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Deal would offer $350 million for struggling milk farmers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers from dairy-producing states announced agreement Wednesday on $350 million in aid for struggling milk farmers. Some $290 million would go for direct support of dairy farmers under a program to be devised by the Agriculture Department, according to Rep. David Obey and Sen. Herb Kohl, both ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Ex-WI Supreme Court judge up for federal spot
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
MADISON — President Barack Obama has nominated former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler Jr. for a federal judgeship. The White House said in a statement Wednesday that Butler is one of eight people whose nominations to a federal position have been sent to the Senate for approval. Butler is ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Drought brings USDA help
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 31 counties in Wisconsin as primary natural-disaster areas following droughts that have persisted since March 1. The designation announced Wednesday allows eligible farmers to apply for low-interest emergency loans to cover their losses. The counties are Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, ...Read more, add a comment »
Milwaukee police officer shot
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on September 30, 2009
MILWAUKEE -- A 44-year-old police officer was shot in the arm while trying to serve a search warrant at a home on the city’s north side where officers knew there was a "high risk“ of the presence of guns, Police Chief Edward A. Flynn said. The chief said during a ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Wis. board to seek crackdown on '08 felon voters
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State elections officials have identified up to 195 felons who may have illegally voted in the November 2008 presidential election. Government Accountability Board spokesman Reid Magney said the agency will forward names to district attorneys for further investigation and prosecution by Oct. 9. He said it ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Seven Big Foot High School students injured in crash
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on September 30, 2009
WALWORTH TOWNSHIP—Seven Big Foot High School students were injured after the car they were riding in crashed into a tree on Cobblestone Road west of Walworth-Linn Townline Road on Tuesday night. Walworth County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene just after 9 p.m. John E. Vanvleet, 17, who was driving ...Read more, view comments (47) »
Goodwill attendants find more than donated shoes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
MARSHFIELD, Wis. (AP) — Donation attendants for Goodwill Industries say they've discovered everything from dead animals to a handgun when unpacking boxes of donated goods at the Marshfield store. But, their biggest surprise might have been in the box of donated shoes that arrived recently. Jerry Schmitz and Len Nyen ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Eliminating 2 constitutional offices considered
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Can Wisconsin get by without a lieutenant governor or secretary of state? That's the question a state Senate committee will consider Wednesday. Republican state Sen. Alan Lasee of DePere has proposed eliminating both offices as a cost-saving move. Both of the current office holders are Democrats. ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Wis. gov to sign wind farm bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says he will sign a bill that calls for state regulators to come up with statewide rules for wind farms. The state Public Service Commission's rules would trump any local ordinances. Wind developers say local officials have created a patchwork of regulations across ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Report: Wis. would hurt without health care reform
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 30, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Without national health care reform, the number of uninsured Wisconsin residents could increase by 200,000 in the next 10 years. That's according to a report released Wednesday by the independent Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report predicts the number of uninsured could increase as much as 36 ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Board alters Janesville Chinese program
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 29, 2009
JANESVILLE – The Janesville School Board decided Tuesday that Chinese-language instruction will no longer be mandatory at two elementary schools. The board voted 5-2 to make the program voluntary. The change will not occur immediately. The board gave the administration two weeks to come up with options for making the ...Read more, view comments (43) »
Man sentenced in Janesville drug bust
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 29, 2009
MADISON—An Illinois man arrested in Janesville was sentenced in U.S. District Court on Monday to 10 years in prison for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. Raymond Gray, 31, of Rockford, Ill., had 36 grams of crack cocaine, $4,000 in cash and a loaded .40-caliber handgun when Janesville ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Rock County victims have new tool to track offenders
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 29, 2009
JANESVILLE -- Crime victims can be notified when their attacker is released from the Rock County Jail after a new phone and Internet notification system began running Tuesday. Rock County has joined the Wisconsin Victim Information & Notification Everyday service to provide people with the custody status of criminal defendants. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Oshkosh inks defense contract
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 29, 2009
OSHKOSH — The defense division of Oshkosh Corp. has signed a roughly $800 million deal with the Pentagon to deliver nearly 2,500 new and rebuilt military vehicles. Oshkosh Defense said Tuesday it will provide more than 1,450 new trucks and trailers. It will also deliver more than 1,000 tactical trucks ...Read more, view comments (6) »
State approves new rebate program for appliances
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 29, 2009
MADISON (AP) — A cash for clunky appliances program should be starting this fall in Wisconsin. The Legislature’s budget committee on Tuesday approved spending about $5 million in federal stimulus money on the program. The rebates will range between $25 and $200 and cover clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, room ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Rock County under frost advisory tonight
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 29, 2009
Gardeners take note: Rock County could see its first frost tonight. The National Weather Service has put the county under a frost advisory from midnight tonight to 8 a.m. Wednesday. Temperatures could drop to the mid-30s tonight, resulting in areas of frost.Read more, view comments (6) »
Wis. lawmaker proposes newspaper tax exemption
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 29, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin state lawmaker says he wants to save newspapers even though he admits to sometimes hating reporters. Democratic state Rep. Marlin Schneider, a 39-year veteran from Wisconsin Rapids, said Tuesday he's proposing a property tax break for newspapers even though "some days I hate your ...Read more, view comments (13) »
School board meeting at international school
Posted by SID SCHWARTZ on September 29, 2009
The Janesville School Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. today at the Janesville Academy for International Studies, 31 W. Milwaukee St., Janesville. The wrong location for the meeting was published in today's edition of the Gazette. Among items on the agenda is discussion of the new, mandatory Chinese-language program at ...Read more, add a comment »
Funeral set for Elkhorn man killed in auto-shop accident
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 29, 2009
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Wis. astronaut leaves this week for 3rd space trip
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 29, 2009
WINTER, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin astronaut Jeffrey Williams is heading back to space this week, and he's bringing a few reminders of home. He says he's limited to two to three pounds of extra gear. He says he'll take a Bible, some family pictures and a few small U.S. flags. ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Focus on Energy reaches milestone
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 29, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy is celebrating a milestone. Focus on Energy says it has helped finance solar-electric generation projects that produce 2.5 megawatts of electricity. Spokeswoman Kelly Lang says it's enough to power about 350 homes a year and the production avoids ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. regulators set hearings on rate increases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 29, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State regulators will hold public hearings on We Energies' plan to increase electric, steam and natural gas rates. We Energies subsidiary Wisconsin Electric Power Company has asked the state Public Service Commission for permission to increase electric rates by about 7 percent. WEPCO also wants to ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Parents, board question if Chinese program should be mandatory
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 29, 2009
Failures to communicate seem to be at the root of a controversy over a new, mandatory Chinese-language program at two Janesville elementary schools. The Janesville School Board meets tonight to discuss and possibly order changes in the program. The board recently heard from the parent of a Harrison Elementary School ...Read more, view comments (30) »
State suspends payments after newspaper exposes fraud
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 28, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin has suspended payments to another 35 child care providers because of evidence they violated regulations. The Department of Children and Families said Monday that payments under the beleaguered Wisconsin Shares program were suspended on Sunday. All of the cases are being referred to local law ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Hell hath no fury: Trial set for woman who attacked cheating lover
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 28, 2009
CHILTON, Wis. (AP) — A judge has set a January trial for one of the four eastern Wisconsin women accused of seeking revenge on a cheating lover by luring him to a motel and tying him to a bed where he ended up with his penis glued to his stomach. ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Oak Creek native is Miss Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 28, 2009
MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP) — A 19-year-old Oak Creek native has beat out 31 other Wisconsin women in the 2010 Miss Wisconsin-USA pageant. Courtney Lynn Lopez was crowned Sunday at the Middleton Performing Arts Center. Lopez, who now lives in Franksville in Racine County, will advance to the 2010 Miss USA ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Rock County human resources director resigns
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on September 28, 2009
JANESVILLE—Rock County Human Resources Director John Becker has resigned, according to a news release from Administrator Craig Knutson’s office. Becker’s last day of work will be Oct. 30, according to the letter that was released today. He was not in his office today when the Gazette called for comment. Becker ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Former Warhawk wheelchair basketball star pitches Chicago's Paralympic bid
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 28, 2009
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Ex-juror says he favored acquittal in Wis. killing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 28, 2009
MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) — A motion hearing to determine whether a convicted Wisconsin killer should get a new trial has opened with testimony from an ex-juror. Steven Avery of Mishicot was convicted of killing photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005. One juror in that trial was 44-year-old Richard Mahler. Avery's attorneys ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Wis. man seeking new trial in photographer's death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 28, 2009
MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) — A Manitowoc County man convicted of killing a young photographer four years ago hoped to convince a judge Monday he deserves a new trial. Steven A. Avery believes it was unfair for a judge to deny him the right to identify others who may have had ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Legal limbo prompts gas discount
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 28, 2009
Wisconsin’s so-called minimum markup law still is in legal limbo, but that isn’t stopping a local company from taking advantage of a ruling striking the law down. Woodman’s started offering a discount on gasoline with the purchase of groceries about a month ago, even though an appeal seeking to reinstate ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. driver involved in 4 crashes in 7 minutes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 28, 2009
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — An Appleton driver who was involved in four crashes in seven minutes has suffered life-threatening injuries. The Wisconsin State Patrol says the 23-year-old was driving in Outagamie County early Sunday morning when he struck a guardrail. He then rear-ended two vehicles and continued driving. Moments later ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Memo: Wis. governor approved fire truck purchase
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 28, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Newly released records show Gov. Jim Doyle approved the purchase of a $250,000 fire truck for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has said the truck was one of several purchases that was not authorized by lawmakers. The agency asked ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Kidnapped Kentucky girl found in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 27, 2009
STURGEON BAY — A 13-year-old girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert in Kentucky has been found in Sturgeon Bay. The nationwide alert was issued Saturday morning after the girl was reported missing from her home in Daviess County, Ky. Police officers in Sturgeon Bay spotted the suspect’s ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Agency head to testify about Wisconsin Shares problems
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 27, 2009
MADISON — The head of Wisconsin’s state agency that licenses child care providers is scheduled to testify before lawmakers amid numerous problems with the welfare-to-work Wisconsin Shares program. Last week an audit revealed that four licensed child care providers had the same address as registered sex offenders. And an earlier ...Read more, add a comment »
Alleged drunk driver hits patrol car
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 27, 2009
APPLETON — The Wisconsin State Patrol says a drunk driver struck a State Patrol cruiser while the trooper was out of his vehicle on a traffic stop in Appleton. The accident happened around 12:30 Sunday morning. Neither the trooper nor the driver was injured. The trooper says while he was ...Read more, view comments (34) »
No new terror alerts for Lambeau
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 26, 2009
GREEN BAY — Green Bay authorities say they haven’t received any new alerts since last week’s warning of possible terrorist attacks on U.S. stadiums, hotels or entertainment complexes. Police Capt. Todd Thomas says there was no specific threat toward Lambeau Field. He says security precautions remain the same. The FBI’s ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Strong winds expected Sunday night
