Teen ordered probation for July break-in at Milton High School
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 28, 2013
JANESVILLE--A Milton teen has been found guilty of criminal property damage after a reported break-in to Milton High School in July. Aaron M. Davis, 17, of 11625 Nelson St., Milton, on Thursday pleaded no contest to the criminal property damage charge. Charges of burglary and theft were dismissed, according to ...Read more, add a comment »
2 wounded in Milwaukee shooting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A man opened fire with an assault weapon on a group of people in Milwaukee, a day after the city’s police chief testified on Capitol Hill in support of an assault weapons ban. The shootings happened just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday on a street on Milwaukee’s north ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Supreme court candidates to debate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The two candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court plan to debate March 22. The debate is organized by the State Bar of Wisconsin and We the People/Wisconsin. It is the only planned debate between the candidates, although a number of other joint appearances are scheduled. Incumbent Justice ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Report: Southeastern Container closing Beloit plant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
BELOIT—Southeastern Container says it plans to close its Beloit plant by May. The plastic bottle manufacturing plant employs about 50 people. In a letter Thursday, employees were told production is being moved to facilities in either Bowling Green, Ohio, or Effingham, Ill., according to The Beloit Daily News. Workers will ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Fire damages UW medical science building
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
MADISON—Fire has damaged the University of Wisconsin Medical Sciences building. Firefighters responded to the fire shortly after 8 a.m. at the five-story building which stretches two blocks long on the university campus. Madison Fire Department spokeswoman Lori Wirth says there were a small number of people in the building, who ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin court tosses state furlough lawsuit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
MADISON—A state appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit demanding state workers get six paid sabbatical days to make up for mandatory furlough days. Then-Gov. Jim Doyle ordered all state employees to take 16 furlough days during the 2009-2011 biennium to help balance the state budget. However, the assistant prosecutors union ...Read more, add a comment »
Budget lifts ban on foreign ownership of land
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
MADISON—Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal would lift a longtime ban on foreign ownership of large tracts of land in Wisconsin. The 1887 law bars foreigners from owning more than 640 acres in the state. Some Republican legislators are among opponents of the change. Rep. Lee Nerison, of Westby, tells the ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Wisconsin DNR asks anglers to report gill lice
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
MADISON—The state Department of Natural Resources wants trout anglers to report gill lice. The parasitic crustacean attaches to brook trout’s gills, making it hard for the fish to breathe and slowing growth and development. The creatures have always been present in streams and pose no threat to human health. But ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Jane Goodall to speak at Earth Day conference
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 28, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — British primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at an Earth Day conference on April 15 in Madison. Goodall’s lecture is titled “Conservation Everywhere: Sustaining Natural and Cultural Diversity.” It is scheduled to cap the Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference at ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Millie's Delavan restaurant is closing its doors
Posted by NICO SAVIDGE on February 28, 2013
DELAVAN--In nearly 150 comments on a Facebook post announcing that Millie’s Restaurant and Shopping Village has closed, fans talk about the memories they made there during weddings, high school jobs and, most of all, around the table at breakfast. “My entire family will miss Millie’s—it was our special breakfast place ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Opponents say open records bill would hurt access
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Allowing government entities to charge for the time spent deleting confidential information would limit the public’s access and make it easier for bureaucrats to hide information, opponents of a proposed change in the law told legislators Wednesday. The Republican-backed bill stems from a Wisconsin Supreme Court ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Wisconsin Senate passes mining bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Senate has approved a Republican bill that would dramatically overhaul Wisconsin’s mining regulations. The measure is designed to ease the regulatory path for Gogebic Taconite’s plans for a huge iron mine in the Penokee Hills just south of Lake Superior. The GOP contends the ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Father on trial for starving, abusing daughter
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A trial is underway in Dane County for a Madison man accused of locking his emaciated teenage daughter in the basement. The man is charged with being a party to six felonies, including child neglect resulting in bodily harm. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne told jurors Tuesday ...Read more, add a comment »
1 dies as winter storm dumps on southeastern Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MILWAUKEE — Authorities say a man died after blowing snow in Milwaukee as a winter storm dumped heavy snow on eastern Wisconsin. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office says the 71-year-old man collapsed shortly after blowing snow Wednesday. He was pronounced dead about 1 p.m. His name was not immediately ...Read more, add a comment »
Experts say mental illness remains challenging
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Experts in treating mental illness say it remains difficult to understand and will cost the state more money and more lives if not treated. The testimony came during the first meeting Wednesday of a new bipartisan Assembly task force examining mental health issues. Experts in the ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Janesville Leisure Services cancels Wednesday evening activities
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 27, 2013
JANESVILLE -- All co-ed volleyball games scheduled for tonight have been canceled due to school building closures. Adult lap swim at Marshall Middle School also has been canceled. For more information, visit the city of Janesville website at ci.janesville.wi.us.Read more, add a comment »
Authorities identify man killed in Highway 11 crash
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 27, 2013
TOWN OF DARIEN The Walworth County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday identified the man killed in a Tuesday morning crash on Highway 11 west of Delavan. Lake Geneva resident Carlos R. Cantu, 44, was killed when his pickup truck was hit by an oncoming semitrailer truck just after 11:20 a.m. Tuesday ...Read more, add a comment »
Shipping bounces back as Mississippi River rises
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
ST. LOUIS—Mississippi River shippers say they’re returning to handling full loads because the drought-ravaged waterway has benefited from winter storms and aggressive rock-clearing. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard say the crisis is over with the water level rising and rocks cleared to deepen the channel. The ...Read more, add a comment »
State Senate begins debate on mining bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MADISON—The state Senate has started to debate a divisive Republican bill that would rework Wisconsin’s mining regulations. The proposal is designed to ease the regulatory path for a huge iron mine near Lake Superior. Republicans maintain the mine will create hundreds of jobs. Democrats began debate on the Senate floor ...Read more, view comments (27) »
Janesville parent-teacher conferences canceled for today
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 27, 2013
JANESVILLE – Parent-teacher conferences at Janesville’s middle and high schools scheduled for this evening are canceled. Conferences will go on as usual 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, district spokesman Brett Berg said. Elementary schools will be in session as scheduled Thursday. Principals are meeting this morning to come up ...Read more, add a comment »
Free performance at JPAC today
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 27, 2013
JANESVILLE – Parents looking for something for the kids to do today with schools closed can bring them to the Janesville Performing Arts Center. SpotLight on Kids is offering a free show at 1 p.m. today. The youth theater group had planned on busloads of schoolchildren to see its performance ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Republicans propose two sales tax holidays
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MADISON—Republican lawmakers are proposing a pair of sales tax holidays in Wisconsin in August and November. Rep. Chad Weininger of Green Bay and Sen. Rick Gudex of Fond du Lac circulated a bill this week seeking co-sponsors of the measure that would waive sales taxes two weekends of the year. ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Report: Tribal gaming revenue declining in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MILWAUKEE—A new report shows tribal gaming revenue in Wisconsin has declined. Gaming by the state’s 11 tribes generated about $1.2 billion in 2011, down nearly 5 percent from 2007. The Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry report says Wisconsin is one of seven states where tribal gaming revenue has declined. Twenty-eight ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Rock, Green counties to be sprayed for gypsy moths
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 27, 2013
MADISON—Wisconsin will take its fight against the gypsy moth to much of the western portion of the state later this year, with aerial insecticide spraying in about one-third of the state’s counties. The spray may start in late spring or early summer depending on the weather, and will last about ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Janesville public schools closed today
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 27, 2013
JANESVILLE—All Janesville School District schools will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 27, due to the weather, according to Brett Berg, school district public information coordinator. For other school closings and delays visit http://www.wclo.com/WCLO-Closings-Page/15434358.Read more, view comments (40) »
Milton wades into splash park plans
