce overcrowding and save money as the state ...Read more, view comments (39) »
Craig girls soccer season ends
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 29, 2009
Janesville Craig’s girls soccer season came to an end with a 2-1 loss at Racine Park in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal. Senior Megan Lindgren scored off assists by sophomore Chelsea Sheedy and senior Gretchen Westphal at the 57th minute for Craig’s only goal. For a full story, read ...Read more, add a comment »
Parker advances to regional soccer final
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 29, 2009
Nicole Strieker’s goal in the second overtime gave Janesville Parker a 2-1 victory over Mukwonago in a WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal game Thursday. The victory puts the Vikings (8-12-2) into a regional final against top-seeded Kenosha Bradford at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ameche Field. For a full story, read ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Edgerton advances to softball sectional
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 29, 2009
Edgerton High’s girls softball team advances to the WIAA Division 2 sectional with a 4-0 victory over visiting Thursday. Edgerton (21-2) plays Lakeside Lutheran (14-10) in a Prairie du Chien sectional semifinal game at 1 p.m. Thursday. The Crimson Tide beat the Warriors, 10-3, earlier this season. For a full ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Craig softball team falls in regional final
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 29, 2009
Janesville Craig gave a good account of itself, but the Cougars fell to top-ranked Kenosha Bradford, 4-0, in a WIAA regional championship girls softball game Thursday. The Cougars trailed the Red Devils, 1-0, but put runners on second and third with no outs in the top of the fourth. But ...Read more, add a comment »
Parker can't overcome rough first inning
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 28, 2009
A four-run first inning was enough to give Beloit Memorial a 4-2 victory over Janesville Parker in a Big Eight Conference baseball finale at Beloit on Thursday. Parker scored single runs in the first and third innings, but the Vikings left 11 runners stranded. Sophomore Andy Kersten settled down after ...Read more, add a comment »
Craig baseball team finishes second
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 28, 2009
Janesville Craig a “tournament prep” game Thursday, rallying from a 6-0 deficit to beat visiting Sun Prairie to finish in sole possession of second place in the Big Eight Conference baseball standings. The Cougars won with a two-run eighth inning on Zach Bayreuther’s two-out, two-RBI triple. Craig finishes 13-5 in ...Read more, add a comment »
Car insurance minimum boosted
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2009
MADISON — Republicans have failed in an attempt to remove a budget provision they say will cause car insurance rates to skyrocket in Wisconsin. Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposal considered by the Legislature’s budget committee Thursday will require a higher level of minimum coverage. Wisconsin drivers aren’t required to have insurance, ...Read more, view comments (19) »
QEO may stay, for now
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2009
MADISON — A 16-year-old state law affecting teacher pay increases would remain in place for only one more year under the budget being finalized by a legislative committee. Gov. Jim Doyle and the state’s biggest teachers union have long advocated for doing away with the so-called qualified economic offer, or ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Alliant cutting more than 150 jobs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2009
MADISON — Alliant Energy is cutting more than 150 jobs and shutting down four generators at its Rock River plant as it looks for ways to reduce costs. The cuts include 125 management and nonunion employees. Alliant spokesman Rob Crain says the positions eliminated include about 30 percent of the ...Read more, view comments (9) »
UPDATE: Wis. budget debated Thursday night
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2009
MADISON — The partisan battle over a plan to close $1.6 billion of Wisconsin’s budget shortfall began Thursday evening with Republicans objecting to changes in the state’s liability laws. That was a precursor to what was expected to be a long and contentious final meeting of the budget-writing Joint Finance ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. bill would crack down on payday lenders
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced a bill meant to stop the growing and virtually unregulated payday lending industry. Key Democratic lawmakers on Thursday promoted the plan that would prohibit lenders from charging more than 36 percent interest rates on loans. Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, says some payday ...Read more, view comments (27) »
GM says bondholders support sweetened offer
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 28, 2009
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Corp. says a committee of bondholders has agreed to a sweetened deal to erase some of the automaker's debt in exchange for company stock. The company said in a statement Thursday that it offered bondholders 10 percent of the company's stock with warrants to buy ...Read more, view comments (16) »
UPDATE: County A reopens after house fire
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 28, 2009
JANESVILLE—Janesville firefighters have turned over the investigation of an early morning house fire to the Rock County Sheriff's Office, but remain on scene, according to a fire department spokesman. A passerby reported the fire at 4:31 a.m. today after seeing flames showing from this single-family house, a Rock County Communications ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Rock Haven options to be reviewed
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 28, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Rock County Board is ready to investigate renovation options for the county's nursing home. There are several options for renovations to the Rock Haven nursing home facility. The county can renovate the existing building, building a new building to match the square footage of the ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Local 95 ratifies agreement
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 27, 2009
An overwhelming majority of United Auto Workers Local 95 members who cast ballots Wednesday supported a new contract agreement between the UAW and General Motors. Andy Richardson, Local 95 president, said 84 percent of those voting supported the deal that makes modifications to the national contract inked by the parties ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Appleton police search for missing teens
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2009
Appleton police are looking for a 16-year-old runaway and an 18-year-old man who might be with her. Police say the two may be suicidal. They say 16-year-old Keili N. Summers took off with 18-year-old Jordan Christensen on Tuesday. Officers believe the two are in a stolen 1997 black Mercury Mountaineer ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Fall turkey hunt extended
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2009
BARABOO — The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has extended the fall turkey hunting season by a month. Until now, the fall season has run from mid-September until just before the nine-day November deer gun. The board unanimously approved a plan Wednesday to resume the turkey hunt after the deer hunt ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Hunting weapons limited
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2009
BARABOO — Wisconsin wildlife officials have approved a rule that limits the types of guns hunters may use. Hunters can now legally use firearms including air guns, handguns and guns fired from the shoulder. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress, which advises the state Department of Natural Resources, was concerned those definitions ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Drug dogs search Janesville schools
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 27, 2009
JANESVILLE – Police dogs and their handlers searched the student parking lot at Craig High School on Wednesday morning. A search also was conducted at Parker High School. District spokeswoman Sheryl Miller said no drugs were found after dogs walked by 330 cars at Craig. Details were not immediately known ...Read more, view comments (66) »
Car, truck sales drop 30 percent in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2009
This might not come as a surprise. Fewer people are buying new cars and trucks in Wisconsin.
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Beaver prepares for return to football
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on May 27, 2009
Former UW-Whitewater running back Justin Beaver leaves Monday the Saskatchewan Rough Riders training camp.