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 26, 2009
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for southern Wisconsin, including Rock and Walworth counties, for Sunday evening until Monday morning. Forecasters are predicting north to northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. The National Weather Service urges residents to secure loose ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Suspected bank robber arrested
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 26, 2009
Police arrested a man suspected in two armed robberies after one of the robberies occurred this morning. Michael W. Batiste, 40, of 614 S. Locust St., Janesville, was arrested on charges of two counts of armed robbery, probation violation and bench warrants alleging disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia and ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Interstate chase ends in arson
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 26, 2009
A chase down southbound Interstate 90/39 ended without injury Saturday morning after the driver set fire to her vehicle and apparently threatened to set fire to herself. The suspect, Leah M. Pospisil, 28, Chicago, was taken to Mercy Hospital and arrested on charges of fleeing arrest, arson, reckless driving, disorderly ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Middleton rolls past Craig football team
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 26, 2009
After rebounding from a 19-0 deficit, Janesville Craig couldn’t stay with Middleton in 40-21 loss in Big Eight football Friday night at Monterey Stadium. For a full story, read Saturday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com after noon today.Read more, add a comment »
Sun Prairie outlasts Parker football team
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 26, 2009
Sean Marshall led the way as Sun Prairie High School’s football team outlasted Janesville Parker, 28-21, Friday night. For a full story, read Saturday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com after noon today.Read more, add a comment »
Inmates investigated in scam
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 25, 2009
GREEN BAY — More than a dozen Brown County inmates may have been part of a phone scam that used software to make thousands of collect calls and charge them to local businesses and county offices. Brown County Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Sanborn says there could be criminal charges. Investigators still ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Fired chief wants settlement enforced
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 25, 2009
Fired Darien Police Chief Steve DeVoy has filed a motion asking a hearing examiner to enforce a settlement rejected by the Darien Village Board. DeVoy believes the board authorized the settlement before it was offered to him, then reversed course after he agreed to it, he said Friday. He said ...Read more, view comments (44) »
Gov: Arrested legislator has big decision
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 25, 2009
MADISON — If allegations that state Rep. Jeff Wood was driving while intoxicated are true, he put people in danger and needs to think about his future, Gov. Jim Doyle said Friday. Wood, an independent from Bloomer, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, his second such arrest ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Janesville police arrest man after chase
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 25, 2009
JANESVILLE -- An Evansville man accused of leading police on a chase was arrested Thursday. Lawrence J. McDonnell Jr., 37, of 11 1/2 Madison St., Evansville, was arrested at 11:06 p.m. at Highway 51 and Airport Road on a charge of knowingly fleeing an officer, according to Janesville police reports. ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Agencies in line for grant funding
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on September 25, 2009
HealthNet and ECHO each would receive $38,000 under a recommendation made Wednesday by the Community Development Authority that will be forwarded to the city council during 2010 budget discussions. The city should receive an estimated $95,000 in federal block grant money for public service activities in 2010, said Jennifer Petruzzello, ...Read more, view comments (2) »
UW Hospital performs organ-switching transplant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 25, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Surgeons at the University Hospital in Madison have performed the state's first organ-switching transplant. Three surgical transplant teams, working more than 12 hours, performed the 'domino' transplant this week on 58-year-old Eino Ahlgrena of Waukesha and Joe Stoikes of Madison. Stoikes received the liver of a ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. drunken driving effort yields 1,200 arrests
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 25, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 1,200 people statewide were arrested in a little over two weeks as part of a drunken driving crackdown. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported Thursday that 1,203 people were arrested between Aug. 21 and Sept. 7. More than 320 agencies and 2,700 law enforcement ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Enrollment drop tops projections
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 25, 2009
The Janesville School District has 176 fewer students in kindergarten through 12th grade than last year at this time, but it won’t affect this year’s budget. That’s because state law includes a hold-harmless clause for districts with declining enrollments. The clause holds the district’s enrollment for state-aid purposes at the ...Read more, view comments (9) »
A funny thing happened on Sotomayor's way to Washington
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
By JESSE J. HOLLAND Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — A funny thing happened on Sonia Sotomayor’s drive to Washington to be announced as President Barack Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee: She got lost. The Supreme Court’s first Hispanic justice told C-SPAN that a friend drove her from New York ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Brown County officials investigate inmate death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The death of a jail inmate in Brown County is being called suspicious and authorities are investigating. Officials say Thursday that 21-year-old James L. Brown, of Green Bay, died Monday. Natural disease has been ruled out. Toxicology results could take up to two weeks. Brown ...Read more, view comments (5) »
State Rep. Wood arrested on suspected OWI
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Rep. Jeff Wood has been arrested again for suspected driving while intoxicated. The State Patrol says the 40-year-old Independent from Bloomer was arrested about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Interstate 39 near Wausau following a report of a vehicle being driven recklessly in Portage County. The ...Read more, view comments (102) »
Rep. Kind won't run for governor
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
MADISON — U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, a Democrat from La Crosse, will not run for governor next year, a Democratic Party official told The Associated Press on Thursday. The official was informed of the decision but spoke on condition of anonymity because the Democrat was not authorized to announce it ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Racine police investigating fatal shooting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
RACINE—Police in Racine are investigating a deadly shooting. Authorities say a 34-year-old man was shot about 2:30 a.m. Thursday. He was taken to Wheaton Franciscan St. Mary’s Hospital in Racine, where he died. Police are searching for suspects.Read more, add a comment »
Reinstated members vote against Lake Geneva mayor’s appointees
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on September 24, 2009
The mayor and the two council members he suspended and then reinstated don’t agree on much but do agree getting past the history between them is going to be difficult. Mayor Bill Chesen said the city council probably would remain divided. “I believe on the non-political issues the council will ...Read more, view comments (4) »
1 in 5 Wis. seniors rely only on Social Security
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A study of the economic needs of the elderly shows one in five Wisconsin seniors rely solely on Social Security benefits to live. The average senior in Wisconsin needs about $18,000 to $25,000 annually just to meet basic needs of housing, transportation and food. But, the ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wis. state superintendent to speak
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin school superintendent Tony Evers plans to deliver his first State of Education speech on Thursday. The speech comes at the same time Evers is working with Gov. Jim Doyle and other policy makers on trying to put Wisconsin in good position to qualify for federal ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis. utility plans upgrades at river stations
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 24, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Power and Light plans to make improvements at electricity-generating dams on the Wisconsin River. The utility wants to make upgrades at its Prairie du Sac and Kilbourn hydroelectric stations. Both plants were built in the early 1900s. The first stage calls for adding several hundred ...Read more, view comments (3) »
In Dairyland, Pollan’s 'Food' book sparks debate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 23, 2009
MADISON(AP) — One best-selling book advocating fresh, local foods is shaking up America’s Dairyland. Students across University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus, organic grocers, scientists, and dairy farmers large and small have jumped into the debate on how food is produced and eaten. The discussions started last month when the university began ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Lafayette man gets life in prison for sexually assaulting young girl
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on September 23, 2009
Lafayette man convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl he knows was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole.
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Rep. Baldwin introduces gay-rights measure
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 23, 2009
WASHINGTON — Two openly gay members of Congress on Wednesday urged their colleagues to pass a bill that would — for the first time — protect gays and transsexuals from workplace bias. The testimony from Reps. Barney Frank, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., comes as supporters of the measure believe ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Foundation alleges inaccuracies in raw-milk investigation
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 23, 2009
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Board sends longer Wis. deer season to hearings
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 23, 2009
STURGEON BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Natural Resources Board wants to hear what hunters think about extending the traditional November gun deer hunt. The board has authorized the Department of Natural Resources to hold public hearings around the state on whether to add seven days to the traditional nine-day hunt ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Audit raises concerns over sex offenders
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new audit finds that addresses of four registered sex offenders in Wisconsin are the same as those of licensed child care providers. The Legislative Audit Bureau report released on Wednesday says it could not determine whether registered sex offenders were actually providing child care at ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Wis. prison officials to deliver DNA in person
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Prison officials say they'll start delivering inmates' DNA samples to the state crime lab in person. Corrections Secretary Rick Raemisch wants Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, who runs the lab, to send confirmation back to his agency that the samples have been entered in the state ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Search warrants served in drug investigation
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 23, 2009
BELOIT—Fifty-three staff members from seven Rock County agencies at 5:20 a.m. Wednesday converged on a 54-unit apartment complex at 920 Park Avenue in attempt to serve search warrants related to drug activity in the building, according to a press release from the Beloit Police Department. The Beloit Police Drug and ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Wisconsin would regulate dog breeders under bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 23, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin would join the growing number of states that regulate dog breeders under a bill scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday. State Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection spokeswoman Donna Gilson says Wisconsin has become a magnet for breeders because it has no regulations. The ...Read more, view comments (23) »
Budget avoids cuts directly affecting children
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 23, 2009
Janesville School District administrators have assembled a budget for this school year with no more cuts directly affecting children. The budget is far from set, however. A public hearing and board discussion are scheduled for October before final approval. Budget-watchers will recall the board approved cuts last spring but postponed ...Read more, add a comment »
Fond du Lac resident bags 30-point buck
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 22, 2009
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — A Fond du Lac resident bagged a 30-point whitetail buck by bow. Wayne Schumacher shot the deer Sunday night from a tree stand near Rosendale. Schumacher says the shot covered about 15 yards and the deer ran about 60 or 70 yards before going ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Kindergarten to be made mandatory
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 22, 2009
MADISON — Despite Republican concerns over requiring children to complete kindergarten before first grade, a bill to do just that has passed the state Senate. The measure now heads to Gov. Jim Doyle. The bill’s backers say it’s needed to ensure that students who are in kindergarten attend class. Because ...Read more, view comments (36) »
Beloit eyes spending cuts, tax and fee hikes to slash deficit
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 22, 2009
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Wis. groups seek to defend domestic partner law
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 22, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Lawyers representing Gov. Jim Doyle, a gay rights group and several gay couples said they would ask the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday to reject a challenge to the state's new domestic partnership registry. Members of a social conservative group filed a lawsuit in July claiming ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Traffic diverted on Highway 14 for crash
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 22, 2009
Authorities are diverting traffic on Highway 14 near the Rock-Walworth county line after a crash, a dispatcher at the Rock County Communications Center said. Westbound vehicles are being diverted at the county line north on County M. They can get back on Highway 14 at Kemp or Emerald Grove roads, ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Court hearing canceled on reinstatement of Lake Geneva alders
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on September 22, 2009
The attorney representing four suspended Lake Geneva City Council members canceled a hearing on his motion for their reinstatement.