Posted by NEIL JOHNSON on February 27, 2013
MILTON--As city crews moved heavy snow off roads and police rushed to scores of vehicle slide-offs Tuesday evening, the Milton City Council fast-forwarded its thinking to summer, swimsuits and fun in the sun. The council unanimously agreed Tuesday to move ahead with its long-awaited plan to build a splash park. ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wis. bank earnings rebound in 2012
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A new report says Wisconsin banks are rebounding from the economic downturn. A report by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Tuesday said earnings at Wisconsin banks jumped 72 percent in 2012. The FDIC says Wisconsin’s 266 banks had total profits of $839 million last year. That’s up ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Officials: Snowfall tangles afternoon commute, but snow is letting up
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 26, 2013
JANESVILLE—Janesville and Rock County authorities say that a sloppy afternoon commute full of ice and snow on roadways was responsible for dozens of crashes and slide offs this evening. Reports of vehicle crashes and slide offs have tapered off as snows have begun to let up this evening and temperatures ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Area roads icy, slippery
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 26, 2013
Icy and slippery road conditions in Rock County are causing traffic accidents across the area, said Michelle McMahon of Rock County Communications Center. It’s been too busy at the 911 center for her to add up the calls, she said. Janesville and Rock County plow crews are out, she said. ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville School Board meeting canceled
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 26, 2013
JANESVILLE – The Janesville School Board meeting scheduled for tonight has been canceled due to the weather. The cancellation includes the hour-long discussion of early-retirement benefits with employee representatives, which were to start at 6 p.m. Tuesday, as well as the regular meeting, which was to start at 7 p.m. ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Snow emergency declared
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 26, 2013
JANESVILLE—The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency starting at 5 a.m. Wednesday. A snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. To ensure that you do not receive a parking ticket, move your vehicle ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Fatal crash closes Highway 11 near Delavan
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 26, 2013
TOWN OF DARIEN A fatal crash closed nearly three miles of Highway 11 west of Delavan Tuesday after a car slid into the path of an oncoming semitrailer truck, authorities said. One person was killed after he lost control driving east on the snow-covered highway and went into the westbound ...Read more, add a comment »
Democrat says he’ll work with GOP on Medicaid deal
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2013
MADISON—Democratic state Sen. Jon Erpenbach says he will be talking with Republican lawmakers about accepting a federally funded Medicaid expansion that ends after a certain period of time. Erpenbach discussed the possible deal Tuesday at a health care conference. Republican Gov. Scott Walker has proposed rejecting the Medicaid expansion in ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Wisconsin DNR plans meetings on deer recommendations
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2013
MADISON--State wildlife officials are planning a series of public meetings on how to best implement a Texas researcher’s recommendations for improving Wisconsin deer hunting. The first one is set for March 9 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The Department of Natural Resources is planning to hold a half-dozen more ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wisconsin tax fraud complaints on the rise
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2013
MADISON—It’s early in the tax season, but state officials say complaints about fraudulent filings are running high. The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says more people are complaining that when they go to file a return, someone has already filed in their name. It’s an attempt to ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Local Realtors see good start to 2013
Posted by JIM LEUTE on February 26, 2013
JANESVILLE--Tradition broke last month for local real estate agents, many of whom benefited from an increase in the sales of existing homes and the prices they commanded. January is typically one of the slowest months for home sales, but sales in the Rock County market last month were 6 percent ...Read more, add a comment »
Evansville bar makes changes to gain approval for gun show
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 26, 2013
EVANSVILLE--Authorities say the owner of an Evansville bar and banquet hall can host a gun show this weekend after making changes since his January gun show was shut down. Rock County Sheriff’s Capt. Jude Maurer said Gene O’s Wild Ride Saloon, 7530 N. County M, can host a gun show ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter weather advisory issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 26, 2013
SULLIVAN—A winter weather advisory has been issued from 3 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, Sullivan: A band of moderate snow will spread into southern Wisconsin late Tuesday afternoon and gradually spread north into east central Wisconsin Tuesday night. Snow accumulations of 3 to ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Milton School District to join girls' hockey cooperative
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 26, 2013
MILTON--The Milton School District is looking to wrist shots and body checks as its latest tools to bolster student enrollment and district revenue. The school board on Tuesday approved a proposal by the district’s athletic department to join the Rock County Fury girls’ hockey cooperative. The agreement means the district ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Judges rule against GOP in redistricting lawsuit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal court has given groups suing the state broad access to computers used by the Republican-controlled Legislature to redraw political boundaries in 2011. Monday’s ruling by a panel of three judges in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee is the latest setback for Republican lawmakers who ...Read more, view comments (29) »
Average taxpayer would save $83 under tax cut
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The average Wisconsin taxpayer would save $83 under Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed income tax cut. That is according to a new analysis released Monday by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Walker is proposing lowering tax rates for the lowest three brackets starting this tax year. The ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Wis. budget panel approves mining bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee has approved a Republican bill that would overhaul the state’s mining regulations. The Joint Finance Committee’s 12-4 vote Monday sends the bill on to the full Senate and Assembly. The Senate is expected to take up the measure on Wednesday. The ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Police: 2 Wis. teens arrested for real-looking gun
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Madison police arrested two teenage boys after witnesses say they pulled a real-looking gun from a backpack on a Metro Transit bus last week. Police say the incident happened Thursday afternoon on Madison’s south side. The 13- and 14-year-old middle-school students from Madison were arrested the ...Read more, add a comment »
UW students call for cap on tuition increase
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin students are asking legislators to cap tuition increases. Students from 20 of the UW campuses around Wisconsin held a Capitol news conference Monday calling for a tuition cap. They say they don’t want tuition to increase more than 3 or 4 percent in ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Emergency training taking place in Rock County
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 25, 2013
JANESVILLE/BELOIT—Agencies from Rock County will be involved in rapid deployment training Monday and Tuesday at Emmanuel Free Methodist Church, 4224 Whilden Court, Janesville. According to a Janesville Police Department news release, several area law enforcement agencies will practice rapid response and deployment exercises during the training. This will involve the ...Read more, add a comment »
Suspect arrested after Green Bay standoff
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2013
GREEN BAY—A 21-year-old man is in jail after a standoff with Green Bay police. Officers were called to a home on a report of a domestic disturbance around 11:15 p.m. Sunday. Police say the man in the house refused to cooperate and was armed with several swords and knives. They ...Read more, add a comment »
Hearing is Wednesday on bill on public records charges
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 25, 2013
MADISON—It could become more expensive to get public records from government entities under a bill up for public hearing on Wednesday. The Republican-backed proposal would allow the holders of public records to charge those requesting the documents for time spent deleting confidential information. Open records advocates oppose the measure, saying ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Drought conditions ease in Rock County
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 25, 2013
JANESVILLE--In case you need a silver lining to brighten your Monday morning, here it is: Snowfall so far in February has been above average. Because of this, drought conditions in south-central Wisconsin this month improved from “severe” to “moderate,” according to U.S. Drought Monitor data. That change is a ray ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Janesville School Board to consider expanding gifted student program
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 25, 2013
JANESVILLE--A program for gifted elementary students that was expanded this year could be expanded again. The Janesville School Board could vote Tuesday on a recommendation to expand the Challenge Program at Madison Elementary School to the third grade and to fund the new fourth-grade program at Madison next fall. The ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Janesville woman arrested on 5th OWI charge near Milton
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 24, 2013
TOWN OF MILTON—A Janesville woman was not injured when she crashed her car into a ditch near Milton on Sunday, but she was arrested on suspicion of fifth-offense intoxicated driving. Rock County sheriff’s deputies arrested Lonnie Bechtolt, 49, Janesville, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. At 12:21 ...Read more, add a comment »