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Ruling soon on wrongful death lawsuit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 27, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Dane County judge will decide by the end of next week whether to throw out a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents and fiance of Brittany Zimmermann. Judge Maryann Sumi says she'll issue a written decision on, or before June 5 as to whether ...Read more, view comments (4) »
UPDATE: Interstate 90-39 westbound lane reopens
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 27, 2009
JANESVILLE--The left lane of the westbound lanes of Interstate 90/39, near mile marker 171 and Highway 26 in the city of Janesville, has reopened after a tanker hauling 4,100 pounds of Grade A dairy cream flipped over into the median shortly after 3 a.m. today, according to a Wisconsin State ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Plan gives hope to idled GM plants
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 27, 2009
If General Motors can successfully reorganize or emerge from a likely bankruptcy, the automaker has agreed to use one of its idled plants to build small cars that it isn’t producing anywhere else in the United States. And the fact that GM will do so at an idled plant where ...Read more, view comments (69) »
Craig, Parker fall in baseball
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 27, 2009
Janesville Craig's shot at a Big Eight Conference baseball title officially ended Tuesday with a 10-9 loss at Madison West. Middleton clinched the Big Eight title, while Craig and Sun Prairie will play for second place in the final league game of the season Thursday at Riverside Park. Brett Fredricks ...Read more, add a comment »
Couple gives $10M to Medical College of Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 26, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Waukesha couple is giving $10 million to the Medical College of Wisconsin to develop devices for detecting and treating disease. The donation comes from philanthropists Robert and Patricia Kern. Robert Kern founded Generac Power Systems, Inc., which makes power generators. The Medical College will use the ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Railroad crossings' replacements to close roads
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 26, 2009
LA PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP--Wisconsin & Southern Railroad will be replacing railroad crossings in June on two La Prairie Township roads in Rock County. They are: *Van Allen Road, which will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. Monday, June 1, through 8 a.m. Thursday, June 4. *La Prairie Town Hall Rd, ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. man remains critical after train-van crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 26, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A West Allis man who was seriously injured while trying to rescue his 2-year-old son from a minivan before a freight train hit remains in critical condition at a Milwaukee area hospital. Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital spokeswoman Kathy Sieja (SHAH'-ah) said Tuesday a police officer who helped ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Make-or-break week for GM as deadline nears
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 26, 2009
The clock is ticking on a June 1 deadline for General Motors Corp. to restructure, and this make-or-break week is expected to bring more plant closures, employee concessions and other last-minute efforts. Without changes, the federal government has said, the Detroit-based automaker will have to file for bankruptcy protection by ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Police: Stalking often leads to violence
Posted by on May 26, 2009
Theodore R. Duerst is accused of calling a Janesville woman 15 times, then threatening to go to her house and “put her head on the curb and smash it.” “Ted had called me and said that he was going to come here and kill me,” the woman later told police. ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Deadline is Sunday for do-not-call list
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 25, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsinites who want to be on the most updated do-not-call list have until this weekend to sign up. The no-call list is updated quarterly. Names drop off the list after two years unless people sign up again. Glen Loyd, spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture, ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Train hits minivan in Milwaukee suburb
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 25, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A freight train smashed into a minivan stuck on railroad tracks Monday as a police officer scrambled to help a man pull his wife and child to safety in a Milwaukee suburb. Elm Grove Police Chief Jim Gage says it is unclear why the van was on ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Apply for BadgerCare Plus starting June 15
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 25, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Some low-income Wisconsin families can begin applying for an expanded state health insurance program next month. The BadgerCare Plus Core Plan provides health insurance to uninsured low-income adults with no children. It covers primary and preventive care along with generic drugs. The Wisconsin Department of Health ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Danny Gokey comes home to Milwaukee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 25, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — "American Idol" finalist Danny Gokey has returned home to Milwaukee. He's putting on a free event at the Riverside Theater on Tuesday evening. Gokey is expected to thank the Milwaukee community for its support, share his "Idol" experiences and answer questions from fans. The former church music ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Racine soldier dies in Iraq
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 25, 2009
SUSSEX, Wis. (AP) — A Racine soldier on active duty in Iraq has died from injuries he received in a noncombat-related incident, the Department of Defense announced Sunday. Sgt. 1st Class Brian Naseman died Friday in Taji, Defense officials said in a statement. Naseman is a native of New Bremen, ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Some Wis. car dealers could be in expensive bind
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 24, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — State officials say they're scrambling to help Chrysler and General Motors franchises who could be stuck in a costly bind. Under Wisconsin law, car dealers can't sell new vehicles if they don't have franchise agreements. Chrysler has said it's canceling the franchises of 18 Wisconsin car dealerships, ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Accident blocks traffic downtown Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 23, 2009
JANESVILLE--Traffic is blocked on Main Street at Milwaukee Street in downtown Janesville while Wisconsin State Patrol deputies and Janesville emergency responders clear an accident. A van drove into the north side of QPS Graphics, 20 E. Milwaukee St., Janesville, around 8:30 p.m. Two vehicles apparently were involved in the crash. ...Read more, view comments (42) »
Wisconsin has 230 fewer seasonal parks workers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 23, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — As the economy slumps, more people are staying close to home these days for recreation. But if they plan to hit a state park, there will be fewer employees to handle the interest. Department of Natural Resources spokesman Adam Collins says the state has about ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Forest Service: Firewood ban still on
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 23, 2009
RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service is reminding outdoor enthusiasts in northern Wisconsin that a firewood ban still is in effect. The ban prohibits firewood from outside Wisconsin and any cut south of state Highway 29 from being used in the Chequamegon-Nicolet (sheh-WAHM’-eh-gon nik-oh-LAY’) National Forest. The ban ...Read more, add a comment »
Schneider reaches top of Mt. Everest
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 22, 2009
Janesville native Lori Schneider has reached the summit of Mount Everest. Schneider called her father, Neal Schneider, via satellite phone, around 10 p.m. Friday to tell him the news. For a full story, read Saturday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com.Read more, view comments (9) »
Wis. mother found guilty in prayer death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 22, 2009
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) - A jury in Wausau has found a mother guilty of reckless homicide of her 11-year-old daughter because she prayed instead of taking the girl for medical treatment. Madeline Neumann died from untreated diabetes on Easter Sunday of last year. Now her mother, 41-year-old Leilani Neumann of ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Funding OK'd for Janesville nurse-training program
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 22, 2009
MADISON—The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on Friday approved funding for a Janesville-based, bachelor’s-degree nursing program. The money--$170,000 a year for two years--would make the program a reality if the full Legislature and governor agree, said UW-Rock Dean Diane Pillard. The program is a joint effort between UW-Rock, UW-Oshkosh and Blackhawk ...Read more, add a comment »
Program change for Janesville's Memorial Day ceremony
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 22, 2009
One of the main speakers at Janesville's Memorial Day ceremony will not be able to deliver his speech Monday. Tom Stehura, president of the Janesville Patriotic Society, said Friday afternoon Colonel Andrew Poppas will not be attending the ceremony. He says Poppas apologizes, but cannot leave his base. Specific details ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Layoffs at generating facilities
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 22, 2009
JANESVILLE—A company-wide restructuring of Alliant Energy has touched Rock County as the energy utility said it will layoff the majority of its staff at two county operations. Alliant told employees this week that it will cut 34 of the 38 positions at its Rock River generating facility on Townline Road ...Read more, view comments (34) »
Smoke prompts school evacuation
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 22, 2009
JANESVILLE--Students and staff at Jefferson Elementary School, 1830 Mount Zion Ave., were evacuated around 10:15 a.m. today after a report of a commercial fire alarm. Upon investigation, Janesville firefighters found smoke in the building that resulted from an overheated fluorescent light in a display case in the school’s main hallway, ...Read more, view comments (4) »
No cause found yet for Wis. chemical plant fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 22, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The investigation into a chemical fire in Columbus is winding down. The fire broke out at Columbus Chemical Industries on May 11. A series of explosions forced firefighters to retreat and evacuate about 140 homes. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says Friday investigators have interviewed about ...Read more, add a comment »
Dane County sees more deaths from heroin in 2008
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 22, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Dane County investigators say cheap, potent heroin is responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths. The Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force says 14 people died from heroin in 2008, up from eight in 2007. Sgt. Gordy Disch says drug seizures in Mexico and ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville road closures announced
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 22, 2009
JANESVILLE--West Racine Street from Center Avenue to South Washington Street will be closed to through traffic starting Tuesday and will remain closed for four weeks. Also, West Holmes Street from Center Avenue to South Washington Street will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, June 1, and will stay closed ...Read more, add a comment »
Man gets prison in cocaine case
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 22, 2009
A Janesville man was sentenced to 60 months in prison Thursday for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office. Joseph “Pookie” Hughes was involved in a crack-cocaine distribution conspiracy with three other people for four days in December 2006, according to the release. ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Middleton wins Big Eight golf title
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 22, 2009
Nick Johnson helped the Middleton High boys golf team make it a clean sweep at Thursday’s Big Eight Conference meet. The junior defeated Madison Memorial’s Tim McCormick in a one-hole playoff to win medalist honors and help Middleton win the 10-team title at Evansville Golf Club. Middleton finished with a ...Read more, add a comment »
Craig beats West; Parker falls to Memorial in softball
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 22, 2009
Janesville Craig High School’s softball team ended the regular season on a high note Thursday afternoon. The visiting Cougars banged out nine hits, including a double and a triple from Gabrielle Cassady, en route to a 7-0 win over Madison West in the Big Eight Conference finale. Janesville Parker (1-21, ...Read more, add a comment »
Parker's Knutson third in Big Eight tennis
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 22, 2009
Janesville Parker’s Matt Knutson finished third at No. 3 singles to highlight action Thursday for Janesville competitors int the Big Eight Conference tennis meet at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium. Knutson (15-6) was the No. 3 seed in his bracket. Middleton, the dual meet champion, won the 10-team title with 46 ...Read more, add a comment »
Vikings lose regular-season soccer finale
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 22, 2009
The regular season came to a disappointing end Thursday night for the Janesville Parker girls soccer team. The Vikings, despite 26 saves from goalkeeper Sam Anacker, dropped an 8-1 Big Eight Conference game to state-rated Middleton. For a full story, read Friday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition ...Read more, add a comment »
Craig wins, Parker falls in baseball
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 22, 2009
The winning ways continued Thursday afternoon for Janesville Craig High School’s baseball team. The Cougars rallied with two runs in the fifth inning and got three-plus innings of one-hit relief pitching from Zach Bayreuther in upending Madison East, 6-4, in a Big Eight Conference game at Riverside Park. Meanwhile, Matt ...Read more, add a comment »
Doyle: Budget fix will include steep cuts, no tax hikes
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on May 21, 2009
MCT REGIONAL NEWS By Steven Walters and Stacy Forster Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MCT) May 21--MADISON -- Gov. Jim Doyle and legislative leaders Thursday said state aid for local governments and public schools will be cut by 2.5 percent, and more than 1,400 state workers may have to be laid off, ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Williams Bay man sentenced to 35 years in child pornography, sexual assault case
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on May 21, 2009
A Williams Bay man was convicted Thursday to 35 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy and for having more than 20,000 pictures of child pornography in his computer.