Walworth County Judge John Race was scheduled to hear an injunction motion from attorney David Williams at 8:30 a.m. today.
Williams’ motion was intended to prevent Mayor Bill Chesen from ...
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Corrections works to collect missing DNA
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 22, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin corrections officials have ordered some felons whose DNA isn't in the state databank to report to their local sheriff's department to submit a sample. The Department of Justice earlier estimated DNA from 12,000 felons isn't in the database, but should be. The error was uncovered ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Bills in Wis. Assembly designed to fight pollution
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 22, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Assembly is poised to pass a pair of proposals Tuesday designed to make Wisconsin a cleaner place to live. One would require electronics manufacturers to arrange for recycling of their products. The move is designed to help cut down on the amount of so-called ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis. sets up secret successors for lawmakers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 22, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Legislature is getting ready to pass a bill that allows lawmakers to secretly designate successors. The bill would allow each legislator to name three to seven successors. Their identities would be secret. They would come into play whenever an enemy attack leaves nine vacancies ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Permit approved for new hospital
Posted by GINA DUWE on September 22, 2009
Residents should see equipment readying the site for Janesville’s newest hospital in just a few weeks. The Janesville Plan Commission gave the project a green light Monday night, approving a conditional-use permit for St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital and Dean Clinic. SSM Health Care of Wisconsin and Dean Health System plan ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Attorney: Ethanol plant doesn't have conditional-use permit
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 21, 2009
The Milton Plan Commission tabled discussion of changes to or revocation of United Ethanol's conditional-use permit Monday. As it turns out, the plant might not have a conditonal-use permit to be revoked. The plan commission held a public hearing Monday after council member David Adams accused the plant of violating ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Darien denies chief settlement
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on September 21, 2009
DARIEN--The Darien Village Board on Monday night voted 4-2 against accepting a settlement with fired Police Chief Steve DeVoy. The next step will be a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29. The only thing that would stop the hearing is if DeVoy sued the village on the grounds that the ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Police: Suspect in hit-and-run commits suicide
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
NEENAH — Police in eastern Wisconsin say a 52-year-old man suspected of hitting and killing a woman in the parking lot of a Walmart store has taken his own life. The Neenah Police Department found the van they believe hit 56-year-old Wendy Danke on Friday. At about the same time, ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Madison airport’s August passenger numbers up
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More passengers are traveling in and out of the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison. The airport says the number of passengers arriving to Madison increased 8.1 percent and the number departing increased 8.7 percent in August compared to a year ago. In the first eight ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Settlement reached in Janesville rape lawsuit
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 21, 2009
JANESVILLE — The Fort Atkinson woman raped in the Janesville Mall parking lot in December 2005 has reached a settlement in her lawsuit. Michelle L. Young sued the mall, Kohl’s Department Stores and the estate of her attacker, Christopher J. Brown, 35, claiming basic security measures could have prevented the ...Read more, view comments (123) »
Orfordville family continues search for lost horse
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 21, 2009
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2 Wis. lawmakers ask for audit of ACORN funding
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two Republican Wisconsin lawmakers want to know if any state money was going toward troubled community organizing group ACORN. Sen. Ted Kanavas of Brookfield and Rep. Bill Kramer of Waukesha have asked the state Department of Administration and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority for ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Referee tosses ethics case against Wis. lawmaker
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A referee has recommended dismissing an ethics complaint against a lawmaker accused of conducting a dirty trick to help his wife get elected as a judge. Referee Jonathan Goodman says Rep. Fred Kessler, D-Milwaukee, did not violate any professional rules of conduct for attorneys and should ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Wis. bill would speed up NFL teams' Lambeau trips
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Senate is set to consider a bill that would allow NFL teams to run red lights on their way to Lambeau Field in Green Bay. The bill would permit police to escort any vehicle processions through red lights. Police asked for the bill to ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Wis. gov: China wants dairy help
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says China wants Wisconsin's help with dairy production. Doyle is on a trade mission to the Far East. Speaking by phone from Shanghai on Monday, Doyle says the Chinese produce only milk and powdered milk. He says they recognize Wisconsin as the leading ...Read more, view comments (11) »
NFL says no plans for Packers-Vikings site swap
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The NFL is not considering swapping sites for the Packers-Vikings games this year in case baseball gets in the way. Green Bay plays at Minnesota on Monday night, Oct. 5, pitting Brett Favre against his old team. The Minnesota Twins trail Detroit by three games in the ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis. gov: DNA situation needs more study
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says he needs to take a hard look at state Justice Department data that shows thousands of convicts' DNA never made it to state crime labs. Doyle is in China on a trade mission. Speaking by phone from Shanghai, the governor says he's ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Democrat to challenge incumbent Wis. treasurer
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A budget analyst for the city of Madison says he intends to challenge incumbent state Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass for the Democratic nomination next year. Dan Bohrod announced his candidacy on Monday. Sass is a first-term Democrat whose office has been besieged with questions lately over ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Wis. soldier dies at Arizona post
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 21, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin soldier has died at an Army post in Arizona. The Arizona Daily Star reports Staff Sgt. Cynthia Meadows died Saturday at Sierra Vista Regional Health Center after experiencing breathing problems at Fort Huachuca. The 35-year-old Milwaukee native was studying to become a human intelligence collector ...Read more, add a comment »
Victims of Belmont fire identified
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 20, 2009
BELMONT, Wis. (AP) — Police on Sunday identified the father and daughter who were killed in a house fire in the southern Wisconsin town of Belmont. Firefighters were called to a split-level home in the small Lafayette County community about 4 a.m. Saturday. Police Chief Kurt Malott (mah-LOT’) says the ...Read more, add a comment »
Body recovered from Pewaukee Lake
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 20, 2009
PEWAUKEE, Wis. (AP) — The body of a 69-year-old Waukesha County man has been recovered from Pewaukee Lake. Police say the body was discovered by a fisherman just before 6 a.m. Sunday near the public pier on the east side of the lake. Investigators were not immediately sure how long ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Spending, personnel questions dog Wisconsin vets agency
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The agency that administers benefits for Wisconsin veterans is facing questions about its management and spending at a time when thousands of veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The board that oversees the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has asked legislative auditors to investigate the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Study predicts Wisconsin will have warmer winters
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — If new climate predictions are correct, Wisconsin’s winters will get noticeably warmer over the next 40 years. That’s the word from scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who reviewed more than 50 years of data. The researchers scoured climate records from 1950 through 2006. They also ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Darien could re-instate police chief
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on September 19, 2009
DARIEN—The Darien Village Board on Monday night could vote to reinstate fired Police Chief Steve DeVoy. If the board approves the agreement, DeVoy could come back to work under a strict list of conditions. The agreement is a compromise between board members who want DeVoy fired and those who want ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Two die in southern Wisconsin fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 19, 2009
BELMONT, Wis. (AP) — Two people have died and another has been injured in a house fire in southern Wisconsin. Firefighters were called to a split-level home in the small Lafayette County community of Belmont about 4 a.m. Saturday. Police Chief Kurt Malott (mah-LOT’) says a male and female died ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Officials shut down Elkhorn farm’s raw milk sales
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 19, 2009
MADISON (AP) — State agriculture officials have ordered an Elkhorn farm to stop selling raw milk after more than two dozen people fell ill. The order against Zinniker Farm Inc., says 35 people from Walworth, Waukesha and Racine counties have been diagnosed with campylobacter jejuni since Aug. 13. That’s a ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Vexing long-term health care absent from U.S. debate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 19, 2009
MIAMI (AP) — Even as the health care debate rages in Washington, scant attention has been given to providing long-term care for the elderly and disabled. Meanwhile, the issue is driving millions into poverty, stressing families, and straining federal and state budgets. President Barack Obama has remained largely silent on ...Read more, view comments (3) »
McGehee carries Brewers past Astros
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 19, 2009
Casey McGehee singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Astros, 3-2, Friday night, sending Houston to its fifth straight loss. For a full story, read Saturday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back after noon today at GazetteXtra.com.Read more, view comments (2) »
Late field goal stings Parker football team
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 19, 2009
Cameron Bathe’s 31-yard field goal with five seconds left lifted Verona to a 17-14 victory over previously unbeaten Janesville Parker in Big Eight football Friday night at Monterey Stadium. For a full story, read Saturday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back after noon today at ...Read more, add a comment »
Nothing confiscated after bomb threat
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 18, 2009
EDGERTON—Nothing was confiscated in searches at Edgerton High School on Friday, Principal Mark Coombs said. A student found the words “Bomb this Friday” on a boys bathroom stall Tuesday, but officials don’t know when the message was written. Staff volunteers came in early Friday to search the school, including lockers ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Two Wisconsin residents charged in Iowa burglaries
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 18, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Authorities say two Wisconsin residents charged with burglary could be responsible for at least 100 burglaries in three states. Authorities in eastern Iowa’s Clinton County have charged 21-year-old Jeremy G. Kahl and 22-year-old Crystal M. Evanson, both of Mt. Horeb, with eight felony counts each of ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Lake Geneva drug dealer sentenced to 14 years
Posted by PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. on September 18, 2009
ELKHORN — A Burlington man described by authorities as one of the main heroin dealers in the Lake Geneva area was sentenced Friday to 14 years in prison.