Snowmobile death toll increases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 24, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Fifteen people have died from snowmobile activities this winter in Wisconsin. That’s five more than a year ago. Department of Natural Resources officials said speed, alcohol and nighttime driving are among contributing factors. They also say increased snow may have contributed. They’re warning sledders to take ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Beloit man arrested on 9th OWI charge Saturday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 24, 2013
JANESVILLE--Janesville police were trying to prevent a domestic disturbance when they arrested a Beloit man on suspicion of ninth-offense intoxicated driving Saturday evening, according to a news release. Arrested was Shane A. Clark, 39, of 1920 Sixth St., Beloit, on charges ninth-offense intoxicated driving. He also was ticketed for speeding, ...Read more, add a comment »
Taxpayers footing bill for Milwaukee sheriff's pro-gun radio ads
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee County sheriff’s radio ads urging residents to learn how to use firearms so they can defend themselves are being paid for with taxpayer money, the sheriff told a newspaper. Critics have said Sheriff David Clarke Jr.’s ads that began airing last month discourage people from ...Read more, view comments (78) »
Judge: Alleged molester in Racine can stay in home
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2013
RACINE, Wis. (AP) — A Racine County judge is allowing a man accused of assaulting an 8-year-old neighbor to stay in his home. Sixty-year-old Robert Lambkin is charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child. He allegedly molested the girl Feb. 12 while she was walking through an alley near ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Italian skiier wins
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 23, 2013
HAYWARD, Wis. (AP) — Sergio Bonaldi won the 40th American Birkebeiner for the men and Caitlin Gregg of Minneapolis won the women’s race. Organizers originally thought Bonaldi’s countryman Fabio Santus was first Saturday but a photo review determined Bonaldi won. The Italian men swept the top four positions in the ...Read more, add a comment »
7 year old hurt in drunk driving accident
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 23, 2013
JANESVILLE—A Janesville man was arrested on felony charges after he was involved in a drunk-driving accident, according to a news release from the Janesville Police Department. Casey Truman, 26, 1530 Highland Ave., Janesville was arrested on charges of operating while intoxicated, causing injury to a passenger under 16-years-old, violation of ...Read more, add a comment »
Boy dies in Door County snowmobile accident
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2013
TOWN OF BRUSSELS, Wis. (AP) — A 13-year-old boy has died after the snowmobile he was driving collided with a truck in Door County. The sheriff’s office said the crash happened around 4:30 p.m. Friday in the Town of Brussels. The boy later died at a Green Bay hospital. The ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker’s health secretary Smith resigns
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith has resigned. Gov. Scott Walker announced the resignation and appointed Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades as secretary of the department that is in charge of overseeing the state’s Medicaid programs. Smith had been at the forefront of Walker’s opposition ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Walker’s income tax cut helps rich more
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed income tax cut would give more money back to the rich than it would the poor, despite his billing it as a boon to the middle class, a new analysis shows. The Wisconsin State Journal reported Friday that a family of four ...Read more, view comments (83) »
Rock County Sheriff's Office to experience phone outages
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 22, 2013
JANESVILLE—Landline telephones at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will be down for routine maintenance from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Those who need to contact the office during that time should call 608-290-0411. Nonemergency information regarding the sheriff’s office can be obtained during the outage by calling the ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Usage at Dawson fields declines
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 22, 2013
JANESVILLE--Where have all the softball teams gone? And why? Those are questions Janesville city officials and softball enthusiasts are asking as the number of teams playing at Dawson Ball Fields declines. About 166 teams played at Dawson in 2002 compared to 112 in 2012, a drop of more than 30 ...Read more, view comments (12) »
BTC board approves training facility in Milton
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 22, 2013
TOWN OF ROCK--More students will acquire skills to fill an expanding manufacturing workforce in southern Wisconsin if Blackhawk Technical College’s new venture succeeds as officials hope. The college’s district board voted unanimously Thursday to lease a vacant manufacturing building in Milton and convert it into an “advanced manufacturing training center.” ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Winter weather advisory still in effect
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 22, 2013
SULLIVAN--A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Friday. According to the National Weather Service: Moderate to occasionally heavy snow will end early this morning. More light snow will spread back in later this morning. Some freezing drizzle is also possible. Total snow accumulations will be from 4 ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Federal grant open to specialty crops research
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 22, 2013
MADISON—A federal grant is now open to agricultural research projects studying specialty crops in Wisconsin. The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says starting Thursday, agriculture organizations in the state can apply to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to help them fund innovative research on fruits and ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Former Janesville man sentenced in federal court for cocaine conspiracy
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2013
MADISON—A former Janesville man who pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Omar Velazquez, 21, a citizen of Mexico who had been living in Janesville, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit College put on lockdown after threats reported in nearby neighborhood
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2013
BELOIT—Three people were arrested Thursday after an incident that put Beloit College in lockdown, according to a news release from the Beloit Police Department. Arrested were Jose R. Rodriquez, 61, Beloit, on charges of disorderly conduct while armed and resisting; Diamond C. Hodges, 20, Beloit, on traffic warrants and Dawn ...Read more, add a comment »
Police seeking man who robbed Janesville Walgreens for pain pills
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2013
JANESVILLE—Police are seeking the public’s help to find a person they think robbed a Walgreens on the south side of Janesville. Police were called to the pharmacy at 1740 Center Ave., Janesville, at 9:08 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release from the Janesville Police Department. Employees said a man ...Read more, add a comment »
Town of Beloit snow emergency starts at 6 p.m. Thursday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2013
TOWN OF BELOIT—The town of Beloit has declared a snow emergency starting at 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. Friday. According to city ordinance, no unattended vehicles can be parked or stopped on any street within the town until the snow emergency ends.Read more, add a comment »
Beloit declares snow emergency
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2013
With 5 to 6 inches of snow forecast to accumulate on Rock County overnight, the City of Beloit has declared a snow emergency for Friday. The declared emergency will last from midnight tonight until noon Friday, which is when the National Weather Service predicts the heaviest snow will fall. The ...Read more, add a comment »
Winter weather advisory issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2013
JANESVILLE-- The National Weather Service in Sullivan has issued a winter weather advisory for Rock County as another round of snow moves into the area Thursday night. According to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office: Reports indicate that Rock County could get 3 to 5 inches of ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Deputy who shot inmate identified
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 21, 2013
ELKHORN--Walworth County Sheriff David Graves on Wednesday released the name of the deputy who fatally shot an inmate at an Elkhorn hospital one month ago. Richard Lagle, a deputy since 2009, shot and killed 18-year-old Alfredo Emilio Villarreal on Jan. 21 at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center after Villarreal tried to ...Read more, add a comment »
Five taken to hospital after apartment fire
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 21, 2013
JANESVILLE—Three adults and two juveniles were taken to Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center after an early Thursday morning apartment complex fire. One was admitted while the other four would be treated and released, said Sgt. Aaron Ellis of the Janesville Police Department. The fire was reported at Franklin Court Apartments, ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker proposes adding 710 government employees
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker is proposing hiring 710 new state employees over the next two years. Walker proposed the additional hiring in the budget he delivered to lawmakers on Wednesday. The Department of Health Services would see the biggest increase with an addition of 280 positions. The ...Read more, view comments (30) »
NYC Cardinal Dolan deposed about Wis. abuse cases
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2013
Routed to 0221Dolan-WIRE-NEWS by TIM at 2/20/2013 7:57:05 PM NEW YORK (AP) — Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, was deposed Wednesday about abuse cases against Roman Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, which he led from 2002 until 2009. Frank LoCoco, an attorney for the Milwaukee ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Budget committee to take up Wis. mining bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Legislature’s finance committee is poised to vote next week on a divisive bill that would overhaul Wisconsin’s iron mining regulations. The Joint Finance Committee has scheduled a vote on the Republican measure for Monday afternoon at the state Capitol. Approval would set up votes in ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Public's help sought in Janesville bank robbery
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 20, 2013
JANESVILLE -- Janesville Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the robbery of U.S. Bank on Saturday.
The suspect was captured on video shortly before 10 a.m. coming and going from the front parking lot of ...