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Governor's budget update delayed
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 21, 2009
The governor is giving an update on the state budget during a news conference Thursday.
The conference, orginally scheduled for 4pm, is now postponed until 5pm.
Click here for the streaming video of the conference from the WisconsinEye website.
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Local ratification vote set
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 21, 2009
Union officials from Janesville will travel to Detroit on Tuesday for briefings on a tentative deal that would cut labor costs and change the way a union-run trust for retiree health care is funded. Andy Richardson, president of United Auto Workers Local 95, and John Dohner Jr., the union’s shop ...Read more, view comments (7) »
UAW says it has reached deal with GM, government
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 21, 2009
DETROIT (AP) — The United Auto Workers union has reached a tentative deal with the government and General Motors Corp. that offers to cut labor costs and fund a union-run trust that will take over retiree health care costs next year. The union announced the deal in a short statement ...Read more, view comments (14) »
1 major state union won't give up pay raise
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — One state union with roughly 10,000 workers says it won't give up a 2 percent pay raise scheduled to start next month as Gov. Jim Doyle requested. AFT-Wisconsin President Bryan Kennedy tells the Wisconsin State Journal that workers won't give up the raise as long as ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Director of Public Affairs to retire from Beloit College
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 21, 2009
BELOIT--Ron Nief will retire as director of public affairs at Beloit College on May 31, the end of the school's academic year, he announced today. His retirement has been in the planning stages for more than a year, he said. In April, the college's board of trustees honored Nief with ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATE: Southbound lane of I-90/39 now open
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 21, 2009
The left southbound passing lane of Interestate 90/39 is now open, according to Hal Mayer, Rock County Public Works Department highway superintendent. A one-quarter-mile pavement failure partially blocked the lane on I-90/39 near Edgerton on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol. The failure was reported at 2:08 p.m. ...Read more, view comments (16) »
School district keeps American Indian mascot
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 21, 2009
GALESVILLE, Wis. (AP) — A western Wisconsin school district has decided to keep its American Indian mascot. But, the issue could resurface if the Legislature advances a bill that would allow state education officials to prohibit American Indian mascots and logos. The mascot in the Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District is the ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Prom patrols may be paying off
Posted by STAN STRICKER on May 21, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Rock County Sheriff's Office is pleased with the results of recent increased patrols in communities having high school proms. Captain Jude Maurer says the enhanced patrols were intended to reduce traffic crashes, prevent underage alcohol consumption, and enforce traffic laws to help teenagers have a ...Read more, view comments (4) »
UPDATED: Cat caused the power outage
Posted by GINA DUWE on May 20, 2009
JANESVILLE--A cat is to blame for the power outage affecting 450 to 470 customers tonight, Alliant Energy spokesman Scott Reigstad said. The outage started around 9:40 p.m. after a cat got into a circuit at a substation on the north side of Janesville, he said. Power was restored to most ...Read more, view comments (43) »
UW-Parkside teacher training faulted
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 20, 2009
MADISON — The Department of Public Instruction says UW-Parkside has not been properly educating students to become licensed teachers. A report released Wednesday says the school’s teacher preparation program has "serious deficiencies" and does not meet many state standards. The department says UW-Parkside must fix the problems or it will ...Read more, view comments (3) »
UPDATED: Road problem slows traffic near Edgerton
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 20, 2009
A pavement failure has partially blocked the left southbound lane on Interstate 90/39 near Edgerton, according to a news release from the Wisconsin State Patrol. The failure was reported at 2:08 p.m. near Highway 59, the release says. Traffic is slowed and the State Patrol encourages southbound drivers to exit ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Lawmaker says talks continue on Wis. budget deal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan says talks are still ongoing to reach a budget deal that can pass a committee vote by the end of next week. The Democratic co-chairs of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee have said they want to approve the two-year budget by the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. court upholds abuse conviction of ex-priest
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin appeals court has upheld the conviction of a once prominent Jesuit priest on charges that he abused two students during retreats in Wisconsin in the 1960s. The District 2 Court of Appeals rejected Donald McGuire's claim that the 36-year delay in filing charges against ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Hedberg Public Library to close for two hours Friday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 20, 2009
JANESVILLE--Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., will be closed from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday to allow employees to attend the funeral of co-worker and friend Judi Kneece. The library will resume regular hours when it reopens at 2:30 p.m.Read more, view comments (2) »
Teachers, board begin contract negotiations
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 20, 2009
The Janesville School Board’s opening offer to its teachers is a wage freeze in the coming year and a 1.34 percent increase in 2010-11. The teachers did not make a specific offer on wages as the two sides sat down to bargain for the first time Tuesday at Craig High ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Badger, Monroe enjoy track and field success
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 20, 2009
Lake Geneva Badger and Monroe took brooms to their respective conference track and field meets Tuesday night. The Badger High boys and girls collected Southern Lakes Conference titles, while the Cheesemakers did the same in the Badger Conference meet. The Lake Geneva Badger girls team ended Waterford’s eight-year win streak. ...Read more, add a comment »
Police conducting search warrants on Milton officer
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 19, 2009
Janesville police are executing search warrants of Milton police officer Jason Casper's office, cell phone and computer after he was accused of inappropriately touching a young woman, according to a news release from the Milton Police Department. Casper was put on paid administrative leave May 10 after the Janesville woman, ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Milton approves Alliant expansion
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 19, 2009
The Milton City Council approved tonight a land sale and conditional use permit for Alliant Energy to expand its substation near High and Elm streets. The council originally planned to vote on the proposal April 21, but Milton Propane owner John Arndt said at the meeting he wanted part of ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Three teens overdose on heroin in Milton
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 19, 2009
Three teens overdosed on heroin in Milton over the weekend, Milton Police Chief Jerry Schuetz said today. Police responded Saturday night to the 400 block of Woodcrest Drive and found the three boys, ages 14 and 15, suffering from overdoses, Schuetz said. They were taken to area hospitals and later ...Read more, view comments (51) »
Harley-Davidson cancels plans to consolidate East Troy facilities
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on May 19, 2009
EAST TROY — Harley-Davidson officials decided to cancel previously unveiled plans to consolidate its Buell Motorcycle Company operations in East Troy, an official said Tuesday.