Eric L. McIntyre, 30, of N2402 Charles Young Drive, Burlington, also was sentenced to six years of extended supervision.
Deputy District ...
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Sheridan sacks committee chairman
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 18, 2009
MADISON — The speaker of the state Assembly has stripped a fellow Democrat of a committee leadership position. The affected lawmaker says it is because of an abortion-related vote. Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer of Manitowoc says Speaker Mike Sheridan told him on Thursday that he would no longer be chairman or ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Milwaukee union contract ratified
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on September 18, 2009
MILWAUKEE -- The city of Milwaukee's largest union has ratified a new contract that swaps a pay freeze in 2010 and 2011 for a no-layoff guarantee, city labor negotiator Troy Hamblin said Friday. Under the deal, the 2,000 members of District Council 48 of the American Federation of State, County ...Read more, view comments (4) »
RNC chairman Steele to speak at 1st District event
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 18, 2009
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UW System awards grants for 18 projects
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 18, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System is awarding more than $1 million in grants for 18 projects to help graduate more students. The projects are meant to boost pre-college preparation, promote partnerships between UW faculty and high school math teachers, improve services for veterans, and increase access ...Read more, add a comment »
115th Fighter Wing heads for Iraq
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 18, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — About 300 members of the Wisconsin National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing deploy to Iraq by next week to provide support from the air for several thousand state troops on the ground. About a third of the Fighter Wing members left Thursday night for the three-month mission. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
City, developer at odds
Posted by JIM LEUTE on September 18, 2009
The latest installment in a feud between the city and property owner Jim Grafft includes fresh concerns over the Monterey Hotel and a raft of code violations at a Grafft-owned building on the city’s south side. The city on Wednesday sent Grafft an “order to correct” four violations at the ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Lawton grabs endorsements while others ponder run
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 18, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — While Democrats ponder whether to enter Wisconsin's governor's race, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is collecting endorsements. Lawton is the most prominent Democrat whose announced they are running next year to replace Gov. Jim Doyle. U.S. Rep. Ron Kind from La Crosse and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Craig football falls in shootout
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 18, 2009
Ben McCormick admitted he is “starting to sound like a broken record.” The first-year Janesville Craig High School head football coach’s reoccurring nightmare was another valiant effort falling short here Thursday night. After falling behind 38-12 in the third quarter against Madison Memorial, the Cougars rallied with three touchdowns, but ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Childress to be diligent with Favre, injury report
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress wants to avoid what happened to Eric Mangini. Childress told Brett Favre he'd rather save the $25,000 for college tuition for his kids. The NFL recently fined Mangini and the New York Jets for their failure to list Favre on the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. passes tougher drunken driving bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
MADISON — Unlike the criminal penalties it can draw elsewhere, a first-time drunken driving offense in Wisconsin will still mean a mere traffic ticket under a proposal lawmakers have touted as getting tough on the issue. The bill passed unanimously Thursday by the state Assembly strengthens other parts of the ...Read more, view comments (20) »
NOAA develops Great Lakes algal bloom forecasts
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Federal scientists have developed a system for forecasting the location and intensity of harmful algal blooms on the Great Lakes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing details about the new system Thursday. It will focus initially on Lake Erie, where the problem of ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. audit finds savings, problems in plan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new audit finds a plan to consolidate state operations has saved about $19 million in state purchases. But the Accountability, Consolidation and Efficiency Initiative, or ACE, spent nearly $400,000 more than allowed on three purchasing contracts, sold only about $9.6 million of the $36 million ...Read more, add a comment »
Survivor of 2007 Delavan shooting rampage speaks out
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 17, 2009
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Republican Wis state lawmaker Davis eyes lt. gov.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican state Rep. Brett Davis of Oregon has filed paperwork to explore a run for lieutenant governor. Davis announced Thursday that he will spend the next few weeks deciding whether to launch a run. He says he will announce his decision later this year. The position ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Violent crime statistics reveal Elkhorn as Walworth County's safest city
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 17, 2009
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Janesville man could get a second life sentence
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 17, 2009
A Janesville man faces life in prison for a second time after jurors in federal court Wednesday convicted him of distributing a controlled substance. Christopher C. Bell, 34, had been sentenced to life in prison in 1998 after being convicted of running a large-scale crack sales operation in Beloit. Bell ...Read more, view comments (10) »
2 men struck, killed while fighting on highway
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
DARLINGTON, Wis. (AP) — Two Illinois men were struck and killed after their fight spilled onto a southern Wisconsin highway. Lafayette County sheriff's officials say the two men from Freeport, Ill., were passengers in a vehicle driven by a Darlington woman. The driver pulled over along Highway 78 near the ...Read more, view comments (53) »
Trucking firm closes 2 operating centers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (AP) — Trucking giant Schneider National is closing two operating centers, one in Wisconsin and the other in Ohio. Fifty jobs will be eliminated when Schneider National closes a fuel and maintenance center in Green Bay, where the company is headquartered. The trucking firm says it's also closing ...Read more, view comments (3) »
City of Beloit settles civil suit for $20,000
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 17, 2009
BELOIT, Wis. (AP) — The City of Beloit is paying $20,000 to settle a civil lawsuit from a man who blames his wife's death on negligent emergency medical care. Plaintiff George Watkins sued the city and its fire department, as well as six paramedics and firefighters. He says emergency personnel ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wis. missing DNA from thousands of felons
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 16, 2009
MILWAUKEE — Mandatory DNA profiles of at least 12,000 Wisconsin felons are missing from a statewide database, according to an audit released Wednesday. The audit was conducted after officials discovered no DNA was on file for a convicted felon now suspected in a string of Milwaukee killings. Investigators have since ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Jeff Thomas, politician and doctor, dies at age 69
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 16, 2009
Dr. Jeffrey Thomas, retired Janesville doctor and Democratic politician, died Wednesday at St. Elizabeth Manor, Footville. He was 69. Thomas served on the Janesville City Council and Janesville School Board. He ran unsuccessfully for Wisconsin's First Congressional District seat seven times, focusing on health care, education and jobs in his ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Portion of I-39/90 closed this afternoon
Posted by BETH WHEELOCK on September 16, 2009
Expect delays when traveling on the interstate this afternoon.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says one lane of southbound I-39/90 will be closed at the Rock River bridge near Newville.
The lane closure is expected to last from 2:30 to 4pm.
Officials say the area needs maintenance repairs.
Panel doesn't rule in case against Wis justice
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 16, 2009
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A three-judge panel did not rule Wednesday on whether an ethics case against Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman should be dismissed. The charge revolves around a racially charged television ad Gableman ran in his successful 2008 campaign against then-Justice Louis Butler. The Wisconsin Judicial Commission ...Read more, add a comment »
County-owned nursing home to close
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 16, 2009
JEFFERSON, Wis. (AP) — A nursing home owned by Jefferson County will close because voters have rejected spending nearly $2 million annually during the next four years to keep it open. The 120-bed Countryside Nursing Home has needed about $3.4 million in taxpayer money over the past five years to ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Body of missing father recovered
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 16, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The body of a missing father has been recovered from a Madison lake, a day after his wife and 4-year-old twin sons were rescued in boating accident. Dane County Sheriff's Department divers found the body of 39-year-old David Fritz at the bottom of Lake Monona near ...Read more, view comments (5) »
DNR moves quickly after discovery of invasive species near Delavan Lake
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 16, 2009
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Wis. agency funds prescription-drug collections
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 16, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin residents looking for a safe way to dispose of expired prescription drugs will now have their chance. A state agency is sponsoring a series of prescription-drug collection events across Wisconsin through November. The issue of what to do with leftover prescription drugs has become a ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wis Supreme Court justice wants charge dropped
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 16, 2009
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A three-judge panel is set to hear arguments over whether an ethics case against Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman should continue. The charge revolves around a racially charged television ad Gableman ran in his successful 2008 campaign against then-Justice Louis Butler. The Wisconsin Judicial Commission ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Data Dimensions growth could add 250 new jobs
Posted by JIM LEUTE on September 16, 2009
A well-established Janesville business that specializes in document conversion and management has launched an expansion that will start with 50 new jobs in a 20,000-square-foot expansion on the city’s east side. Data Dimensions Chairman Mark Bush said the company’s new facility on Midland Court could reach full capacity in two ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Report: Great Lakes toxic cleanups lagging badly
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Cleanup of the most polluted sites in the Great Lakes is moving so slowly it will take 77 more years to finish the job at the existing pace, according to a federal report. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still does not know the full extent ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Plant manager charged with discharging wastewater
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — A manufacturing plant manager has been charged with letting toxic waste water into the Buffalo River in west-central Wisconsin. Thomas Callaghan was charged Monday with a misdemeanor for the incident three years ago at Tremplo Manufacturing in Osseo, located just southeast of Eau Claire. According ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Edgerton High responding to bomb threat
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 15, 2009
Edgerton High School will search the grounds, building and student belongings Friday after a student found a bomb threat this afternoon, according to a letter sent to parents, students and staff today. The faint message reads "Bomb this Friday," but officials aren't sure when it was written, the letter says. ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Brewers release 2010 schedule
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
The Milwaukee Brewers will open their 40th anniversary season at home on Monday, April 5, 2010.
