Local News (archives)
"A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources burning permit is required for any burning other than cooking food or warming the body when the ground is not snow-covered in areas outside of incorporated cities and villages."
Hurley
School students take part in annual Kick Butts Day "Kick Butts Day is about raising awareness of the thousands of chemicals in each puff of cigarette smoke and the need for elected officials at all levels to step up the fight to reduce smoking and other tobacco use."
Range
Bible Church lists Easter events"On Easter morning, Sunday, April 8, the church is holding an Easter Brunch at 9:30 a.m. Bite-sized fruit, muffins, pastries, juice, coffee, etc. will be served prior to the 10 a.m. worship service celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ."
"Kristin tells us that a fly was buzzing around the happy couple during the vows portion of the ceremony. The fly eventually landed on Jeremy's forehead, and Jeremy slapped himself on the forehead, Kristin said."
Ziegler,
Clifford go 1 last round in high court fight"The contest is non-partisan, but Ziegler has aligned herself with Republicans and Clifford with Democrats. Third parties have spent unprecedented sums in the race, in part because businesses say the court has hurt the state's economic climate in recent years. Business interests are backing Ziegler..."
Saving
billions of ash trees"But we have the opportunity to change that. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.) - who have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to conserving Wisconsin's natural resources - now chair key congressional committees that determine funding for federal programs."
"Sometimes the truth hurts," Clifford said. "The cornerstone of our justice system is the public confidence in the attorneys and judges who serve it."
"But when it comes to April Fool's Day, sometimes it's hard to sort out exactly what the truth is. In 1960 remains of a very real Viking colony were discovered at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland. That settlement dates to around 1000 A.D."
"In education specialties, the UW came in first in administration/supervision, and first in curriculum/instruction. It ranked second in elementary education, secondary education and educational psychology. The UW came in third in education policy, fifth in counseling/personnel services and seventh in vocational/technical education."
Sen
R. Feingold"The move by U-S Senator Russ Feingold and U-S Representative Tammy Baldwin includes funds for the endangered whooping cranes that researchers are trying to establish as a new migratory flock."
"The provision stated that the Hmong and some other groups are not considered terrorists. It was taken out after Republican Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona raised a procedural objection. Under parts of the U-S-A Patriot Act and the Real I-D Act, the Hmong who fought alongside the Americans against communist forces in Laos are considered terrorists and ineligible for asylum or green cards."
Sen
H. Kohl"Chairman Kohl, an original co-sponsor of the legislation, said, "We are finally saying enough is enough - elder abuse is unacceptable and we are going to act to stop it.""
Rep
D. Obey"Gates said under questioning from House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey of Wisconsin that he was conflicted about the facility, which he said has become a symbol for opponents of U.S. policy in Iraq."
Police
report: Alcohol a factor in fatal crash "Sheriff Bob Bruneau, who furnished a copy of the accident report to the Daily Globe on Thursday, said alcohol was a factor. The report shows Simmons had a blood-alcohol content of .175 at the time of the 4:32 a.m. accident, more than twice the level used to determine intoxication in Wisconsin."
"If they want to take us on, I will fight it," said prosecutor Richard Adams, who earlier recommended the committee spend the money and resolve the issue. "Sometimes common sense has to rule over regulations," Adams said.
Temporary
food assistance available for Mercer area residents "Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is the region's only "food bank" which annually supplies 2.5 million pounds of donated food to 140 non profit agencies in NE Minnesota (St. Louis, Carlton, Lake, and Cook) and NW Wisconsin (Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron) counties as well as approximately 40,000 people in need."
Gender
divide growing in computer science"It should be a hot field now," said Jan Cuny, who runs the National Science Foundation's Broadening Participation in Computing initiative. "So it's kind of surprising that students would be leaving in droves. But they are." The number of students who say they're interested in majoring in computer science has dropped about 60 percent since 2000, Cuny said."
Come
back for less, workers are told"A new plan for layoffs at Circuit City is openly targeting better-paid workers, risking a public backlash by implying that its wages are as subject to discounts as its flat-screen TVs. The electronics retailer, facing larger competitors and falling sales, said Wednesday that it would lay off about 3,400 store workers and replace them with lower-paid new hires as soon as possible.
Tech
college tuition to rise"The Wisconsin Technical College System has approved a 5.8 percent tuition increase for all 16 technical college districts statewide."