Harley-Davidson spokesperson Rebecca Bortner said the company intended to consolidate five East Troy-based leased facilities into one leased facility to reduce costs and improve long-term ...
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County J to open Tuesday afternoon
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 19, 2009
The Rock County Highway Department announced that County J from Buss Road to Milner Road in Clinton Township will be open by 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The opening follows the replacement of a major road culvert across County J.Read more, add a comment »
Groups push for tax hikes to balance Wis. budget
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 19, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The call to consider higher taxes to solve Wisconsin's budget shortfall continues to grow. More than 60 advocacy groups came together Tuesday to argue that cutting the budget without raising taxes will devastate programs helping the poor, those with disabilities and others. The Wisconsin Council on ...Read more, view comments (39) »
ConAgra expanding production, hiring
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 19, 2009
MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) — In a climate of layoffs and furloughs, ConAgra Foods is planning a $28 million expansion in Menomonie that will create 30 jobs. ConAgra's addition to its Snack Pack pudding production line, including a new pudding machine with the latest technology, should be finished by December. The ...Read more, view comments (8) »
WalworthCountyToday.com: Racist threats at Whitewater High School
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on May 19, 2009
Two families kept their kids home from Whitewater High School Monday after death threats were found on a bathroom wall. Story. Also on WalworthCountyToday.com: Dean McKenzie set the standard for public service. Mukwonago company reorganizes, closes French plant.Read more, add a comment »
Lodi closes schools due to flu
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 19, 2009
LODI, Wis. (AP) — The Lodi School District closed its four schools Tuesday and planned to keep two of them shut down for a week because seven students have confirmed cases of swine flu. Superintendent Michael Shimshak says Lodi Elementary and Lodi Primary school will reopen May 26 after the ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit Township approves fire station
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 19, 2009
After more than a decade of discussion, the Beloit Town Board on Monday night approved a construction bid for a new fire station. Board members voted 3-2 to award a $2.265 million contract to Larson & Larson Builders of Loves Park, Ill. A second contract worth $344,418 for site work ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock County residents dig deep for national food drive
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 19, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Despite the economy, Rock County residents were generously donating to the nation's largest annual food drive, the Letter Carriers Food Drive. The United Way of North Rock County reports a 14 percent increase in donations from local communities. Beloit and Clinton set a new record by ...Read more, view comment (1) »
No terrorists in our cells
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 18, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin lawmaker wants to keep terrorists out of the state’s prisons. Rep. Dean Kaufert, a Neenah Republican, is preparing to introduce a bill that would prohibit the state Corrections Department from accepting anyone who was an inmate, prisoner or detainee at Guantanamo Bay unless they’ve ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Janesville man involved in boat crash
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 18, 2009
MADISON -- A Janesville man was involved in a boating accident Monday morning on Lake Waubesa. Gerald L. Reese, 66, Janesville, was driving a boat at 8:38 a.m. when it struck another boat driven by Edward J. Seiler, 78, Dane, according to the Dane County Sheriff's Office. Reese was traveling ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Rock Aqua Jays cancel first four shows
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 18, 2009
JANESVILLE--The Rock Aqua Jays have canceled this season's first four shows that were scheduled for Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, May 27, and Sunday, May 31, because of high water conditions on the river, according to Joel Shapiro, club president. The team hopes to be performing by the first week of June, ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Curb, gutter repair work starts today
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 18, 2009
JANESVILLE--Intermittent curb and gutter replacement is scheduled for the following streets today through June 12: * Yuba Street--Benton Avenue to Matheson Street. * Matheson Street--Mayfair Drive to Yuba Street. * Hawthorne Avenue--Richardson Street to 155 feet east of Prairie Avenue. * Blaine Avenue--Sutherland Avenue to Eisenhower Street. For more information, ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Concerns about crowds at Corvina's
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 18, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A tavern in downtown Janesville is proving so popular, the bar was recently exceeding its capacity limit. Corvina's bar manager TK Jonen says they keep strict head counts now, with patrons waiting in lines outside until there's enough room inside. But the long lines have also ...Read more, view comments (69) »
Milton police arrest Illinois man
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 18, 2009
MILTON—Milton police arrested Andrew D. Lara, 23, of Addison, Ill., at 8:15 p.m. Sunday, in the 700 block of S. Janesville Street, on charges of child enticement and use of a computer to facilitate a sex crime, according to a department press release. The arrest is the result of the ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Warhawks to play for NCAA regional baseball title
Posted by GAZETTE GAZETTE on May 17, 2009
MOLINE, ILL.--If UW-Whitewater’s baseball team can duplicate its two-victory Sunday in today’s NCAA Division III regional play, the Warhawks will be headed to the World Series. But matching their 8-3 win over Wartburg and 10-4 victory over Millsaps will be more difficult today. The Warhawks will have to beat top-seeded ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Brewers win fifth straight
Posted by on May 17, 2009
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Prince Fielder hit his fourth homer in the last five games to help the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-2, on Sunday. Manny Parra (3-4) won his third straight start and the Brewers got two-run singles from J.J. Hardy and Jason Kendall to win ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Community leader dies
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on May 17, 2009
Judi Kneece, long-time manager of JATV, died Sunday at the University of Minnesota Hospital. Kneece, who has been battling leukemia since 2007, was at the hospital for a stem transplant trial. Kneece was active in a variety of community organizations including the YWCA, ECHO and the American Association of University ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Governor wants more bucks from bacon
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 17, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle wants to charge Wisconsin slaughterhouses 1 to 14 cents per animal killed to pay for more animal-health and meat inspectors. But two state lawmakers say the proposal in the governor’s budget plan could drive meat processors out of Wisconsin. Republican state Reps. Al ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Gokey happy with his Idol run
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 17, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Thousands of screaming fans, homemade signs expressing fans’ love, singing the national anthem at a major league baseball game and a parade. It was all too much for “American Idol” contestant Danny Gokey, who returned to Milwaukee to film clips for the show last week. During the ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Cover your tomatoes, turn on the heat
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 16, 2009
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — The National Weather Service says a late frost will cover nearly all of Wisconsin and central Minnesota early Sunday morning as temperatures dip into the low-30s. A frost advisory issued Saturday afternoon says the frost will develop and potentially damage uncovered plants between 3 a.m. ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Ailing Wis. woman returns to ’prayer death’ trial
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 16, 2009
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — A central Wisconsin mother accused of praying instead of seeking medical attention for her dying daughter suffered a brief medical emergency as her homicide trial started Saturday. Leilani Neumann, 41, was checked out by paramedics before she returned to the courtroom in a wheelchair about 30 ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Parker drops doubleheader at Jefferson
Posted by on May 16, 2009
A lack of execution cost Janesville Parker’s baseball team Saturday afternoon. The Vikings left 20 runners on base in two games in dropping a nonconference doubleheader to Jefferson. The Eagles (16-7) won the first game 3-2 in 10 innings and took the second game 6-4. Parker (6-13) stranded 10 runners ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Two hits enough for Brewers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 16, 2009
ST. LOUIS — The Milwaukee Brewers managed only two hits against Adam Wainwright and the St. Louis bullpen. That was just enough offense for Jeff Suppan, pitching in his favorite stadium, and star closer Trevor Hoffman. Suppan worked seven innings, Corey Hart ended a 27-game homerless drought, and Hoffman’s ERA ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Vikings take second in Parker Invitational
Posted by on May 16, 2009
The 28th annual Janesville Parker Track and Field Invitational was short on teams, but long on talent. Brookfield Central, thanks to dominating performances in the distance and throwing events, won the three-team invite with 251 points. The host Vikings were second with 227.5, while Kenosha Tremper was third with 152.5. ...Read more, add a comment »
Former Walworth County sheriff dies
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on May 15, 2009
Former Walworth County Sheriff Dean McKenzie died in the early hours of Friday.