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Senate passes state wind farm bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
MADISON (AP) — The state Senate has approved a bill that would create statewide standards for wind farms. The Democratic measure calls for the state Public Service Commission to draw up standards such as setbacks, noise limits and height restrictions for wind farms that produce less than 100 megawatts. The ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wis lawmakers working on bill to get stimulus cash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers are still working with Gov. Jim Doyle and others to come up with changes in law so the state can qualify for federal education stimulus money. Wisconsin is one of only three states that has a law that will disqualify it from qualifying for ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Democrats promise to tackle drunken driving, jobs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrats who control the state Assembly promise to focus on creating jobs and cracking down on drunken driving this fall. On Thursday, the Assembly plans to vote on a bill that toughens drunken driving penalties. It will make the fourth offense a felony and require ignition ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Alzheimer's Memory Walk Saturday in Lake Geneva
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 15, 2009
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Sex offender released to local corrections facility
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 15, 2009
JANESVILLE—Corey L. Standfield was placed today at the Rock Valley Community Programs, 203 W. Sunny Lane, according to a press release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Standfield, 31, was convicted of attempted first-degree sexual assault of a child in February of 1998 after approaching a 9-year-old female, and 6-year-old ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Lake Geneva City Council unable to conduct business
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on September 15, 2009
Unprecedented things are happening in Lake Geneva, and the latest political turn of events essentially has left residents without a representative government. Mayor Bill Chesen on Monday night was stopped in his tracks as he tried to appoint four people to temporarily serve on the city council while council members ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Wis. plans conference on drug-endangered children
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Drug-endangered children are the focus of conference in Wisconsin Dells this week. The state Justice Department, the Children and Families and Public Instruction departments as well as federal prosecutors are sponsoring the fourth annual gathering, set to begin Wednesday. More than two dozen Wisconsin counties and ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Wis. governor plans appearance at Tokyo hospital
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle plans to visit a Tokyo hospital on Tuesday that's launching a new radiation therapy system sold by a Madison firm. Doyle is leading a 10-day trade mission to Japan and China that started on Sunday. Joining him on the trip are executives from ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Wis. bill would ban young drivers from texting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 15, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — One Wisconsin lawmaker is proposing a measure that would prohibit new drivers from using cell phones behind the wheel. The measure would cover texting and talking on phones, even if the driver uses a handsfree headset. Democratic state Rep. Sandy Pasch of Milwaukee says the Legislature ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Beloit teen killed in shooting
Posted by STEVE BENTON on September 15, 2009
From the WCLO newsroom: A Beloit teen was killed last night in a shooting on the city's east side. Captain Bill Tyler says the victim is identified as Gina Zamora of 1676 Wisconsin Avenue. Tyler says the shooters appear to have targeted a house in the 1600 block of Wisconsin ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Ice arena decision on hold
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 14, 2009
JANESVILLE – The Janesville City Council put off a decision on a new ice arena Tuesday after a private group asked for more time. The issue of whether to spend hundreds of thousands of city dollars on a new arena will return when the council meets Oct. 26. The group ...Read more, view comments (19) »
One missing in boat accident
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
MADISON — Authorities in Madison say four people were thrown into Lake Monona in a boat incident on Monday, and one of them is still missing. Lt. Alecia Rauch of the Dane County sheriff’s office says authorities believe the four were thrown from a boat around 6:45 p.m. Monday. It ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Milton narrowly rejects 4K
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 14, 2009
The Milton School Board narrowly rejected moving forward on a 4-year-old kindergarten program Monday, voting 3-3 against the proposal. Superintendent Bernie Nikolay had been looking for preliminary approval of a program before creating a detailed proposal. The deadlocked vote meant the motion failed. Jan Bue-Wells, Jon Cruzan and Wilson Leong ...Read more, view comments (14) »
No temporary aldermen appointed in Lake Geneva
Posted by KAYLA BUNGE on September 14, 2009
LAKE GENEVA--Unprecedented things are happening in Lake Geneva—and the latest political turn of events essentially has left residents without a representative government. Mayor Bill Chesen on Monday night was stopped in his tracks as he tried to appoint four people to temporarily serve as aldermen while Aldermen Mary Jo Fesenmaier, ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Mayor’s alleged attacker pleads not guilty
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on September 14, 2009
(MCT) Sep. 14--Anthony J. Peters pleaded not guilty by reason of mental defect Monday to charges that he beat Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett with a tire iron as the mayor and members of his family were leaving the State Fair. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge David Hansher accepted the plea and ...Read more, view comment (1) »
75-year-old man gets trapped in corn bin, dies
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
ELLSWORTH, Wis. (AP) — Authorities in western Wisconsin say a 75-year-old man is dead after being trapped inside a corn storage bin. Pierce County Sheriff’s deputy Robin Kivel says Patrick Harrington was trapped in the bin on Monday afternoon in El Paso Township while it was being loaded with corn. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Council members trying to block replacements
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 14, 2009
Four suspended city council members are trying to block the Lake Geneva mayor from appointing replacements.
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Bears LB Urlacher out for season
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair his dislocated right wrist — a major blow for a team with high expectations. Team spokesman Jim Christman confirmed a Chicago Tribune report Monday, saying "Brian did have surgery ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Wis lawmaker who hit cyclist pays $88 ticket
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state lawmaker who slammed into a bicyclist after running a red light has paid an $88 ticket. Rep. Fred Clark, a Democrat from Baraboo, was issued a ticket by Madison police for running the light on Aug. 18. Madison Municipal Court records show he ...Read more, view comments (40) »
Man accused of beating Wis. mayor pleads insanity
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The man accused of attacking Milwaukee's mayor will undergo a mental-health evaluation after his lawyer entered an insanity plea on his behalf Monday to four charges, including first-degree reckless injury. Anthony J. Peters, 20, of Milwaukee is accused of attacking Mayor Tom Barrett on Aug. 15 after ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Former Wis. Dem. chairman tapped for state job
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The former chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has been named a top labor negotiator for Gov. Jim Doyle's administration. Joe Wineke started his $95,000-per-year-job at the Office of State Employment Relations on Monday. He will be administrator of the division of compensation and labor ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Drunken driving discussion moved
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 14, 2009
The location for Rep. Kim Hixson's listening session about preventing drunken driving has changed.
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Sales tax revenue declines for first time
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The amount of sales taxes collected by the state during the past year has dropped by about 4 percent — the first decline since Wisconsin began collecting the tax in 1962. Consumers hit by economic hard times reduced spending, causing the sales tax to decline by ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Swine flu summit in Milwaukee Tuesday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 14, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The city of Milwaukee's health department and a business group are holding a summit for businesses Tuesday to discuss the spread of swine flu. The Mayoral H1N1 Business Summit will present information about the risks of the swine flu, best practices for preventing and treating it and ...Read more, add a comment »
State offered $409 million incentive package in failed GM bid
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on September 14, 2009
Sep. 13--As Wisconsin battled with Michigan and Tennessee this year to persuade bankrupt General Motors Corp. to build a new line of small cars at its recently closed Janesville factory, the state upped its ante by $100 million to a total public-private incentive package worth nearly $409 million. The incentives ...Read more, view comments (10) »
University of Wisconsin studying hip hop
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 13, 2009
MADISON — The University of Wisconsin-Madison is devoting its semester-long fall lecture series to the scholarship and art of hip hop. Over the nine-week series, university and college experts in the emerging academic field of hip hop will speak on topics including sociology, history, women's studies and communication arts. The ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Sick UW students, staff won't need doctor's notes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 13, 2009
WHITEWATER — Sick University of Wisconsin students, faculty and staff won't need to show doctor's notes for extended medical absences this academic year. The Board of Regents has suspended a rule that requires employees who claim more than five days of sick leave to have medical documentation. The regents also ...Read more, add a comment »
Man arrested after stabbing in Janesville
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 12, 2009
JANESVILLE—A man repeatedly stabbed a man he knew in Janesville on Saturday, according to police reports. Catalino Luna Jimenez, 34, of 159 S. Jackson St., Janesville, is accused of stabbing a 25-year-old man at 7:05 a.m., according to Janesville police reports. The man was treated at Mercy Hospital, Janesville, and ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Jets win opener
Posted by TOM MILLER on September 12, 2009
The Janesville Jets scored two goals in the third period to defeat Traverse City, 4-3, in the opening North American Hockey League game at Janesville on Saturday night. A crowd of nearly 700 people watched the opener. For a full story, read Sunday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s ...Read more, view comments (15) »
UW Hospital stops student volunteers over H1N1
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 12, 2009
MADISON — The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Edgewood student volunteer program at UW Hospital and Clinics has been suspended because of the high number of students with swine flu symptoms. Infection control director Dr. Nasia Safdar said the hospital system decided to proactively stop allowing student volunteers in the interest ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Cutler debuts for Bears; is Pack's Rodgers better?