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Midwest braces for potentially dangerous storm
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2013
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Hundreds of snow plows and salt spreaders are hitting roads and highways across the nation’s heartland, preparing for a winter storm that could dump up to a foot of snow in some areas and bring dangerous freezing rain and sleet to others. Winter storm warnings were ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Everyone at Bucks’ home games to be screened
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2013
MILWAUKEE—The lines to get into the Milwaukee Bucks game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center could be a bit longer. The NBA has required teams to randomly screen or wand fans attending games. But, that security policy changes beginning Wednesday night with the Bucks’ game against the Brooklyn Nets at ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wisconsin DOT warns Sturgeon Bay bridge will close
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 20, 2013
MADISON—State transportation officials are reminding motorists Sturgeon Bay’s Bayview Bridge will close next month for $4.8 million worth of repairs and upgrades. The bridge is set to close to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on March 4. Traffic will be re-routed through Sturgeon Bay and drivers should expect delays. The bridge ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Funding concerns linger on I-90/39 work
Posted by JIM LEUTE on February 20, 2013
JANESVILLE--While the fine print in Gov. Scott Walker’s budget won’t be known until tonight, supporters of widening Interstate 90/39 are confident the governor’s budget will adequately fund the project until 2015. But those same supporters are more concerned about the state’s 2015-17 budget, the transportation portion of which is expected ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Janesville School District considers computer upgrades
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 20, 2013
JANESVILLE--Hundreds of pieces of Janesville School District computer equipment are outdated and need replacement, and officials are working on a plan to do that. Robert Smiley, the district’s new chief information officer, presented a detailed inventory of computer equipment and infrastructure to a school board committee Tuesday night. The district ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Grair, Phillips, advance in Delavan’s District 2
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 19, 2013
Ronald Grair 51 Christopher Phillips 41 Samuel H. Riggs, III 36 DELAVAN Only 15 votes separated the first-place winner from third place and being eliminated from contention in the race for District 2 seat on the Delavan City Council. Ronald Grair, 67, of 301 N. Seventh St., Delavan, and Christopher ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Six advance in Janesville School Board race
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 19, 2013
JANESVILLE -- JT Lichtfuss was eliminated while six others vying for seats on the Janesville School Board advanced in Tuesday’s primary election. Advancing to the April 2 elections are incumbents Karl Dommershausen, Kristin Hesselbacher and Peter D. Severson and challengers Diane Eyers, Fredrick Jackson and Cathy Myers. The six candidates ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Guenther and Olson advance in town of Beloit chairman race
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 19, 2013
TOWN OF BELOIT--Town of Beloit voters will decide whether town Supervisor Tim Guenther or Turner School Board member Jim Olson will be their next town chairman in the April election. Town Supervisor Jim Stevens and former town Supervisor Phil Taber were eliminated in the four-candidate primary race Tuesday. Guenther received ...Read more, add a comment »
Nov. election cost Wis. governments $10 million
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin elections officials say the November election cost local governments about $10 million. The Government Accountability Board released data Tuesday that said poll worker wages topped the list of expenses at $3.2 million. Election official staff cost $3 million and ballots cost $1.4 million. Fewer than ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Police: Body found in garbage bag was missing man
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee police say the body found in a garbage bag over the weekend was that of a man missing for more than two months. The Milwaukee County medical examiner’s office says the body of 53-year-old Dwight Killibrew was identified through fingerprints. The Milwaukee Police Department had been ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Name of Evansville fatal crash victim released
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 19, 2013
TOWN OF RUTLAND—The name of the 32-year-old Evansville woman who died as a result of her injuries during Monday’s two-vehicle crash on Highway 14 in the town of Rutland has been released. Jessica A. Frank, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital, Madison, where she was pronounced dead, according to ...Read more, add a comment »
Packers increase tickets for next season
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2013
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers are increasing ticket prices for the upcoming season. Price increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the location in Lambeau Field. End-zone seats increase $2 to $74. Tickets from the 20-yard line to the end zone increase $5 to $85. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Apple production lowest since 1945
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2013
MADISON—Apple production in Wisconsin has dropped to its lowest level since 1945. The National Agricultural Statistics Service says apple production in 2012 was down 54 percent in Wisconsin. Yields decreased more than three tons per acre. A heat wave last spring caused apple trees to bloom prematurely. And then frost ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Home sales up 18 percent in January
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2013
MILWAUKEE—Home sales continue to recover in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Realtors Association says sales rose about 18 percent in January, compared to the same month last year. It’s the 19th consecutive month of double digit growth. The median sale price of homes also increased. It rose 3.4 percent to $123,000. The ...Read more, add a comment »
Weather creating travel problems in Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 19, 2013
JANESVILLE--Traffic is having a hard time getting up Court Street and Center Avenue hills due to the slippery road conditions, in Janesville.Read more, view comments (19) »
Winter weather returns to southern Wisconsin
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 19, 2013
SULLIVAN--Light snow will continue to fall across the area through the early morning. Additional snowfall will remain light and up to 1 inch through the morning, according to a National Weather Service special statement issued early Tuesday morning. Blustery west winds pulled cold air into southern Wisconsin overnight. Temperatures have ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Concrete plant fire causes $20,000 damage
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 19, 2013
TOWN OF BELOIT—A Tuesday-morning fire in the wooden floor of a cement hopper resulted in an estimated $20,000 damage at Prairie Avenue Concrete, 3527 S. Prairie Ave. The fire was discovered by a town of Beloit police officer shortly after 1 a.m. He reported smoke and flames coming from the ...Read more, add a comment »
Autopsy is Tuesday for Evansville woman
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 19, 2013
ONALASKA--An autopsy today should determine what killed a UW-La Crosse student and Evansville High School graduate found dead in a ditch Sunday evening after leaving a local bar earlier that morning. Authorities do not believe foul play is involved in Neala Frye’s death even as Onalaska police called in the ...Read more, add a comment »
Parkview approves 1:1 computer initiative
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 18, 2013
ORFORDVILLE--The Parkview School Board on Monday approved a plan to borrow $391,000 to put iPads in the hands of all seventh- through 12th-graders and to create one mobile elementary lab in the next three years. The 1:1 computer initiative would begin with teacher training this spring. Seventh- and eighth-grade students ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Land sale approved for Beloit casino project
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 18, 2013
BELOIT—The Beloit City Council has approved the sale of land to the Ho-Chunk Nation for $1.87 million. The 41.5-acre parcel adjoins 32 acres the nation already owns, where the nation plans to build a hotel and casino, if the casino is approved. The council’s vote on Monday night was unanimous ...Read more, view comments (9) »
St. Lawrence Seminary High School principal removed from ministry
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2013
MOUNT CALVARY, Wis. (AP) — A priest who led St. Lawrence Seminary High School in Mount Calvary has been removed from public ministry over allegations of sexual abuse more than 25 years ago in Montana. The Rev. Dennis Druggan had been on administrative leave since the first complaint in July. ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Vance pleads not guilty to Feb. 1 shooting on Janesville's south side
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 18, 2013
JANESVILLE--A Janesville man accused of shooting a friend over a drug debt has pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted homicide. DeAdrick Vance, 34, of 2807 Afton Road, Janesville, is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, delivering marijuana, maintaining a drug-trafficking place and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is ...Read more, add a comment »
Report puts $14 million on same-day registration
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new report says eliminating voter registration at the polls on election day would cost Wisconsin up to $14.5 million, nearly three times as much as initially estimated. The new total is included in a report released Monday by the state Government Accountability Board, which oversees ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Planned Parenthood to close 4 Wisconsin centers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Planned Parenthood announced plans Monday to close four of its 27 clinics in Wisconsin due to a lack of state funding. Clinics in Beaver Dam, Johnson Creek, Chippewa Falls and Shawano will close between April and July, Planned Parenthood leaders said. The closures are the direct ...Read more, view comments (31) »
State superintendent blasts Walker’s voucher plan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 18, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin state superintendent Tony Evers says he is "deeply disappointed and saddened" by Gov. Scott Walker’s education budget proposals that include an expansion of the voucher school program and a small increase in aid for public schools. Evers said in a statement Monday that Walker’s budget ...Read more, view comments (53) »
Man arrested for sixth offense OWI
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 18, 2013
JANESVILLE—Janesville police arrested a 35-year-old Janesville man early Sunday for operating while intoxicated-sixth offense. According to a department news release, David L. Dutcher, 2621 Harvard Drive, #11, was arrested at 1 a.m. after a traffic stop on Rockport Road at South Franklin Street. Dutcher was taken to the Rock County ...Read more, add a comment »
Woman arrested for fourth offense OWI
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 18, 2013
JANESVILLE—Janesville police arrested a 32-year-old Janesville woman Saturday for operating while intoxicated-fourth offense. According to a department news release, Misty D. Rogers, 3420 Parkview Drive, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. after a traffic stop on West Racine Street at South Jackson Street. Rogers was taken to the Rock County Jail ...Read more, add a comment »