McKenzie lost his battle with heart disease around 3 a.m. at Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater, said Sheriff David Graves.
"Dean was a great sheriff and an even greater person," Graves said in an e-mail to ...
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Elkhorn pilot who crashed while drunk arrested again
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 15, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP)—An Elkhorn pilot who served six months in jail after crashing his plane into a Milwaukee neighborhood while drunk has been arrested again. David Betts was charged April 30 with operating while intoxicated. Betts was flying drunk when he crashed into power lines in the Riverwest neighborhood in 2005. ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Flu case identified in Janesville school
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 15, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A child who attends Janesville's Washington Elementary School has the H1N1 influenza virus, also known as swine flu. The Janesville School District made the announcement Friday morning. The school will not be closed. The district is following federal guidance, which says that a school can remain open, but ...Read more, view comments (26) »
GM plans to cut 1,100 stores in restructuring plan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 15, 2009
A day after Chrysler LLC told a quarter of its dealers that it won't renew their contracts, owners of General Motors Corp. dealerships are awaiting word on whether they will be next.
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Janesville water probably wasn’t contaminated
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on May 15, 2009
The Rock County Health Department hasn’t seen the increase in illnesses they’d expect if Janesville’s water had been contaminated a week ago. The city May 8 issued a boil-water advisory for the city’s north and east sides after a water test showed contamination with E. coli bacteria and coliform bacteria. ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Obama wants to pump $475M into Great Lakes cleanup
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 15, 2009
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A budget proposal from the Obama administration would spend $475 million on beach cleanups, wetlands restoration and removal of toxic sediments from river bottoms around the Great Lakes. The spending represents a first step toward a multiyear campaign to repair decades of damage to the ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Warhawks advance; Bucs eliminated
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 15, 2009
UW-Whitewater advanced with a two-run ninth, while Beloit College was eliminated in NCAA Division III regional baseball action Thursday. The Warhawks took advantage of two ninth-inning errors to shock Washington University, 3-2, in an opening-round game at Moline, Ill. The Warhawks play Millsaps at 4 p.m. today. UW-Stevens Point, which ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Body found in Madison lake
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Dane County coroner says preliminary autopsy findings indicate drowning likely caused the death of a Milwaukee man whose body was found floating Thursday in Lake Mendota. Officers were called to James Madison Park about 5:30 a.m. after a citizen discovered the body near the park’s ...Read more, add a comment »
Former candidate for Wisconsin governor dies in Virginia
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A two-time candidate for governor and one of the state’s most prominent property developers has died. David Carley died Wednesday morning at his home in Charlottesville, Va., at age 80. His wife Claire Gargelli says memorial services are being planned both in Madison and Charlottesville. Carley ...Read more, add a comment »
Fielder homers as Brewers beat Marlins 5-3
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2009
The Milwaukee Brewers completed a three-game sweep of the Florida Marlins with a 5-3 victory Thursday.
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18 Chrysler dealerships in Wisconsin to close
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Chrysler LLC wants to close 18 Wisconsin dealerships as part of a nationwide move to eliminate 789 dealerships. Five of the targeted dealerships are in the Milwaukee area and two are in Madison. The rest are spread throughout the state. The dealers can appeal the decision ...Read more, view comments (37) »
Bank customer drives through wall
Posted by GINA DUWE on May 14, 2009
EVANSVILLE--No one was injured this morning when a customer drove “through the wall” at M&I Bank, 25 N. Madison St., Evansville, bank manager Dave Holterman said. Bank officials are assessing the situation, and the bank is closed, he said. Dispatch received the accident call at 9:48 a.m.Read more, view comments (23) »
Wis. lawmakers look at changes in health insurance
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers are considering legislation to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Federal law prevents public programs such as BadgerCare and employer-sponsored group health plans from denying coverage or charging higher rates due to pre-existing conditions. But no such protection exists ...Read more, view comments (3) »
State's Hispanic population at 5 percent
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 14, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — New U.S. Census Bureau estimates show a significant growth in Wisconsin's Hispanic population. The figures released Thursday show the Hispanic population has increased about 48 percent since 2000, to nearly 286,000 people. Hispanics now make up about 5 percent of the state's population. Darryl Morin is director ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Storm knocks down tree and electrical wires
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 14, 2009
JANESVILLE—Wednesday night’s thunderstorm knocked down a large tree and electrical wires in rural Janesville. Rock County Sheriff’s Office deputies were the first on scene at 9 p.m. Wednesday at 3916 E. Avalon Road, where they found a large tree across the road and electrical wires down in the ditch, according ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Beloit residential fires result in citations
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 14, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: Beloit residents are receiving citations after two residential fires Wednesday. In one case, burning embers sparked $40,000 damage. In the other, a malfunctioning bathroom ventilation fan caused about $200 damage. However, both properties are rental units and neither of the units had working smoke detectors. Beloit's ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Slowdown on I-90/39 near Edgerton
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 13, 2009
Traffic in the northbound lanes of Interstate 90/39 near Edgerton has slowed because of an accident, according to the State Patrol. The traffic delay could be up to an hour, according to a news release. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. "At this time, there is no designated alternate ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wis. smoking ban passes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 13, 2009
MADISON — Wisconsin lawmakers have passed a ban on smoking in almost all workplaces, including bars and restaurants. The state Assembly approved the measure 61-38 Wednesday evening. The Senate passed the bill 25-8 earlier in the day. The proposal now goes to Gov. Jim Doyle, who can sign it into ...Read more, view comments (47) »
Former Lake Geneva library employee to pay $97,546 in restitution for theft
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on May 13, 2009
A former City of Lake Geneva Public Library employee was sentenced Wednesday to pay the city $97,546 in restitution for stealing and charging personal purchases on the library’s credit card.
Mercedes A. Mogensen, 45, of W5685 Babcock Drive, Elkhorn, was convicted on two felony counts of theft in business ...
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Men granted new trial in Wisconsin kidnapping case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 13, 2009
Two men accused of attempting to kidnap a jogger in Walworth County in 2005 will get a new trial.
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Rink remodel still a go
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on May 13, 2009
The Janesville City Council on Monday reassured Wisconsin Hockey Partners that it would stand by its decision to sink $200,00 into the city’s aged ice arena, despite hearing that a private group hopes to partner with the city and raise money to build a new rink. A representative of the ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Janesville School Board approves budget cuts
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 12, 2009
JANESVILLE – The Janesville School Board voted Tuesday to accept Superintendent Karen Schulte’s budget-cutting recommendations. The board also agreed to most of the new positions Schulte wants to create. The board delayed a decision on Schulte’s recommendation to hire six new custodians to handle the extra square footage at the ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Beaten woman remains unconscious at Mercy Hospital
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 12, 2009
PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP—The woman found beaten in her home outside Orfordville remains in critical condition at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. The woman in her 40s remains unconscious with severe head injuries after being found at 1 p.m. Sunday in Country Courts Trailer Home Park, about a mile northeast of Orfordville on ...Read more, view comments (37) »
Local pastor sentenced for obstructing an officer
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 12, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A pastor convicted of obstructing an officer after a jury trial in Rock County Court was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service. David J. Fogderud, 66, of 3545 S. Riverside Drive, Beloit, was arrested in August 2007 after attempting to ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Edgerton, Milton robbery suspect arrested
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 12, 2009
EDGERTON -- A man accused of robbing or attempting to rob pharmacies in Edgerton and Milton was arrested Tuesday. Kurtis J. Stapleton, 32, Fitchburg, is suspected of attempting to rob the Edgerton Family Health Pharmacy, 711 N. Main St., at 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, according to Edgerton police. He is suspected ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Wisconsin lost record 14,200 jobs in 1Q
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2009
A new federal report says Wisconsin is one of 32 states that lost a record number of jobs in the first three months of the year.