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 12, 2009
GREEN BAY — When Jay Cutler makes his regular-season debut for the Bears against the Packers at Lambeau Field tomorrow night, he might not even be the best quarterback on the field. After proving himself a worthy successor to Brett Favre last season, Aaron Rodgers had a sizzling start in ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Armed robbery under investigation in Janesville
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 12, 2009
JANESVILLE — A gunman robbed a business along Milton Avenue on Saturday. An armed robbery was reported at 12:35 p.m. at Janesville Quick Cash, 1728 Milton Ave., officials said. No one was arrested, officials said, and the robbery remains under investigation. For a full story, read Sunday's Janesville Gazette, read ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Prices falling to fly out of Milwaukee's Mitchell
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 12, 2009
MILWAUKEE — Data shows that fares for flights departing for Milwaukee this fall have dropped 20 percent compared with last year and may be falling even more. Analysts say that's because AirTran Airways and Southwest Airlines are providing more competition in the Milwaukee market. Travelocity.com vice president Simon Bramley says ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Wisconsin needs 2 OTs to beat Fresno St.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 12, 2009
MADISON — Wisconsin safety Chris Maragos came up with an interception in the second overtime, and Philip Welch kicked a 22-yard field goal to give the Badgers a 34-31 victory over Fresno State at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday. It was an ideal end to a rough week for Wisconsin, ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Jefferson handles Evansville
Posted by TOM MILLER on September 12, 2009
Host Jefferson cruised past Evansville, 41-19, in a Rock Valley North opener Friday night, and improve to 3-0 overall. 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 (6) »
Knutson kicks Parker into first
Posted by TOM MILLER on September 12, 2009
Creed Knutson's 29-yard field goal with 38 seconds left lifted Janesville Parker past host Madison West, 17-14, and put the Vikings into sole possession of first place in the Big Eight Conference football race. For a full story, read Saturday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Fuller leads La Follette past Craig
Posted by TOM MILLER on September 12, 2009
Madison La Follette's D.J. Fuller scored three TDs to lead the Lancers past Janesville Craig, 24-17, in Big Eight Conference football action Friday night at Monterey Stadium.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, add a comment »
Man arrested in Janesville on drug charges
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 11, 2009
JANESVILLE—A Madison man was arrested in Janesville on Thursday on charges of delivering crack cocaine. Sedrik J. Hibbler, 21, was arrested with 22 grams of crack cocaine at 6:40 p.m. at Pontiac Drive and Milwaukee Street, according to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Hibbler was arrested on three charges of ...Read more, view comments (61) »
Stray semitrailer truck wheel hits Milton children
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 11, 2009
MILTON – A runaway wheel on a semitrailer truck hit Milton daycare children and workers Thursday morning. The vehicle was traveling north on Highway 26 at 10:45 a.m. when the wheel rolled off near McEwan Lane and hit three children and one adult outside Small Wonders Daycare, Milton police said. ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Whitewater High School students sue over racist threats
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 11, 2009
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Lawmaker's poor response costs taxpayers $38,000
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Sen. Dan Kapanke's poor response to a request for records by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin will cost taxpayers $38,000. The La Crosse Republican is taking responsibility for his office's shortcomings in responding to the party's request under a legal settlement released Friday. The party sued ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Wis. board considers deer control options
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin wildlife officials want to nearly double the length of the November gun deer hunt. Biologists are looking for ways to control the state's deer herd after the Natural Resources Board suspended its Earn-A-Buck program this spring. That program required hunters to kill an antlerless deer ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Report: Open high-tech centers at 7 UW campuses
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) — A new report says seven University of Wisconsin campuses should open cutting-edge research centers to help small businesses develop new technologies, train more students and create jobs. The report comes from a task force appointed by UW System President Kevin Reilly in February to study how ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Deputy Wisconsin treasurer forced out of job
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Deputy State Treasurer John Lease is being forced out of his job. State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass said in an e-mail sent to staff that she had re-evaluated the position and that she and Lease had different ideas about how to meet the future needs and ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Fond du Lac council approves Merc incentives
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — The Fond du Lac City Council has joined the county in approving incentives to keep Mercury Marine and hundreds of jobs in town. The council Thursday night agreed to borrow up to $3 million to buy about 21 acres of Mercury land. The city ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Early fall colors increasing in northern Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Department of Natural Resources says early fall colors are showing up in northern Wisconsin. The agency says scarlet red leaves of sumac and Virginia creeper are showing up as are some early red maples but the color change is less than 25 percent. The DNR ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis. DNR announces new youth hunt incentives
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State wildlife officials are pumping more dollars into youth hunting. The Department of Natural Resources has laid out a plan that includes about $35,000 to reimburse organizations that hold hunting education events for young people. The agency also plans to put $8,000 toward starter kits for ...Read more, view comments (3) »
UW regents take up jobs, swine flu and IT project
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 11, 2009
WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin System regents will discuss economic development, an expensive new payroll program and the swine flu when they continue meeting Friday in Whitewater. UW System President Kevin Reilly is expected to unveil recommendations from a task force he created to turn research on campuses ...Read more, add a comment »
Levitt: Put new rink on ice
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on September 11, 2009
Janesville’s city manager recommends that the city spend about $1.3 million to improve the current ice arena rather than spend $2 million on a new one at this time. Eric Levitt cited concerns about the economy and the proposed location of a new rink in a memo to council members. ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Stricker trails by six in BMW
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 11, 2009
It wasn’t Steve Stricker’s day in the first round of the BMW International golf tournanent a Cog Hill in Lemont, Ill. Stricker, whose victory last week in the Deutsche Bank Championship put the Edgerton native atop the FedEx Cup standings, had a three-putt from 10 feet at the turn here ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock County parks, land to keep $250,000
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on September 10, 2009
JANESVILLE--The Rock County Board on Thursday night voted 21-5 against pulling $250,000 from a special parks and conservation fund. The resolution would have borrowed $250,000 from a fund that was created when the American Transmission Company gave the county $1.8 million for a high-voltage transmission line that’s being built across ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Suspected serial killer faces more counts
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 10, 2009
MILWAUKEE — A suspected serial killer has been charged in the slayings of five more women in Milwaukee. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said Thursday he filed the additional charges against Walter E. Ellis, who now faces five counts of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of first-degree murder. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Nearly 9 percent in Wis. without health insurance
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nearly 9 percent of Wisconsinites lacked health insurance in 2008, down slightly from the previous year. The U.S. Census Bureau's annual report released Thursday shows 489,000 people in Wisconsin were without health insurance last year. That's 8.9 percent of Wisconsin's 5.5 million people, down from 9.1 ...Read more, view comments (69) »
Wis. bill would keep property information secret
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A proposal in the state Assembly would allow judges and district attorneys to keep secret information now made public about property they own. A committee voted on Wednesday to advance the bill to the full Assembly. The measure would prevent the Government Accountability Board from releasing ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wis. court: farm can sue energy company
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state appeals court has reinstated a stray voltage complaint against Alliant Energy. Bickford Farms, Inc., of Ridgeway filed a stray voltage claim in 2008 against Alliant and its subsidiary, Wisconsin Power and Light. Dane County Circuit Judge Michael Nowakowski dismissed Alliant from the case based ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Judge dismisses Elkhorn woman's Web search suit
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 10, 2009
A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit by an Elkhorn woman who complained that Web searches for her name returned links to porn sites.
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Fond du Lac County taxpayers fund Merc incentives
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 10, 2009
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — The Fond du Lac County Board has approved a new half-percent sales tax to help fund a major incentive package designed to keep jobs and boat engine-maker Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac. The board Wednesday night also approved borrowing $50 million to offer ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Jewelry store owner shoots suspect during attempted robbery
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 10, 2009
Latest headlines from WalworthCountyToday.com
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Lawton, lawmakers to discuss finance reform
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and a pair of Democratic state lawmakers are scheduled to talk about campaign finance reform on Thursday. Lawton will be joined by state Rep. Mark Pocan of Madison and state Sen. Jon Erpenbach of Waunakee. All three will speak to the governing ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Latino groups advise against census boycott
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 10, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A national Latino group is asking immigrants to boycott the 2010 census, but immigrant advocates in Wisconsin are advising against that. The goal of the boycott is to pressure Congress to pass immigration reform. Organizers say states and cities with undercounted minorities will get less federal ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Janesville athletics budget overspent
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 10, 2009
The Janesville School District overspent its athletics budget by nearly $90,000 last year, officials reported to the school board Tuesday. “This does not appear to be a case of gross overspending but rather a case of reasonable spending being compared to an erroneous budget,” CFO Keith Pennington wrote in a ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Two charged in killing of UWM student
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on September 09, 2009
A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee film student shot and killed while walking near his Riverwest apartment was the victim of a random robbery attempt, according to a 19-year-old suspect charged in the case. Nathan Potter was shot July 6 in the 2500 block of North Dousman Street near his apartment in ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Mercury Marine to repay tax credits to Okla.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
OKLAHOMA CITY — Boat engine maker Mercury Marine has told Oklahoma officials it will refund state investment tax credits now that it plans to move about 380 manufacturing jobs in Stillwater to eastern Wisconsin. Mercury Marine announced plans to consolidate its manufacturing operations last week after union workers in Fond ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Lawmaker to head back to Iraq
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON — Republican state Rep. Roger Roth from Appleton is headed back to Iraq for his second tour of duty as a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Roth announced Wednesday that he is being deployed as part of the 115th Fighter Wing. Rep. Scott Suder is being deployed ...Read more, add a comment »
Whitewater denies soldier's claim, donates to fund
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 09, 2009
WHITEWATER — The common council on Tuesday voted 6-1 abide by the city's insurance company's decision to deny a sewer backup claim filed by a resident who is a Marine currently serving in Afghanistan. At the same time, however, council members approved donating approximately $3,700 to an independent fund established ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Audit finds some employees misused credit cards
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Auditors say state employees used their credit cards for some inappropriate purchases, including a laptop computer, luxury luggage and a trip to Las Vegas. The Legislative Audit Bureau on Wednesday questioned whether 131 of more than 3,000 credit card purchases, or 4.3 percent, it reviewed were ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Bomb threat at Craig High
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 09, 2009
JANESVILLE – Craig High School students were all sent to the field house Wednesday morning after the school received a bomb threat. School district spokeswoman Sheryl Miller said officials searched the field house first and then moved students there while staff member volunteers searched the rest of the building. Miller ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Firm picked for UW project faces scandal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A consulting firm set to win millions in business from the University of Wisconsin System is facing an investigation and numerous lawsuits over accounting irregularities. Chicago-based Huron Consulting Group Inc. said last month the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating accounting problems related to past acquisitions. ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. court: Firm not liable in bid-rigging scheme
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state appeals court says a Racine construction company isn't liable for an employee involved in a bid-rigging scheme. According to the 2nd District Court of Appeals decision, James Cape & Sons Co. area manager Daniel Beaudoin shared Cape's bid information for state work with two ...Read more, add a comment »
Hunters charged after posting incriminating video on Facebook
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 09, 2009
Headlines from WalworthCountyToday.com
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Neumann launches statewide tour in governor's race
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Mark Neumann is launching a statewide tour this week complete with rallies and press interviews to give his run for governor a boost. Neumann first announced he was seeking the Republican nomination in July. On Wednesday he scheduled an online news conference to formally announce ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. court disbars figure in Blagojevich probe
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has revoked the law license of a former investment banker and aide to Gov. Tommy Thompson who was convicted of corruption in Illinois. P. Nicholas Hurtgen of Glencoe, Ill. is a key figure in the federal investigation surrounding former Illinois Gov. Rod ...Read more, add a comment »
Official: Late blight in potatoes shouldn't hurt
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A University of Wisconsin-Madison extension vegetable specialist says the late blight fungus should not affect the quality or quantity of potatoes stored in the state this year. A.J. Bussan says growers have been taking preventative action to manage late blight since it reached its peak six ...Read more, add a comment »
UW wants to suspend doctor's note rule for flu
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 09, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System is moving to suspend a rule that requires sick employees to turn in doctors' notes as campuses prepare to handle the swine flu. The Board of Regents is expected to vote Friday to suspend the doctor's note requirement for employees with ...Read more, add a comment »
Closed lunch coming sooner at Parker High
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 08, 2009
JANESVILLE — Parker High School ninth-graders will be required to stay at school for lunch starting with second semester, Superintendent Karen Schulte said. Parker Principal Steve Schroeder had planned to phase in a closed lunch for freshmen over a longer period, but Schulte said at Tuesday's school board meeting that ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Janesville school tax hike considered
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 08, 2009
JANESVILLE — The Janesville School Board is leaning toward a 1.9 percent increase in the tax levy for school taxes paid in 2010. The move would leave a budget gap of more than $400,000, which could be filled by cutting expenses. The board has already cut $2 million from the ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Bank robbery suspect caught
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on September 08, 2009
MADISON- A Janesville man is in custody this afternoon after he allegedly robbed the US Bank, 3461 Cottage Grove Road, Blooming Grove Township. Theodore Rush, 33, of Janesville was arrested on charges of armed robbery and more charges are expected, say officials at the Dane County Sheriff's Office. Dane County ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Trains, tax for Milwaukee?