Third annual JAC Awards raises more than $4,000
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 17, 2013
JANESVILLE—Local supporters of the arts raised more than $4,000 on Saturday night during the third-annual Janesville Area Creativity Awards, according to a news release from event organizers. More than 200 people attended the show at Janesville Performing Arts Center, according to the news release. They watched performances by dancers, singers ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Rhinelander paper mill could close
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 17, 2013
RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) — Rhinelander could be the next Wisconsin community to lose its paper mill. There’s concern that the northern Wisconsin city of 7,800 could go the way of Port Edwards, Kimberly, Neenah, Ashland and most recently, in 2012, Brokaw. All of those Wisconsin communities have lost their paper ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Milwaukee County Zoo displays new jaguar cubs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee County Zoo is displaying jaguar cubs for the first time since 1975. Visitors had only previously been able to watch the three-month old brothers through a web camera. They made their debut on Wednesday. They are important because they’re introducing new genes to the endangered ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Man robs Milton Avenue bank Saturday morning
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 16, 2013
JANESVILLE—Janesville police are seeking the public’s help to identify a man who robbed the U.S. Bank, 2732 Milton Ave., on Saturday morning. Police responded at 9:57 a.m. to the bank for a report of an armed robbery, according to a news release. A white male wearing a black hat, knee-length ...Read more, add a comment »
7-year-old boy injured in Milwaukee house fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A 7-year-old boy is seriously injured after a house fire in Milwaukee. Deputy Chief Jack Christianson, of the Milwaukee Fire Department, says the boy suffered smoke inhalation and was revived twice before being transported to a local hospital. Fire officials say there were no smoke detectors in ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker to increase school aids $129M
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 16, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker will propose a modest increase in funding for Wisconsin public schools in his budget to the Legislature on Wednesday, two years after his steep cuts and all but elimination of collective bargaining for teachers sparked the unsuccessful movement to recall Walker from office. ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Fire destroys home Friday night on Highway 26 north of Milton
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 16, 2013
TOWN OF MILTON--Investigators think an outdoor heater for pets was the cause of a fire that destroyed a home on Highway 26 north of Milton on Friday night, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. All the occupants were able to escape from the home, but ...Read more, add a comment »
Man who killed 4 to remain in Wisconsin mental hospital
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2013
MENOMONIE—A Dunn County jury has denied conditional release for a man committed to a state mental hospital for killing four people in the Chippewa Valley. Jurors deliberated about an hour Friday before denying 65-year-old Alvin Taylor’s request. Taylor’s attorney contended his client is no longer on medication and hasn’t had ...Read more, add a comment »
Gov. Walker promises $6.4 billion for transportation
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2013
MADISON—Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s executive budget will include about $500 million more for transportation projects ranging from rebuilding a badly congested Milwaukee interchange to filling State Patrol vacancies, his office said Friday. Walker’s two-year spending plan will devote about $6.4 billion to transportation work, up from about $5.9 billion in ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Father convicted of killing sons
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2013
DARLINGTON—An Argyle man has been convicted of killing his sons and his unborn child in a house fire. Thirty-three-year-old Armin Wand pleaded guilty Friday in a deal with prosecutors to four counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one felony murder through arson of a building and one count of arson of ...Read more, add a comment »
VIDEO: Police seek public’s help in catching burglar
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 15, 2013
JANESVILLE—Janesville police are asking anyone with information about an early Tuesday morning burglary at Julie N Ray’s Liquors store, 1621 W. Court St., to call the Janesville Police Department at 608-757-2244 or Janesville Area CrimeStoppers at 608-756-3636. Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. GOP wants high court to take law challenges
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of the state Senate is trying to gather support for a bill that would require the Wisconsin Supreme Court to take any lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of state statutes directly and decide the matter within 150 days. Sen. Michael Ellis, a Neenah Republican, sent ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Wis. Assembly Republicans lift fundraising ban
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Assembly has agreed to lift a ban that had kept most of its members from raising money during the budget period. The Wisconsin State Journal reports Friday that the Republican-controlled Assembly Organization Committee approved the decision on a 5-3 party line vote on ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Charlie Sheen pays for injured teen’s therapy dog
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Florida teenager who plummeted 100 feet from a Wisconsin amusement park ride in 2010 is getting some help from actor Charlie Sheen. Teagan Marti suffered brain, spine, pelvis and internal injuries when nets and air bags that were supposed to catch riders on the free-fall ride ...Read more, view comments (5) »
No spill when tanker truck overturns
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 15, 2013
TOWN OF NEWARK--A truck driver was trapped in his cab and treated for injuries, but none of the liquid carbon dioxide he was hauling leaked when the truck overturned west of Beloit around 3:40 a.m. Friday. The semitrailer truck overturned on Highway 81 just east of Olson Road. The driver, ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin company to appeal losing $15M contract
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 15, 2013
The Wisconsin company that lost out on a $15 million contract to run a student information system in the state's schools planned to file an appeal Friday, arguing that the process was flawed and should be reopened.
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Wis official says regulatory loophole causes fraud
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin state official says a Middleton foster care company’s alleged fraud was caused by a lack of financial oversight. State Department of Children and Families officials told the Senate health committee on Thursday that the company’s unusual expenses reports caught their attention in November 2011, ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Advocates for poor question Walker’s plan
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Advocates for the poor in Wisconsin are questioning whether Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to move more people off of state Medicaid plans and onto a federal marketplace where they will purchase private insurance will work as promised. Walker says the plan he unveiled Wednesday will result ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Girl fatally struck by vehicle in Madison
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A 1-year-old girl struck by a vehicle on a Madison street has died of her injuries. Police say the girl was in a wheelchair which her mother was using as a stroller when she rolled down an embankment and onto East Washington Ave. about 3:30 a.m. ...Read more, add a comment »
Hunters took more turkeys during Wis. fall season
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State wildlife officials say hunters killed a little more than 7,000 turkeys during Wisconsin’s 2012 fall season. The Department of Natural Resources reports fall hunters registered 7,054 birds, up 28 percent from the 5,523 they registered during the 2011 season. The agency sold 54,500 permits for ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Hacker compromises health care records
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A southeastern Wisconsin health care provider says about 43,000 patient records may be at risk because of a computer hacker. Froedtert Health says a virus allowed access to a staff member’s computer, which compromised patient files that include personal information. Froedtert says there’s no evidence the information ...Read more, view comments (6) »
$2 million Powerball ticket sold in Eau Claire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 14, 2013
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — Someone who bought a Powerball lottery ticket in Eau Claire is a new millionaire. The Wisconsin Lottery says a $2 million winning ticket in Wednesday night’s drawing was sold at a Kwik Trip. The $2 million Eau Claire winner has 180 days to claim the ...Read more, add a comment »
Sheriff’s office releases names of victims in town of Magnolia crash
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 14, 2013
TOWN OF MAGNOLIA—Rock County Sheriff’s Office officials have released the names of the one person who died and the two who were injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning in the town of Magnolia south of Evansville. Matthew Kraft 23, South Wayne, was pronounced dead at the scene on Highway ...Read more, add a comment »
Carlisle sentenced to life in domestic homicide case
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 13, 2013
JANESVILLE--A Janesville man was sentenced today to life in prison for the death of his estranged wife. Krystofer R. R. Carlisle, 54, of 315 W. Racine St., Janesville, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree intentional homicide Carlisle was arrested Dec. 12 at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville. On Dec. 8, ...Read more, add a comment »
Crash closes Bellrichard Bridge to traffic
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 13, 2013
JANESVILLE—The Bellrichard Bridge, over the Rock River and Afton Road, is closed to traffic due to a one-vehicle crash. The crash was reported just before 3 p.m. when a vehicle was reported on its roof, according to scanner chatter. Police were being called to the scene to handle traffic control.Read more, add a comment »
Walker says no to federal Medicaid expansion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2013
MADISON—Republican Gov. Scott Walker says he won’t expand Wisconsin’s Medicaid services to 175,000 childless adults as the federal health care overhaul law allows. Instead, Walker announced Wednesday a hybrid approach that he says will drop the state’s uninsured non-elderly adults from 14 percent to 7 percent. Walker’s plan would tighten ...Read more, view comments (51) »
One dead, two injured in town of Magnolia accident
Posted by GINA DUWE on February 13, 2013
TOWN OF MAGNOLIA—One person died and two others were injured in a two-vehicle crash this morning in the town of Magnolia south of Evansville, according to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. According to a news release: Sheriff’s deputies from Rock and Green counties, Evansville police, fire and EMS, Albany fire ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker hints at middle ground in Medicaid growth
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 13, 2013
Gov. Scott Walker is set to announce whether Wisconsin will expand Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul, a day after signaling he may strike a middle path.