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OSHA: Columbus plant fixed 10 safety violations
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2009
COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) — A chemical plant that exploded in south-central Wisconsin this week was cited in 2005 for 10 safety violations, including eight labeled "serious." The violations at Columbus Chemical Industries Inc. included its handling of flammable and hazardous materials and maintenance of safety equipment. The Occupational Safety & ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Fire still burns at chemical plant in Columbus
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 12, 2009
COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) — A chemical plant fire continued to burn early Tuesday in the south-central Wisconsin community of Columbus where dozens of neighbors were forced to evacuate their homes. A series of explosions was heard Monday about 8 p.m. at Columbus Chemical Industries as firefighters were called to the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
City council approves ice arena alcohol sales
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on May 12, 2009
The Janesville City Council on Monday voted 4-3 to give Wisconsin Hockey Partners a license to sell beer at the city-owned ice rink. The group is bringing a Junior A hockey team to Janesville, and spokesman Bill McCoshen has said since he brought the idea to the council last summer ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Edgerton settles teacher contract
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 11, 2009
The Edgerton teachers union and school board approved a two-year contract today set to take effect July 1. The contract gives teachers a 4.2 percent package increase each year, including an average 3.62 percent salary increase and 0.58 percent benefit increase in the first year. For a full story, read ...Read more, view comments (7) »
State could expand unemployment
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 11, 2009
More Wisconsin residents would qualify for unemployment benefits under a proposal designed to bring in $89.3 million from the federal stimulus package to the state. A measure moving quickly through the Democratic-controlled Legislature would allow workers to receive unemployment if they quit jobs because spouses relocate, to take care of ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Orfordville woman critical after beating
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 11, 2009
ORFORDVILLE -- Rock County sheriff’s investigators continue investigating a severe beating of a woman in a mobile home park outside Orfordville. The woman described as in her 40s was found unconscious at 1 p.m. Sunday in the 3100 block of South Old Highway 11 in Country Courts Trailer Home Park, ...Read more, view comments (53) »
Mark Wilf: Vikings still assessing Favre situation
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 11, 2009
Minnesota Vikings president Mark Wilf says the team is still interested in Brett Favre.
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Janesville parks lose trees
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 11, 2009
Janesvillians visiting their parks this spring might notice that the views have changed. Something's missing. It's the trees. Last summer's floods—perhaps with the help of this spring's flooding—killed off about 50 trees and large shrubs, mostly in Monterey, Riverside and Traxler parks, said Tom Presny, city parks director. Flooding cuts ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Builders/remodelers report signs of life
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — It's been a rough couple of years for Wisconsin builders and remodelers. Wisconsin Builders Association president Doug Scott says that after hitting rock bottom, the industry is finally seeing some encouraging signs. Scott says the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time buyers is helping deplete some ...Read more, view comments (8) »
AIDS Network to add dental care to its services
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 11, 2009
MADISON—The AIDS Network, which is the HIV/AIDS service provider for South Central Wisconsin, including the communities of Madison, Janesville and Beloit, will expand service to include dental care, according to a press release from Executive Director Karen Dotson. The Network, headquartered at 600 Williamson Street, hopes to finalize plans within ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit man arrested for homicide
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 11, 2009
BELOIT, Wis. (AP) — Police say they've arrested a 20-year-old man for his role in the shooting death of a Beloit teen. Officials say the investigation continues and others are apparently involved in the homicide. Police made the arrest over the weekend. Eighteen-year-old Joseph Debuque Jr. was fatally shot Feb. ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Oak wilt disese spreads throughout southeast Wisconsin
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on May 11, 2009
State officials are warning tree lovers to protect their oaks against a devastating disease that appears to be spreading. Oak wilt disease, which can bring down a healthy oak tree in just a few weeks, is turning up in a growing number of backyards. “It’s getting worse and worse,” said ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Janesville Area PTA to discuss truancy
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 11, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville Area PTA is focusing on truancy Monday night during a live call-in television show on the school district's public access channel. President Kristin Hesselbacher says municipal fines could bring complications. She says it's hard to determine whether to fine the child or the parents, ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Stranger danger at Traxler Park?
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 10, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Police are looking for a man after an incident involving a 10-year-old boy at Janesville’s Traxler Park on Saturday. No one was injured. Witnesses told police that the man approached a 10-year-old boy, who was fishing with boys ages 13 and 14 at about 5 p.m. Saturday. The ...Read more, view comments (37) »
Janesville boil-water advisory lifted
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 09, 2009
JANESVILLE – The water is safe to drink. The city of Janesville’s boil-water advisory was lifted at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday. Residents of much of the city's east side had been under a state-ordered boil-water notice since Friday afternoon. The advisory was issued after a routine water sample tested positive ...Read more, view comments (25) »
UW-La Crosse names mascot after Stephen Colbert
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 09, 2009
From the Associated Press: LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has named its eagle mascot "Colbert" after Comedy Central TV host Stephen Colbert. More than 3,100 students participated in the vote, whose results were announced Friday. Colbert received 44% of the votes, followed by Ernie with ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Frequently asked questions about Janesville's water boil advisory
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 08, 2009
Janesville residents seem to have quite a few questions about the boil-water order for residents on the city's east side.
Water Utility Director Dan Lynch is heading up the effort, and answered a few questions frequently asked Friday by WCLO listeners.
How do I know if my water is contaminated?