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 08, 2009
MILWAUKEE — Gov. Jim Doyle wants to allow Milwaukee County to raise local property taxes half a percentage point to pay for local transit and a commuter rail line. Doyle outlined his new proposal Tuesday. His plan is designed to give the southeastern Wisconsin region an advantage in winning federal ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wisconsin treasurer defends attending conference
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 08, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass is defending her decision to attend a conference last week at a California resort even though her office faces a backlog of work. Sass told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in a story published Tuesday that it was important for her ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Wis Democrats propose tax increase to create jobs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 08, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Assembly Democrats want to pay for additional worker training and financial aid through a 1 percent income tax increase on those making more than $1 million. State Rep. Cory Mason, a Democrat from Racine, announced the plan on Tuesday. The $145 million raised through the income ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Judge: UW-Whitewater cannot collect from ex-dean
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 08, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge says the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater cannot collect damages from a former dean accused of misusing school money. U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller says the university waited until after a two-year statute of limitations expired to sue former College of Letters and Sciences Dean ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Milwaukee police: DNA links man to 9 slain women
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 08, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Milwaukee man authorities say is linked by DNA to the slayings of nine women since 1986 was captured by police after an alert officer spotted his car at a motel, authorities said. Walter E. Ellis, 49, has been charged in the deaths of two of the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
White House releases text of speech to schoolchildren
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 08, 2009
Text of President Obama's planned speech to school children.
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Sheridan to release home foreclosure recommendations
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 08, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Recommendations on how to minimize the effect of home foreclosures on Wisconsin residents will be released on Wednesday. Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, a Democrat from Janesville, says he'll outline recommendations for changes in state law being made by a task force that studied foreclosures. Sheridan's office ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Seasonal flu vaccine clinics offer convenience
Posted by GINA DUWE on September 08, 2009
Just roll up your sleeve, stick your arm out the car window and get your flu shot. It can be just that easy as more places offer more convenient flu shots earlier this year. Janesville Family Health Center, for example, is offering drive-up flu shots Sept. 17 for the first ...Read more, add a comment »
Unemployment hot line goes cold for some
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 07, 2009
MILWAUKEE — When unemployed Wisconsin residents call a hot line to check on claims for benefits, many of them get disconnected. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that callers were disconnected 86 percent of the time in August. That means they couldn't find out why unemployment checks haven’t been deposited in ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Darien man dead in accident
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 07, 2009
DARIEN TOWNSHIP — A Darien man was pronounced dead at the scene of a one-vehicle accident in a cornfield Sunday night. Kenneth M. Santeler, 43, was thrown from a full-size quad cab pickup truck after it rolled over multiple times, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department reported. Responders were called to ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Truck hits woman on Highway 51
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 07, 2009
JANESVILLE — A Janesville woman was struck by a truck on Highway 51 near the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport on Sunday night, the Rock County Sheriff’s Department reports. Sheriff’s deputies and Janesville fire units responded to the accident at 10:08 p.m., according to a news release. Richard Knilans, 20, of ...Read more, view comments (44) »
Suspect tied to old murder cases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 07, 2009
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Milwaukee police have arrested a suspect in connection with the killings of seven women over a 21-year period that started in 1986. Police spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz would not confirm an arrest Monday but told The Associated Press police were talking with a ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Mercury Marine to close Okla. plant within 2 years
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 06, 2009
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — After Wisconsin workers agreed to concessions, Mercury Marine said it will move work there from Oklahoma within two years, putting 380 employees in Stillwater out of work. The boat engine maker pitted its manufacturing plants in Stillwater and Fond du Lac, Wis., against each other, saying ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Woman found dead in Waukesha
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 06, 2009
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Police in the city of Waukesha are investigating a woman's death as an apparent homicide. A man is under arrest in the death. Officers responding to a 911 call found the body of a 21-year-old woman in a parked car at an intersection in Waukesha about ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Gov. candidate to announce
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 05, 2009
MADISON — Republican candidate for governor Mark Neumann plans an online news conference next week to formally announce his campaign. The announcement comes two months after Neumann first officially announced he was running. He’s been raising money, conducting media interviews and working on shoring up support ever since. But that’s ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Stricker shares first-round lead at Deutsche Championship
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 05, 2009
Steve Stricker birdied his first two holes, and Tiger Woods could see what was coming. Walking to the next tee Friday at the TPC Boston, Woods said to his caddie, “He’s going to shoot 62.” Woods prediction was off by one. Stricker shot 63. With superb command of his driver ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Beloit gets first football win over Craig since 1998
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 05, 2009
No matter how loudly opportunity knocked, Janesville Craig High School’s football team couldn’t manage to open the door in a 12-6 loss to Beloit Memorial on Friday night. The Cougars turned the ball over eight times and came up empty on three trips to the red zone against their Big ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Parker football team rolls over East
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 05, 2009
Janesville Parker’s foootball team put on an offensive clinic at the expense of the Madison East Purgolders in a 41-13 Big Eight Conference victory Friday night at Monterey Stadium. For a full story, read Saturday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com. A complete ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Traffic backed up on I-90/39
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 04, 2009
Traffic is backed up on Interstate 90/39 this evening in southern Wisconsin, but it’s not because of any specific problems. “It’s due to volume. We haven’t had any crashes,” a State Patrol spokeswoman said. The backup appears to be heaviest in northbound lanes.Read more, view comments (21) »
Thumbs up for Merc Marine
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
FOND DU LAC — The union at Mercury Marine says its workers have approved a contentious package of wage and benefit concessions the boat-engine maker says it needed to keep 850 manufacturing jobs from moving to Oklahoma. Russ Krings of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers did not ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Air quality alert issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 04, 2009
The Wisconsin DNR has issued an Air Quality Watch for particle pollution effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, continuing through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. The Department of Natural Resources says the forecast calls for elevated levels of fine particles in the air over much of the state. The particles include microscopic dust, soot, ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Wis. pays $275K to end disabled worker's lawsuit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state will pay $275,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a parole agent who resigned after the Department of Corrections failed to accommodate her disabilities. A federal judge in July criticized the department for moving too slow to implement changes in work conditions requested by ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Wis. observatory renovations complete
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-Madison's space observatory is getting ready to celebrate renovations. Washburn Observatory plans an open house on Friday, Sept. 11, to celebrate the two-year, $2.5 million project. Work included retrofitting the basement with a multipurpose room and offices to house the College of Letters ...Read more, add a comment »
Central Wisconsin to get new area code
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — Central Wisconsin is getting a new area code. The 715 area code is running out of phone numbers because of cell phones, fax machines, and other lines. So in 2010 new phone numbers will have the 534 exchange. The change will start to be phased in ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Wis. Dept. of Tourism launches Fall Color Report
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — With autumn just around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is launching its annual Fall Color Report. The online report lets travelers track the change of colors in Wisconsin's 16 million acres of forests. The foliage will change from green to a vibrant palette of ...Read more, view comments (5) »
On UW campuses, new misconduct rules are in effect
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin campuses have the power to discipline students for serious off-campus misconduct for the first time this semester. New disciplinary rules went into effect Sept. 1 after sailing through a final review by the Legislature without any changes. The Board of Regents adopted them ...Read more, view comments (2) »
UW simplifies scholarship application
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-Madison has launched two initiatives designed to make it easier for undergraduate students to learn about and apply for scholarships. There's a new Web site to help students search undergraduate scholarships. In the past, students and parents had to search out available scholarships ...Read more, add a comment »
Woman accused of holding daughter under water
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (AP) — A mother is accused of holding her 10-year-old daughter under water in Lake Michigan to punish her for her sins. Port Washington police said Thursday officers were called to the lakefront Aug. 26 by witnesses who had called 911. Police say the woman had taken ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Merc union voting on concessions continues Friday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 04, 2009
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — Union workers at Mercury Marine continue voting Friday on wage and benefit concessions the boat-engine maker says it needs to keep 850 manufacturing jobs from moving to Oklahoma. Unofficial reports say several hundred workers voted Thursday. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, ...Read more, add a comment »
‘No red flag’ was seen in Edgerton PTA theft
Posted by STACY VOGEL on September 04, 2009
When Melanie Simmons took over as PTA president at Edgerton Community Elementary School last year, she was happy to have a veteran treasurer in Kim Kienitz, she said. Kienitz, the group’s treasurer for four years, was the go-to person for questions, Simmons said. She always was willing to pitch in ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Stofflet, not Stossel
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
A Madison TV news anchor is having to explain — again — that he’s not longtime ABC news correspondent John Stossel. John Stofflet, who anchors NBC-15’s 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts, received e-mails and calls recently saying he was going to give a speech about health care reform. Stofflet thought ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Woman suing over spinach
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
FOND DU LAC — An 85-year-old Fond du Lac woman is suing the growers, packers, distributors and sellers of spinach involved in a deadly 2006 E. coli outbreak. Jane Majeska almost died after eating Dole spinach in August 2006. She has since recovered. Her Seattle-based attorney Bill Marler says she ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Former pitcher sentenced for tax evasion in Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
MADISON (AP) — A federal judge in Madison has sentenced a former New York Mets star pitcher to six months in prison for not paying his taxes. Prosecutors say Jerry Koosman, a former all-star who helped the Mets win the 1969 World Series, didn’t pay federal income taxes for 2002, ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Oshkosh Corp. division, Air Force sign $20M deal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — The airport-related division of Oshkosh Corp. will provide 36 vehicles to the U.S. Air Force in a deal worth nearly $20 million. Oshkosh Airport Products Group said Thursday the vehicles will be deployed at Air Force bases around the world starting in January. The deal calls ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wis. schools deciding how to handle Obama speech