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Town of Milton gravel pit proposal could face competing offer
Posted by NEIL JOHNSON on February 12, 2013
TOWN OF MILTON--A California dairy owner with ties to Milton has a proposal he says would prevent a wooded hillside that borders Storr’s Lake Wildlife Area from becoming a gravel pit. He wants to see the land instead turned into a nature conservancy—and he’s got a plan he believes could ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Harassment trial set for former Wis. DA
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former Wisconsin prosecutor accused of sending racy text messages to a domestic abuse victim is due back in court next week to settle sexual harassment allegations. Ken Kratz resigned from his position as Calumet County district attorney in 2010 after The Associated Press reported he ...Read more, add a comment »
Oops! Local TV viewers hear replay of phony warning of zombie attack
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
LA CROSSE--A goof-up by some La Crosse disc jockeys caused viewers of WKBT-TV to hear a warning of a zombie attack. The message went out shortly after 7:30 a.m. when the hosts of the Z-93 morning show were joking about how hackers broke into the Emergency Alert System of a ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Superstorm Sandy 2nd-costliest hurricane
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Superstorm Sandy was the deadliest hurricane to hit the northeastern U.S. in 40 years and the second-costliest in the nation’s history, according to a report released Tuesday. The storm’s effects reached far and wide, according to the National Hurricane Center report. While Sandy visited devastation on ...Read more, view comments (3) »
2 believed dead in rural Oneida Co. house fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
TOWN OF CASSIAN, Wis. (AP) — Authorities believe a husband and wife may have died in a fire that destroyed their home in rural Oneida County. Crews were called just before 4:30 a.m. Tuesday to the large house about 20 miles west of Rhinelander. When firefighters arrived, they found the ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker to announce decison on Medicaid expansion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker plans to announce Wednesday his much-anticipated decision on whether Wisconsin will expand its Medicaid services to cover 175,000 childless adults as allowed under the federal health care overhaul law. Walker signaled last week that he may strike a middle path, not fully embracing ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Midwest wolf hunting faces legal challenge
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Humane Society of the United States and other animal welfare groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday to restore federal protections for gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region that were lifted last year. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the District of Columbia against the ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wisconsin’s big jobs project blocked by tribe
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
ODANAH, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Republican governor, Scott Walker, has rolled over Democrats who oppose his conservative economic plan for the state and he has survived a recall attempt. But a small band of American Indians may prove to be a tougher obstacle. Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature are preparing ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Assembly votes to protect transportation fund
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a constitutional amendment designed to prevent lawmakers from raiding money from the state transportation fund to pay for other items. It passed the Assembly on a bipartisan 82-13 vote. If it clears the Senate again this session, it would then go ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Walker to propose GPS monitoring, DNA collection
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker wants to spend $3 million to expand GPS tracking for some people on restraining orders and $6 million to collect DNA samples from everyone arrested for felonies. The expanded DNA collection Walker is proposing would also include anyone convicted for any crime and ...Read more, view comments (36) »
Telemarketing leads consumer complaints in 2012
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
Telemarketing once again tops the list of complaints from Wisconsin consumers.
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Harassment trial set for former Wisconsin DA
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
MADISON—A former Wisconsin prosecutor accused of sending racy text messages to a domestic abuse victim is due back in court next week to settle sexual harassment allegations. Ken Kratz resigned from his position as Calumet County district attorney in 2010 after The Associated Press reported he tried to spark an ...Read more, add a comment »
DA will investigate 1988 death of 8-year-old boy
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
JEFFERSON—The 1988 death of an 8-year-old boy will be re-examined in Jefferson County. A coroner ruled the death of Artis Echoles was due to accidental drowning. His mother, Carmin White, has never believed that ruling. She has convinced a Jefferson County judge to order an investigation. The boy was in ...Read more, add a comment »
Assembly to vote on protecting transportation fund
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 12, 2013
MADISON—The Wisconsin Assembly is scheduled to vote on a constitutional amendment designed to prevent lawmakers from raiding money from the state transportation fund to pay for other items. The measure passed both the Senate and Assembly last session. If it passes both this session, it would then go to voters ...Read more, view comments (22) »
Local landlords pan plan
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 12, 2013
JANESVILLE--A suggestion to study ways to improve the city’s rental stock—possibly with systematic inspections of units and registration fees—angered landlords who showed up in force at Monday’s city council meeting. Council members voted 5-2, agreeing to direct city staff to review existing practices and look for ways to improve the ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Brodhead votes to form fire district
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 11, 2013
BRODHEAD—The Brodhead City Council voted 3-2 Monday night to form a fire district with the Brodhead Rural Fire Association. One council member abstained from the vote, Mayor Doug Pinnow said. The change will become effective at the city council’s next meeting Monday, Feb. 25, when officials sign documents and appoint ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. Republicans circulate drunken driving bills
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2013
Two Republican legislators are trying to drum up support for bills that would toughen Wisconsin’s drunken driving laws.
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Town of Plymouth man arrested on homicide charge
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 11, 2013
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH—Authorities arrested a town of Plymouth man Monday on charges he shot and killed his neighbor on his rural property last Wednesday, according to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. According to a news release: Daniel F. Bellard, 75, of 6707 W. Stuart Road, was arrested on a charge ...Read more, add a comment »
Angela Rhodes out as humane society director
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 11, 2013
JANESVILLE The Rock County Humane Society Board of Directors announced this morning that embattled Executive Director Angela Rhodes is no longer with the organization. “The board of directors is currently evaluating their options and will be pursing candidates to fill the critical role of executive director,” a press release from ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Hollywood director to be at Beloit film festival
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 11, 2013
Writer, director and producer David Zucker will be back in Wisconsin this week.
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More than 20 cows die in barn fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2013
FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (AP) — At least 21 cows have died in a dairy barn fire near Fort Atkinson. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that all but one of the cows were Holsteins. Authorities said Sunday afternoon that the death toll was expected to rise as more remains are discovered. ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker proposes $100 million jobs bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says he wants to invest nearly $100 million to develop the state’s work force and give workers skills to find jobs. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Walker’s plan would include money to build a faster system to track jobs data and it ...Read more, view comments (67) »
Dogs fall through ice on Janesville lagoon
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 10, 2013
JANESVILLE—Three dogs fell through the ice in the Traxler Park Lagoon on Sunday. Two survived. A woman driving over the Veterans Memorial Bridge spotted the dogs on the ice and saw them go in. She called 911 shortly before 11 a.m. Janesville firefighters fished one of the dogs out of ...Read more, add a comment »
DNR wants to hear panfish opinions
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 10, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources plans a series of public hearings on panfish management starting this week. The first hearing is set for Tuesday evening at Ben Franklin Junior High School in Stevens Point. The meeting will be the first in a series of 28 ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Woman killed in accident identified
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 10, 2013
The Janesville woman killed in a traffic accident in the town of Dunkirk on Friday is Alyson M. Burn, 34, according to the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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Rock County firefighters helping with barn fire to the north
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 09, 2013
FORT ATKINSON—Firefighters and engines from five Rock County departments are on their way to help colleagues with a barn fire in Jefferson County. A significant number of cows were killed or injured in the fire at N3726 Ehrke Road, rural Fort Atkinson, the Fort Atkinson Fire Department reported. The fire ...Read more, add a comment »
Listening session on mining bill well attended
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 09, 2013
ASHLAND, Wis. (AP) — At least 200 people have jammed a hearing in Ashland to tell legislators how they feel about legislation to streamline the state’s mining laws. The Wisconsin State Journal reported most of the attendees spoke Saturday against changing the state’s permitting process. They say they’re concerned about ...Read more, view comments (11) »
DNR chastises frac sand mine
Posted by MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE on February 09, 2013
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources alleges that Pattison Sand Co. has violated its plan to control dust while transferring frac sand from trucks to rail cars in Prairie du Chien. The allegations came in a Jan. 31 letter of noncompliance from DNR air quality engineer Martin Sellers to the ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Janesville woman dies in crash
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 08, 2013
TOWN OF DUNKIRK—A Janesville woman died Friday in a head-on collision with a recycling truck on Highway 51 near Stoughton, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office reported. The woman, 34, was not identified pending notification of relatives. She was driving a car that crossed the centerline and hit the truck, according ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit police investigate second robbery at ATM
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 08, 2013
BELOIT—Beloit police are investigating an armed robbery at an ATM machine at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday that resembles a similar incident Jan. 6, according to a police news release. According to the release: A female customer drove up to the ATM in the 400 block of Public Avenue and withdrew ...Read more, add a comment »
Military officer extradited to Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 08, 2013
MILWAUKEE--A military police officer stationed in Washington state has been extradited to Wisconsin where she’s accused of aiding her husband in hiding the body of his half-brother. Sheriff’s officials say 26-year-old Shannon Remus was booked into the Dane County Jail late Thursday night on a felony charge of hiding a ...Read more, add a comment »