...Read more, view comments (16) »
UPDATED: Part of Janesville under a boil-water advisory
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 08, 2009
JANESVILLE – Some east-side Janesville residents are being asked to boil water as a precautionary measure after bacteria were found in a water sample. The advisory will be in effect at least until Saturday afternoon. The city reports finding fecal coliform/E. coli bacteria in an area of the city that ...Read more, view comments (82) »
Motorcyclists to rally Saturday in Lake Geneva
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on May 08, 2009
LAKE GENEVA — An area motorcycling group will hold a rally in Lake Geneva Saturday to raise awareness for motorcycle safety. Tim Lynn of Elkhorn says the recent fatal motorcycle crash in Waukegan, Ill., highlights the need for increased vigilance. Details on the rally on at www.walworthcountytoday.com. More on ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Tomah guard sendoff Saturday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 08, 2009
TOMAH, Wis. (AP) — Family, friends and state officials will send off a Tomah-based Wisconsin Army National Guard unit Saturday. About 80 soldiers from the headquarters unit of 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion will depart for a month of training in Indiana before deploying to Iraq. The unit will command ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Janesville police chief to be sworn in Saturday
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on May 08, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: The Janesville Police Department prepares to honor its next chief with an appointment ceremony Saturday at Rotary Gardens. Deputy Police Chief Steve Kopp says the type of ceremony being held for former Deputy Chief David Moore is significant, because it doesn't happen very often. He says ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Parker edges Craig in girls soccer
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 08, 2009
Janesville Parker senior Catie O’Leary scored the tying goal then set up the winning goal as the Vikings edged Janesville Craig, 3-2, in a Big Eight Conference soccer match Thursday at Craig. Viking goalkeeper Sam Anacker made a handful of spectacular saves as the Vikings beat their crosstown rival for ...Read more, view comment (1) »
One case of Whooping Cough at Parker
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 07, 2009
Janesville School District officials Thursday sent a letter home with students stating a Parker student is ill with pertussis, or Whooping Cough. The Rock County Health Department on Wednesday notified the district of the illness. Parents do not need to take immediate action at this time, the letter stated. The ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Janesville teachers preview contract talks
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on May 07, 2009
JANESVILLE – The union representing Janesville public school teachers has released an outline of its goals for upcoming contract negotiations. The union wants to talk about improving working conditions before negotiations turn to economic issues, said Jim Reif, lead negotiator for the Janesville Education Association. Changes in working conditions could ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Five confirmed flu cases in Rock County
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 07, 2009
MADISON—The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Thursday afternoon confirmed five cases of swine flu in Rock County, according to the department’s Web site. That means two cases declared “probable” earlier had been confirmed. The health department on Wednesday announced three new confirmed cases of H1N1, commonly known as swine ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Wis. Republicans oppose cutbacks in GPS tracking
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 07, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican lawmakers say plans to let inmates out of prison earlier and scale back GPS tracking for sex offenders will put the public at risk. Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle's budget calls for letting felons out of prisons earlier for good behavior. It also would allow the ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Some still need help after last year's Wis. floods
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 07, 2009
BARABOO, Wis. (AP) — Nearly a year after heavy rainfall flooded much of southern Wisconsin, officials in Sauk and Columbia counties say some residents still need help. About 1,700 people there signed up for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Workers estimate about 10 percent still need ...Read more, view comment (1) »
UPDATE: No students seriously injured in bus crash
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 07, 2009
No students were seriously injured in this morning's crash that involved a Clinton Community School District bus and a vehicle, according to a Rock County Sheriff's Office press release. However, the driver of the vehicle, Landon C. Riggs, 43, of 4208 N. Juniper Drive, Janesville, was transported to Mercy Hospital ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Virtual school applicants likely exceed cap
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 07, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The number of applicants for virtual schools in Wisconsin could exceed the 5,250 cap set by the state Legislature. The Department of Public Instruction has notified the virtual schools that there appears to be more interest in online instruction than what's allowed by law. The DPI ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Delavan-Darien schools get new leadership
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 07, 2009
It might seem like Delavan-Darien School District Administrator Wendy Overturf put a big spoon into the school’s administrative pool and stirred. “It was time for a change,” Overturf said. Nearly every school in the district has a new principal, and most of the hires were from within. The changes did ...Read more, add a comment »
Milwaukee to celebrate Danny Gokey making top 3
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 06, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Danny Gokey’s hometown plans to go all out on Friday — a parade, concert and singing of the national anthem at a Milwaukee Brewers game — when he visits as a top three contestant on “American Idol.” The 29-year-old church music director from Milwaukee and the other ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Lawmakers reach deal on statewide smoking ban
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 06, 2009
MADISON (AP) — Smoking would be prohibited in restaurants, taverns and virtually all workplaces in Wisconsin starting in July 2010 under a compromise announced Wednesday by state lawmakers. After years of debate, legislative leaders said they reached a deal on a statewide smoking ban that could pass both houses next ...Read more, view comments (54) »
East River Walkway to be closed starting Thursday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 06, 2009
JANESVILLE--The East River Walkway, between East Milwaukee Street and Centerway, will be closed to the public for rehabilitation work starting Thursday. The work, to be done by Schultz Construction for the City of Janesville, should be done by June 12, weather permitting. For more information, call Duane Jorgenson, project engineer, ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Pawlenty wants to see Favre in Vikings purple
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 06, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's governor is salivating at the thought of Brett Favre playing for the Vikings. Gov. Tim Pawlenty says putting the former Green Bay Packer in purple would be fun for fans. He says it would be "a wonderful little salt to rub in the eyes ...Read more, view comments (51) »
Two more swine flu cases found in Rock County
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 06, 2009
The Rock County Health Department has confirmed two cases of swine flu in addition to the two probable cases found in the county earlier. Neither case involves school-age children, according to a news release from the health department. Health officials now can confirm cases of H1N1 flu, commonly known as ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Residents struggle to pay rent
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 06, 2009
Local service providers face two challenges when it comes to helping renters struggling in today’s economy: Getting them immediate assistance and helping them become self-sufficient. They hope to address both with strategies discussed Tuesday at the South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross. As unemployment rises, many are ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Fire station could get federal funding
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 05, 2009
A new Milton Joint Fire Station might be eligible for substantial federal funding, Chief Loren Lippincott told the Milton City Council on Tuesday. The fire department, shared by the city and town of Milton, has discussed the need for a new fire station for years. Lippincott has applied for grants ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Proposed state smoking ban aired at hearing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 05, 2009
MADISON — Smoking ban advocate Marilyn Townsend said the excitement is building as legislative committees hold hearings on a proposal that would prohibit smoking in most workplaces in Wisconsin. The village of Shorewood Hills trustee lost her parents to smoking-related illnesses. She said the ban would help people trying to ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Report: Favre to meet with Vikings coach Childress
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 05, 2009
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Just when Brett Favre looked to finally be out, the Minnesota Vikings could be pulling him back in. Citing an anonymous source "with direct knowledge of the discussions between the two parties," ESPN reported Tuesday that Favre is scheduled to meet with Vikings coach Brad Childress later ...Read more, view comments (59) »
Settlement still possible for Darien board
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 05, 2009
ELKHORN--Some current and former members of the Darien Village Board will meet in August for a status hearing with Walworth County Judge John Race. Judge Robert Kennedy set the hearing date Tuesday afternoon. Race could set a trial date at that time, Kennedy said. Seven people are accused of violating ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Police investigate Illinois connection to Lake Geneva robbery
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on May 05, 2009
Authorities are investigating a possible connection between a robbery last week in Lake Geneva and string of robberies in northern Illinois.