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — School districts across Wisconsin are deciding whether students will watch a nationwide address directed at them from President Barack Obama. The speech on the importance of education has raised concerns among some parents who view it as nothing more than political advertising within public schools. Officials ...Read more, view comments (121) »
Wis. father charged in death of infant son
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
JEFFERSON, Wis. (AP) — A Lake Mills father is accused of throwing his infant son against a wall and causing his death. Thirty-year-old Michael Wey is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the death of 4-month-old Nikolai Andrew Wey, who was taken off life support at Children's Hospital in Madison ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Video: Maura Wieners named Fairest of the Fair
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 03, 2009
Continuing coverage of the Walworth County Fair on WalworthCountyToday.com
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Merc union voting again on concessions
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — The union at Mercury Marine has started voting on a package of wage of benefit concessions the boat-engine maker says it needs to keep 850 manufacturing jobs from moving to Oklahoma. Mercury Marine spokesman Steve Fleming said voting started early Thursday morning at the ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Cost to heat homes with natural gas dropping
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The price of natural gas is at its lowest point in nearly 7 and a-half years. That has Wisconsin utilities predicting lower costs to heat your home this winter. The price of the fuel has dropped by nearly 80 percent since a year ago. Reduced manufacturing because ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Many Wis. state agencies closing Friday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — You can forget about trying to get a driver's license, accessing vital records or calling a state unemployment office for help on Friday. The offices that handle those duties are among many that are using the day before the long Labor Day weekend as a furlough ...Read more, add a comment »
Beaver Dam middle school to try same-sex classes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 03, 2009
BEAVER DAM, Wis. (AP) — A southeastern Wisconsin middle school is the latest to try single-gender classrooms. Officials at Beaver Dam Middle School say they'll test the concept with 50 sixth-graders. The students will be taught core subjects in two same-sex classes, and will be in mixed classes for other ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Cool, wet weather delaying crops
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on September 03, 2009
It’s getting to be a nail-biter for many producers who are wondering if corn and soybeans will have time to mature and dry before the first killing frost. Two separate but related things are impeding crop growth in south central Wisconsin: rain and cool weather. Rainfall has been scattered around ...Read more, add a comment »
Mich., Wis. governors hold clean energy forum
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — U.S. Commerce Seretary Gary Locke joined Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle in participating in a clean energy forum. Also attending Wednesday’s Clean Energy Economy Forum were Ed Montgomery, head of the White House Council on Auto Communities and Workers, and Assistant Energy ...Read more, add a comment »
Wardens cite 15 for clubbing animals
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
BEAVER DAM (AP) — Wisconsin wardens have cited 15 young people for clubbing wild animals. State Department of Natural Resources wardens got a tip this past spring about people chasing and clubbing animals, including raccoons and opossums, in Columbia and Dodge counties. An ensuing investigation has led to 158 citations ...Read more, view comments (26) »
County H to close Sept. 3 to through traffic
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on September 02, 2009
JANESVILLE-- County H, between Highways 213 and 81, will be closed to through traffic beginning Thursday, Sept. 3, for road construction and bridge replacement, according to a press release from Ben Coopman, Rock County public works director/highway commissioner.Read more, add a comment »
Danny Gokey in Stetson and boots?
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
MILWAUKEE — “American Idol” finalist Danny Gokey is going country. 19 Recordings/RCA Records Nashville announced Wednesday Gokey has signed a recording contract. In a news release, the 29-year-old former church music director said the country songs he performed during last season’s “American Idol” helped him realize that country is where ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Janesville man stood mute to sexual assault, battery charges
Posted by TED SULLIVAN on September 02, 2009
JANESVILLE -- The man accused of nearly fatally beating an Orfordville woman in May stood mute Wednesday to felony charges of first-degree sexual assault and aggravated battery. Dustin L. Sperb, 21, of 440 N. Parker Drive, Janesville, appeared in Rock County Court for an arraignment. The judge entered a not ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Okla. plant to lose jobs if Mercury concessions pass
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — A Mercury Marine spokesman says some jobs at its Stillwater, Okla., plant will be eliminated if the labor union at its Fond du Lac plant approves a package of wage and benefit concessions. Steve Fleming said Wednesday that some work from Oklahoma, but not ...Read more, view comments (14) »
UW-Rock seeing record numbers
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 02, 2009
UW-Rock County is poised for record enrollment for the second year in a row, an official said. Today is the first day of the fall term at the campus on Janesville’s south side. As of Tuesday, the campus had enrolled 1,120 full- or part-time students, said Kristin Fillhouer assistant dean ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Plastic pink flamingo named Madison's bird
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — One of the greatest college pranks ever has inspired Madison leaders to name the plastic pink flamingo the city's official bird. The Madison City Council voted 15-4 on Tuesday to give the plastic bird the distinction. The reason dates to the classic 1979 prank orchestrated by ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Wis. Assembly moves to restart IT oversight panel
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Assembly speaker is reforming a committee that oversees risky state information technology projects after receiving criticism for failing to appoint its members earlier. Speaker Mike Sheridan has appointed Democratic Reps. Gary Sherman of Port Wing, Marlin Schneider of Wisconsin Rapids and Cory Mason of Racine ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Bill toughens penalties for voter intimidation
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A proposal toughening Wisconsin's laws against voter intimidation is up for a hearing Wednesday in a state Senate committee. The bill by Milwaukee Democratic Sen. Spencer Coggs would create a voter bill of rights that would be posted at each polling place. The proposal would also ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Forest Service issues new firewood restrictions
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) — The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is tightening restrictions on firewood to keep a tree-eating beetle out of its ash trees. The new restriction bans firewood gathered more than 25 miles from the northern Wisconsin forest unless the wood is certified by the state Department of Agriculture, Trade ...Read more, add a comment »
Carp removal leads to strikingly clear Wis. lake
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 02, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Experts who study waterways say one Madison lake is cleaner than it's been in many years. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison say Lake Wingra is so clear because more than half its carp have been removed. Scientist Dick Lathrop says carp love the muck, so ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Ice arena work nearing completion
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on September 02, 2009
Bright paint, new cabinetry and a new floor plan have given the Janesville ice arena a facelift in time for the opening Jets hockey game on Saturday. To bring the Junior A hockey team to Janesville, the city council spent $200,000 to remodel the arena, including building the team its ...Read more, view comments (19) »
3 Wisconsin teens arrested for burning racist symbols
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Three teens have been arrested for allegedly burning a swastika and the initials “KKK” into a basketball court in a predominantly white city in southeastern Wisconsin, police said Tuesday. Waukesha police are recommending charges of arson, along with a hate-crime enhancer, against all three 17-year-old males. When ...Read more, view comments (16) »
New Mercury Marine vote slated
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
FOND DU LAC — The union at Mercury Marine says there will be another vote on a package of wage and benefit concessions the company says it needs to keep 850 jobs from moving to Oklahoma. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said the vote will be on ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Official vows to improve Wisconsin campaign database
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s top elections official is promising more improvements to the state’s new $1 million computer database for campaign finance information. Government Accountability Board Director Kevin Kennedy promised action Tuesday as the one-year-old system came under withering criticism during an Assembly committee hearing. Several lawmakers, a Democratic ...Read more, add a comment »
Video shows state lawmaker hitting cyclist
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MADISON — Video taken from inside a city bus shows state Rep. Fred Clark running a red light and smashing into a bicyclist. Clark, a Democrat from Baraboo, was ticketed by Madison police for running a red light on Aug. 18. The video, released this week by Madison Metro, shows ...Read more, view comments (16) »
2nd brother pleads guilty in Wis. meatpacker fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A man accused of launching a military flare that sparked a $50 million blaze and forced the temporary evacuation of thousands of residents pleaded guilty Monday to a felony charge of endangering public safety. Kurtis J. Popp, 25, of Milwaukee was initially charged with second-degree reckless endangerment. ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Mercury Marine agrees to meet with union
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — A day after a union leader said Mercury Marine was no longer interested in talking about a package of wage and benefit concessions, the company says it will meet with union leaders. In a statement, Mercury Marine said the meeting with International Association of ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Tax increase could send Illinois residents to Wisconsin liquor stores
Posted by DAN PLUTCHAK on September 01, 2009
Today's headlines from WalworthCountyToday.com
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Wis. DMV to close Friday for furloughs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Division of Motor Vehicles will close again Friday for employee furloughs. Gov. Jim Doyle has ordered all state workers to take 16 furlough days over the next two years to offset the state's financial woes. DMV workers took Friday, Aug. 7, as their first ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. considers declaring air safe from lead
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin environmental officials are preparing to declare lead levels in the state's air are safe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revised lead air standards last year. The state Department of Natural Resources believes lead levels statewide are within those standards. The agency has drafted a document ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Man accused in Cudahy plant fire to plead guilty
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) — One of two brothers accused of starting a $50 million fire at a Cudahy meatpacking plant is expected to plead guilty Tuesday. Prosecutors say 25-year-old Kurtis Popp fired a military flare July 5 given to him by his brother, who took it while serving in the Marines ...Read more, view comments (3) »
New Wisconsin phone fee starts Tuesday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new 75-cent monthly fee for all cell phones, landlines or other devices capable of calling 911 starts Tuesday in Wisconsin. The fee was approved by the Legislature earlier this year to help balance the state budget. The money collected will go to county and local ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Highway crashes, fatalities down in Wis
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on September 01, 2009
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The number of people killed in highway crashes so far this year in Wisconsin is down significantly. The state Department of Transportation reports 347 people have died in accidents — 55 fewer than at the same time a year ago. That's a 14 percent drop. Compared ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Corvina’s closes, new bar might open
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on September 01, 2009
A downtown bar that attracted unfavorable attention in recent months apparently is closed, and the building’s owners are looking to reopen it under new management. The city declared the liquor license for Corvina’s bar null and void Aug. 20, City Clerk/Treasurer Jean Wulf said. The city received a letter on ...Read more, view comments (16) »