Public hearings planned Monday on beer sales in parks
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 08, 2013
JANESVILLE--The Janesville City Council on Monday will consider requiring background checks for people who want to buy permits to serve beer and wine at park pavilions. The council also will decide whether to expand beer sales at Dawson Ball Fields to include adult league evening softball games. Public hearings are ...Read more, view comments (8) »
125 snow emergency parking tickets issued so far
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 08, 2013
JANESVILLE—Third shift Janesville police officers had already issued 125 snow emergency parking tickets as of 5 a.m. Friday. “We’re right on pace with the last snowfall,” said Sgt. Aaron Ellis. Second shift officers also issued a few such tickets Thursday and police believe many more tickets will be written today. ...Read more, add a comment »
New flexibility for state jobs site
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 08, 2013
MADISON—The state of Wisconsin is reworking its jobs site to make it easier for people to post resumes. The Department of Workforce Development site has plenty of potential. State officials say it saw 6,500 more job listings last year than the year before. Before, applicants had to put their resume ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Snowfalls of up to 1/2 foot making roads slippery
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
(AP/Gazette Staff) — A winter storm moving across southern Wisconsin has dumped up to a half-foot of snow in some areas, making roads slippery. The Wisconsin State Patrol, DeForest post reports a large number of vehicle runoffs late this evening on Interstate 39/90. Rock County 911 dispatch late Thursday reported ...Read more, view comments (4) »
'Payroll glitches' at UW system blamed for $1.1 million loss
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System has lost an additional $1.1 million due to glitches in its new payroll and benefits system. An accountant and top UW System financial official told the Board of Regents of the extra loss Thursday. System President Kevin Reilly warns that further ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Sturgeon spearing season starts with little optimism
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Sturgeon spearers may have another long season with murky water in Lake Winnebago, where spearing starts Saturday. The season is scheduled for 16 days but can end early if a cap is reached. Last year’s season went the full time without hitting the limit for the ...Read more, view comment (1) »
"Babe" Academy Award nominee James Cromwell arrested at UW-Madison
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Actor James Cromwell has been arrested for allegedly disrupting a University of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting where he was protesting animal testing. University police Sgt. Brent Gruber says the 73-year-old Cromwell was arrested and ticketed on a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. Cromwell and an ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Fire, emergency crews responding to apparent Lake Geneva structure fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
LAKE GENEVA—Fire and emergency crews from more than a half-dozen fire and police departments are responding to a structure fire this evening on the city of Lake Geneva’s north side. According to emergency scanner traffic, Lake Geneva Fire Department was leading a response to the 1100 block of Madison Street ...Read more, add a comment »
Wet snow could freeze overnight, making Friday morning travel tough
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 07, 2013
JANESVILLE—As wet, sloppy snow piles up this evening forecasters are warning that plummeting temperatures could will lead to weather and road conditions worsening overnight and into Friday. The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency beginning at 6 p.m. today. Rock County 911 dispatch reports no major increase in ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wis. Gov Walker on economic development: 'No excuses, we get results'
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday he is recommitting to a $75 million economic development loan fund in his next budget, thought details of a highly anticipated investment capital plan remain under wraps. Walker unveiled some parts of his agenda at an economic development conference, such as ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Civility a factor in Wis. Supreme Court election
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A 2011 altercation between two state Supreme Court justices drew renewed attention Thursday as a third justice and her two election challengers sparred over whether the current court is too dysfunctional to be effective. Justice Pat Roggensack, law professor Ed Fallone and consumer lawyer Vince Megna appeared ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Environmentalists dust off TV ad slamming Wis. mining bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
Environmentalists are re-cycling a television ad imploring the state Senate to kill a bill that would overhaul Wisconsin’s mining regulations. Republicans introduced a bill in January designed to help Gogebic Taconite open an iron mine near Lake Superior. Opponents say the bill would lead to devastating pollution. The League of ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Sports, activities canceled tonight
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 07, 2013
Sporting events and community activities are being canceled because of the weather. For a complete listing, click here.Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville snow emergency declared at 6 p.m.
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 07, 2013
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency beginning at 6 p.m. today. All parked vehicles must be removed from streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. Failure to remove your vehicle before 6 p.m. could mean a $50 ticket. The police department may begin ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Sheriff releases names of suspect, victim in rural Rock County shooting
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 07, 2013
Sheriff’s office investigators don’t yet know what happened Wednesday morning before a reported fatal shooting in rural western Rock County, Sheriff Robert Spoden said Thursday morning in a press conference.
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Woman evicted from rat-infested home
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
TOWN OF PLOVER—A Plover woman has been ordered to leave her rat-infested mobile home. Portage County health officials say Darlene Flatoff has kept more than 300 rats in her home since last March. An inspection report says the home doesn’t have adequate sewage disposal and is overrun with rats and ...Read more, add a comment »
Milwaukee schools to hire 700 teachers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
MILWAUKEE—The state’s largest school district is looking to hire 700 teachers and other school faculty. Milwaukee Public Schools is holding a series of recruitment events for new teachers, paraprofessionals and more than a dozen principals. According to the district, officials need to hire because of a wave of retirements sparked ...Read more, view comments (15) »
BTC may choose Milton to expand
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on February 07, 2013
MILTON--More than 300 students could be attending a new Blackhawk Technical College campus in Milton in 2014 if plans go forward. BTC President Tom Eckert said he would ask the BTC Board when it meets later this month to approve a lease of a vacant building that once was home ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Winter weather advisory issued
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 07, 2013
SULLIVAN—The National Weather Service, Sullivan, has issued a winter weather advisory for snow and freezing rain, which is in effect until midnight Thursday. The winter storm warning has been canceled. Periods of light rain and light freezing rain will change to moderate snowfall this afternoon. The snow will last through ...Read more, view comments (3) »
US Cellular to move and expand
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 07, 2013
JANESVILLE--A new U.S. Cellular regional center—the largest in the state—should open before the holiday season at the former site of Arby’s Restaurant on Milton Avenue, according to city and company officials. Arby’s last spring moved up the street into the vacant Del Taco near Menards. The new U.S. Cellular store ...Read more, view comments (18) »
GOP-backed mining bill clears Wis. Senate panel
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans moved closer Wednesday to passing a sweeping overhaul of the state’s mining regulations, pushing the proposal through a pair of committees and setting up a vote before the Legislature’s budget panel. The legislation is designed to help Gogebic Taconite open a massive iron mine ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Deer tests positive for CWD in Waukesha County
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says a deer in Waukesha County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. The agency says it’s the first deer in the southeastern Wisconsin county to test positive for the mad-cow-like brain disease. DNR area wildlife supervisor Tim Lizotte says ...Read more, add a comment »
Snow expected late tonight and Thursday
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on February 06, 2013
JANESVILLE The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for all of southern Wisconsin through Thursday midnight. A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to begin late tonight and will change to all snow by late morning Thursday, the weather service reported. The band of ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Walker says he's not going to raise sales tax
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2013
Gov. Scott Walker says he won't be proposing eliminating the income tax in favor of a steep sales tax hike.
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Supreme Court rejects appeal in Walworth County GPS planting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of a man who argued police violated his constitutional rights by seizing his vehicle and planting a GPS device. The court in a 6-1 decision Wednesday upheld the appeals court ruling denying James Brereton’s motion to suppress evidence ...Read more, add a comment »
Gov. Walker wants to boost mental-health funding
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker said Wednesday he will propose increasing funding for mental health services across the state by nearly $29 million, a move motivated in response to mass shootings in recent months including two in Wisconsin. Walker told the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Counties Association ...Read more, view comments (18) »
Snowmobiler dead in crash in town of Whitewater
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2013
A man was killed when his snowmobile hit a tree around 11 p.m. Tuesday, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office reported.
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UPDATED: Shooting reported in Plymouth Township
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 06, 2013
PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP—The Rock County Sheriff's Office is asking people to stay away from the area of Stuart Road in the town of Plymouth, where authorities are responding to a report of a shooting. Channel 3000 reports that a woman in her late 50s was found shot to death in a ...Read more, add a comment »
Milton City Council asks for estimates on Shaw building renovation
Posted by NEIL JOHNSON on February 06, 2013
MILTON--Hey, Milton taxpayers: Like the idea of the Shaw Municipal Building with an expanded two-floor Milton Public Library? It would have expansive reading areas with window-side views and the whole second floor to itself. How about a Shaw building with City Hall moved from upstairs to the first floor? It’d ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Packers’ Driver to talk publicly about retirement
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2013
GREEN BAY—Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver is expected to talk more about his reasons for retiring during an event at Lambeau Field. The receiver announced his retirement Jan. 31 and the Packers distributed tickets to fans so they can hear the news directly from his mouth on Wednesday morning. ...Read more, add a comment »
Pursuit results in multiple charges
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 06, 2013
A Janesville man was arrested on multiple charges Tuesday night after a 1.5-mile and 15-minute foot pursuit on the city’s east side.