Read more,
view comments (4) »
Short high-speed pursuit ends without injuries
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 05, 2009
JANESVILLE--From the time a Rock County Sheriff’s Office deputy clocked a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero traveling at speeds of more than 100 mph until the time he put the driver in handcuffs took only 3 minutes. Deputy Matthew Jacobson was driving north at 1:57 a.m. today on County G, just north ...Read more, view comments (39) »
New foreclosure filings decline
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 05, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — New foreclosure filings in Wisconsin dropped 5 percent in April compared to the prior month. But, economic observers say the decline isn't worth celebrating just yet. With subprime mortgages already in the foreclosure process, job losses could lead to additional filings for those with standard mortgages. University ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Disaster agency offers 2008 flood assistance
Posted by STACY VOGEL on May 05, 2009
Rock County residents affected by the summer 2008 flooding still may receive assistance for flood-related mold, repairs or cleanup issues. The Wisconsin Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Region 3 Long-Term Recovery Committee is coordinating the assistance. Call the United Way 2-1-1 at (608) 2-1-1 or (608) 246-4357. The deadline is ...Read more, add a comment »
Man arrested in Milton online sex sting appears in court
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 04, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A Madison man accused of trying to meet to have sex with what he thought was a 15-year-old Milton girl was charged Monday with use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime. Florencio Briseno Resendiz, 36, Madison, appeared in Rock County Court and was released on ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Janesville man appears in court in home-invasion case
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on May 04, 2009
JANESVILLE -- A Janesville man charged in a home-invasion robbery and beating stood mute Monday in Rock County Court. Victor Garcia, 18, of 219 N. Marion Ave., had a not guilty plea entered for him. A court hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. He remains held in the Rock ...Read more, view comments (16) »
UPDATE: I-43 traffic flow back to normal
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 04, 2009
TURTLE TOWNSHIP--Traffic no longer needs to be detoured off Interstate 43, near mile marker 2 at Hart Road, near Beloit in Rock County. Traffic flow was restored in both the northbound and southbound lanes at 1 p.m., according to the Wisconsin State Patrol. Earlier today, traffic in both lanes of ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Milton library classes rescheduled
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 04, 2009
Milton Public Library has rescheduled their Internet Basics computer class that was to be held today from 2:30-4:30 p.m. to Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. They have also rescheduled today's E-mail Basics class to Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you wish to attend the class, please call ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Report shows more food aid needed in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 04, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new study on poverty in Wisconsin shows a sharp increase in the need for food assistance as the recession deepened in the past two years. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty says the number of Wisconsin residents receiving food stamps has increased ...Read more, view comments (13) »
New food pantry could feed hundreds
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on May 04, 2009
Sal Dimiceli has seen it firsthand: Hundreds of people in Walworth County are struggling to keep food on the table, and the local food pantries just can’t keep up. He plans to change that. Dimiceli, the founder of Time is Now to Help, a nonprofit organization that provides poverty-stricken people ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Milton High School closed for "probable" swine flu
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 03, 2009
MILTON--Milton High School will be closed Monday and Tuesday because a student has a “probable” case of swine flu, Superintendent Bernie Nikolay said. Following state and federal guidelines, the Rock County Health Department on Sunday ordered the school closed, Health Officer Karen Cain said. All high school activities are cancelled, ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Officials: Wis. has 66 probable swine flu cases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 03, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — State health officials say the number of probable cases of swine flu in Wisconsin grew to 66 by Sunday afternoon, and Milwaukee city officials closed more schools in the district. The number of confirmed cases in Wisconsin remained at three: two in Milwaukee County and one in ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Body found near parking ramp in Green Bay
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 03, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found on a sidewalk below a parking ramp in downtown Green Bay. Police Lt. Mark Hellmann says the body was found this morning in front of the Madison Street entrance to the Pine Street ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Milton police arrest man in child enticement sting
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 03, 2009
MILTON—A Madison man is in custody after trying to meet to have sex with what he thought was a 15-year-old girl. Florencio Briseno-Resendiz, 36, Madison, was arrested at 3:25 p.m. Saturday in a public parking lot in the 700 block of S. Janesville St., Milton, according to a news release ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Parker soccer team splits
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 02, 2009
Janesville Parker’s defense was at its best Saturday, and the offense turned in a clutch performance to give the Vikings a split in the Milton girls soccer quad. Milton edged Parker, 1-0, in the first round, but the Vikings came back with a 3-1 win over Lake Geneva Badger. For ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Sauk Prairie wins Craig tennis quadrangular
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 02, 2009
Sauk Prairie High’s boys tennis team won all three matches to earn the Craig Quadrangular on Saturday. Milton was second at 2-1, while Janesville Craig was 1-2. For a full story, read Sunday's Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com.Read more, view comment (1) »
Warhawk softball team outsted
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 02, 2009
The UW-Whitewater softball team lost to UW-River Falls and was eliminated Saturday from the WIAC Tournament. The Warhawks, who won the regular-season title with a 16-0 record, now have to wait until Monday to find out whether they will make the NCAA Division III tournament. For a full story, read ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Craig High splits, while Parker falls twice
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 02, 2009
Janesville Craig earned a split with host Verona in a Big Eight Conference softball doubleheader Saturday. Craig High used a five-run third inning to win the first game, 6-4. Verona used a three-run second and four-run sixth inning to win the second game, 9-4. Meanwhile, Janesville Parker lost a couple ...Read more, add a comment »
Gladiators win opener
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 02, 2009
The Rock County Gladiators defeated the Northern Wisconsin Wolverines, 12-6, in an exhibition football game at Monterey Stadium on Saturday night. Danny Roberts scored on runs of 28 and 84 yards to lead the Gladiators. Roberts finished with 144 yards on 12 carries and threw for 117 more yards. Kyle ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Milton man sentenced in poisoning case
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 02, 2009
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA (Gazette staff and Associated Press) -- A Milton man has been sentenced to nine years and six months in federal prison after being found guilty on charges he laced his wife’s food with ulcer medication to force her to miscarry. A military panel Saturday sentenced ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wis. health department confirms 3 swine flu cases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 02, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The first cases of swine flu in Wisconsin were confirmed Saturday, as health, school and other leaders worked to limit the spread of the disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed two cases of swine flu in Milwaukee County and one case in ...Read more, add a comment »
No catch for Wis. governor during fishing opener
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 02, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle is going home empty-handed — again. The governor kicked off Wisconsin’s fishing season Saturday on the Chippewa Flowage near Hayward in northern Wisconsin. Spokesman Tim Stumm says he fished for an hour and a half to two hours but had no luck. Stumm says ...Read more, view comments (8) »
UW-Madison Medical School gets Alzheimer’s grant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 02, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has been awarded a grant of $6.9 million to create an Alzheimer’s disease research center. The five-year grant comes from the National Institute on Aging, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. The goal ...Read more, add a comment »
Darien prosecutor resigns
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on May 01, 2009
DARIEN--The village of Darien prosecutor has resigned in apparent sympathy with the village’s fired police chief. Delavan attorney Frank Lettenberger on Thursday sent a letter of resignation to newly elected village board President Evelyn Etten. Lettenberger worked as the village prosecutor in the village municipal court. He served under two ...Read more, view comments (10) »
One 'probable' swine flu case reported in Rock County
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 01, 2009
The Rock County Health Department reported late Friday morning that a "probable" case of swine flu has been identified in an adult male in Rock County. Confirmation of swine flu is not likely to be received for 48 to 72 hours, according to a news release. The individual had traveled ...Read more, view comments (75) »
Wisconsin film industry backers applaud deal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — It may not be time to yell "Cut!" for Wisconsin's film incentives just yet. The Legislature's budget committee voted unanimously Thursday night to save the program Gov. Jim Doyle wants to scrap. The committee agreed to change Doyle's budget to cap the incentives at $3 million ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Swine flu concerns close 10 Milwaukee schools
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 01, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — At least ten schools in Milwaukee closed Friday because of concerns about swine flu. The closures include five public schools and five private or parochial locations. A sixth Milwaukee public school, Wings Academy, closed because so many students or staff were ill. The academy is a small ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Saturday’s Kids Play Sale canceled
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on May 01, 2009
JANESVILLE—The Kids Play Sale scheduled for Saturday at Palmer Park has been canceled, according to a press release from the City of Janesville. The first-annual event, to be hosted by Leisure Services, was going to feature a sale of old toys, sports equipment or recreation items with a cost of ...Read more, view comments (22) »
UPDATE: Floodwaters close road and park
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on May 01, 2009
Beloit Newark Road, in Avon Township, is now open. The road from Avonstore Road to County T had been closed due to flooding, according to Rock County officials. Also, there is no access to Sugar River Park, which is flooded. And, South Nelson Road, which was previously flooded, is now ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Tax increases approved to pay for rail projects
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on May 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Legislature's budget committee on Friday approved a plan to use a mixture of higher sales taxes and car rental fees to pay for high-speed rail and other transit projects in the two most populated parts of the state. In Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties up ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Home sales dip
Posted by JIM LEUTE on May 01, 2009
First-quarter home sales in the area continued to fall, but local real estate agents say there’s hope on the horizon. In fact, the Janesville office of Shorewest Realtors had more sales in March than in any of the 16 months since opening an office on Milton Avenue. In the first ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Local soccer teams shut out
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 01, 2009
Janesville Craig lost to Big Eight Conference power Madison Memorial, 3-0, while Janesville Parker fell at Verona, 6-0, in girls soccer action Thursday night. For a full story, read Friday's Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com. MEMORIAL 3, CRAIG 0 Madison Memorial 2 ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Janesville tennis teams fall
Posted by TOM MILLER on May 01, 2009
The Janesville Craig and Parker high school tennis teams were shut out in Big Eight Conference matches Thursday. Parker fell at Verona, 7-0, to fall to 1-3 in the Big Eight and 5-5 overall. Madison Memorial defeated Janesville Craig, 7-0. VERONA 7, PARKER 0 Singles—Alex Boomgardner def. Jason Knutson, 6-4, ...Read more, add a comment »