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Mining bill to be voted on by committees
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 06, 2013
MADISON—The latest version of a bill designed to pave the way for a new iron ore mine to be opened in northern Wisconsin is scheduled to be voted on by a pair of legislative committees. The measure is up for a vote Wednesday in committees in both the Senate and ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Democrats, others call for Wis. Medicaid expansion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2013
Democratic lawmakers and others who are calling on Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans who control the Legislature to expand Medicaid coverage in Wisconsin pointed to a new analysis Tuesday that said the state could save $65 million by accepting the federal money.
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Wisconsin mom accused of identity theft
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2013
MADISON—A Fort Atkinson woman whose son was charged with killing his autistic half brother has been sentenced to a year for using the victim’s public assistance benefit. The Wisconsin State Journal reports 49-year-old Laura Robar pleaded no contest to two counts of identity theft Monday. She’s accused of using a ...Read more, add a comment »
State job growth lags behind other states
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2013
MILWAUKEE—A new report blames Wisconsin’s aging population and lack of business start-ups for job growth that has lagged behind other states since the mid-1990s. The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance report shows Wisconsin consistently beat national job growth rates in the late 1980s and early 1990s. But since 1996, the state has ...Read more, view comments (50) »
Wisconsin health officials warn of rabies threat
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2013
MADISON—Wisconsin health officials are warning about the threat of being exposed to rabies from bats. The state Department of Health Services warns that a rabid bat was diagnosed last week in the northwestern part of the state. State veterinarian Jim Kazmierczak says it’s uncommon to find a rabid bat this ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Fire damages Cedarburg restaurant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 05, 2013
CEDARBURG—Fire has caused heavy damage to a Cedarburg restaurant. Firefighters from nine area fire departments worked to contain the blaze at Rich’s Restaurant and keep it from spreading to other businesses in the Echo Plaza strip mall. Fire officials say the fire started about 10 p.m. Monday and burned about ...Read more, add a comment »
Mining bill changes unveiled
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2013
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican backers of a bill to make it easier to open a new iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin say changes to their proposal will better protect the environment by taking into account concerns raised by Democrats and others. Democrats balked at the changes announced Monday, ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Saturday fire destroys rural Albion home
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 04, 2013
The cause of a fire that destroyed a rural Albion home late Saturday night remains under investigation, but it is not considered suspicious, Edgerton Fire Chief Brian Demrow said.
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Student aims for food collection record
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2013
FOND DU LAC—A 16-year-old Fond du Lac student is leading an effort to break a world record for the most food donations in 24 hours. Food for Freedom project members want to break the current record of nearly 559,000 pounds of food held by the North Carolina School of Science ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Expect delays filing taxes
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 04, 2013
JANESVILLE--If you’re feeling a little unsure about sorting through paperwork to file your 2012 tax return and get 2013 off to an organized start, you’re not alone. “This tax season has been very unusual,” said Jim Bartlett, the owner of three Liberty Tax franchises in Rock County. It started Jan. ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Winter weather advisory in effect until 9 a.m.
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 04, 2013
SULLIVAN—The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that remains in effect until 9 a.m. Monday morning. Light snow will diminish in most areas through the early morning and snow accumulations of up to 5 inches are forecast with the most snowfall near the Wisconsin/Illinois border. The powdery ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Wisconsin DNR names new tribal liaison
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 04, 2013
MADISON—The state Department of Natural Resources has created a new American Indian tribal liaison position. Michele Allness will be responsible for coordinating tribal contacts and building relationships with Wisconsin’s tribes. Allness has worked for the state Department of Tourism since 2008, most recently as that agency’s tribal liaison. The DNR ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Victim recovering from reported Friday afternoon shooting in Janesville
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on February 03, 2013
JANESVILLE--An argument over money sparked a shooting Friday afternoon on Janesville’s south side, according to Janesville Police Department reports. Police arrested Deadrick J. Vance, 34, of 2807 Afton Road, Janesville, on a charge of attempted first-degree intentional homicide. He remains in custody at the Rock County Jail. The victim, Michael ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville man could be facing his eighth OWI charge
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 03, 2013
TOWN OF ROCK—Police arrested a Janesville man on suspicion of eighth-offense intoxicated driving after a report of a crashed stolen car. Richard Fox, 49, was arrested early Sunday at the scene of the crash on County D near Highway 11 in the town of Rock, according to a news release ...Read more, add a comment »
Fire departments responding to fire in rural Edgerton
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 02, 2013
TOWN OF ALBION--The Edgerton Fire Department and a number of Rock County fire departments have been dispatched to a house fire in southern Dane County. The fire was reported at 1460 County A in the town of Albion. The area is in the Edgerton Fire District. The Gazette will post ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATED: Janesville police responding to armed subject on west side
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 02, 2013
JANESVILLE—Janesville police ended an armed standoff Saturday on the city's west side. The armed subject was reported at 1:24 p.m. Saturday at 2706 Bond Place, according to Rock County Communications reports. Police worked throughout the neighborhood to create a perimeter around the home, according to 911 center reports. Police entered ...Read more, add a comment »
ATF launches investigation into Milwaukee sting
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 02, 2013
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has launched an internal investigation into a Milwaukee storefront sting operation marred by missteps, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The investigation follows a report by the newspaper this week that a 10-month ATF storefront operation intended to ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Janesville man arrested on attempted homicide charge after shooting
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 01, 2013
JANESVILLE—A Janesville man is being charged with attempted homicide after another man was shot in the neck Friday on Janesville’s southwest side, according to a news release from the Janesville Police Department. Police arrested Deadrick J. Vance, 34, of 2807 Afton Road, Janesville, on a charge of attempted first-degree homicide, ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATE: Volunteers tell how to help Edgerton family displaced by fire
Posted by NEIL JOHNSON on February 01, 2013
EDGERTON--In the wake of a fire early today that left an Edgerton family of 13 displaced, local volunteers are rallying to help the family. Edgerton resident Victor Gonzalez said his family has been buoyed by a wave of support from the community as residents, local agencies and city officials have ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Fargo Beer Co. going to Fargo, for real
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2013
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo Beer Co. officials say they have sealed the deal on a brewery in the city their product is named for. Company spokesman Aaron Hill says the lease for the building officially begins on March 10. The brewery will be located at 610 North University Drive ...Read more, view comments (6) »
UPDATED: Edgerton family of 13 displaced by house fire
Posted by NEIL JOHNSON on February 01, 2013
Authorities say nobody was hurt in a fire that did major damage to a three-story historic home near downtown Edgerton, but a family with 11 children has been displaced.
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Donald Driver tickets snapped up
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2013
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers say all 1,000 tickets for Donald Driver’s retirement ceremony next week have been distributed. Fans lined up outside Lambeau Field and stood for hours in frigid weather for a chance at tickets to the Feb. 6 event in the stadium atrium. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Parents ask Wis. Supreme Court to take mascot case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on February 01, 2013
Parents of students in a southeastern Wisconsin school district have asked the state Supreme Court to decide whether the state schools superintendent can legally order schools to drop American Indian mascots.
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Janesville company to score big with Super Bowl
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on February 01, 2013
JANESVILLE--A Janesville company already has scored big for this year’s Super Bowl. Stephen Pickering and his wife, Cameron Pickering, won $5,000 and the chance to see their film in a pregame commercial after their company, Drywater Productions, won first place in a contest sponsored by Pizza Hut. Who cares about ...Read more, view comments (8) »
UPDATE: Lions Quick Mart robbed Friday morning
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 01, 2013
JANESVILLE--The suspect of an early Friday morning robbery at Lions Quick Mart, 104 E. Racine St., has been taken into custody, according to Rock County Communications Center scanner chatter. A hold-up alarm alerted police around 6 a.m. to the incident, according to a police department spokesman. The subject left with ...Read more, add a comment »
Wind chill advisory in effect until noon Friday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on February 01, 2013
SULLIVAN—the National Weather Service, Sullivan, has issued a wind chill advisory. It remains in effect until noon when wind chill values will dip to 20 and 30 degrees below zero. Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if precautions are not taken, the advisory warns. The advisory means that very cold air ...Read more, add a comment »
Firefighters battling Edgerton house fire
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on February 01, 2013
EDGERTON—Eleven of the 12 fire departments that responded early Friday morning to a house fire at 211 Albion St. remain on scene, according to a dispatcher at the Rock County Communications Center. The fire was reported at 2:02 a.m., he said. Fire officials also have requested the American Red Cross ...Read more, add a comment »