"Niels Jakup Mortensen, 11, spotted a black box near his home on Suduroy, the Faeroes’ southernmost island, his mother Anna Jacobsen said. Inside, she said, was a watch that had been buried at the North Pole by Joergen Amundsen, a descendant of Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen."
"Although Krueger didn't name the future competition, it has been widely anticipated that the impending construction of a Wal-Mart SuperCenter on Hwy. 70 west would result in the closure of at least one area grocery store. "Our resources will go into Save More Market Place, which will keep us strong in a changing business environment," Krueger said."
"Charges may be filed against the driver of the vehicle that rolled several times on U.S. 2 in Saxon last Thursday, claiming the life of Cody Southwell, 18, of Ironwood."
"Derek M. Larson, broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Larson Realty in Mercer, Hurley, Park Falls and Phillips, has been named to the company's International President's Elite, with $16 million in 2006 real estate sales."
Wal-Mart
construction expected to begin soon "Senior manager of public affairs Nick Infante of East Lansing said a nine-month construction period is anticipated. Wal-Mart plans to open its doors in Ironwood within the first three months of 2008, he added."
"Sex offenders being held for treatment at a state-run facility are outraged their pay has been slashed to $2 per hour from the minimum wage. Offenders at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center argue the state's $6.50 per hour minimum wage - which they earned until last month - should apply to them since they are civilly committed patients and not inmates."
"The state Department of Natural Resources decided Wednesday to continue an aggressive strategy to control chronic wasting disease for at least one more year, even though once again in 2006, hunters killed fewer deer in affected areas than in the prior year."
"The state Department of Natural Resources has reduced the number of areas in southeastern Wisconsin where it wants to take special precautions to protect the Butler's garter snake, a threatened species."
"Thousands more voters than usual are seeking absentee ballots from the Madison city clerk's office as Tuesday's election approaches. This year's spring election falls during spring break for UW-Madison, Edgewood College, Madison Area Technical College, Madison public schools and many suburban school districts."
"The key thing is to educate the public to recycle their bags when shopping," Hulsey said. "Stick a bunch of those plastic bags under your car seat and pull them out when you go to the store so you can reuse them."
"In 1993, only 40 percent of UW students surveyed reported being “extremely satisfied” with their college experience. However, that number jumped to 61 percent in the survey released Wednesday."
“You could hear the noise from the street,” animal control officer Neil Deruyter said. The birds were being kept in unsanitary conditions and were surrendered by their owner, an unidentified man in his 50s who had been collecting them for about five years, authorities said."
Sen
R. Feingold
Feingold,
Baldwin Introduce Crane Conservation Act“My home state of Wisconsin has been a part of truly inspirational efforts to recover cranes and we would all like to see similar success not only domestically but internationally, as well. We need to enhance education and research opportunities for crane conservationists so they can continue their important work to save these magnificent birds.”
Sen
H. Kohl
Gov.
Doyle“When it comes to the issue of choice, it’s time to move beyond the fights, and get to a broader agenda – an agenda of reducing unwanted pregnancies,” Governor Doyle said. “We should be helping people, in a realistic way, to plan a family, and make wise decisions about their health.”
“Wisconsin’s Smart Growth program is a model for the nation,” Governor Doyle said. “It puts local governments and citizens in charge of their future, allowing local decisions to determine the direction that each community takes."
[$24K to Hurley and Montreal. - Bob]
"The Iron County Health Department will offer free cholesterol and glucose screenings at its walk-in clinics in April, in celebration of National Public Health Week."
"To observe National Public Health Week, April 2-9, Zona Wick provided this history of the Iron County Health Department. Wick is director of the department."
"Competition in the cable TV industry is a worthy goal, but proposed legislation meant to encourage it could cut into consumer protection and local programming, lawmakers were told Tuesday."
DNR
seeks statewide ban on deer baiting"The Department of Natural Resources wants to expand the existing ban on baiting and feeding deer from 26 counties in southern Wisconsin to the entire state. Officials said they need the stricter limits to help control the spread of chronic wasting disease, a fatal deer disease first discovered in Wisconsin in 2002."
"The scientists have figured out a way, by using a twisting array of magnetic coils, to increase and retain the energy of the plasma in which fusion takes place."
"Officials from both the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Financial Institutions warned during a public hearing earlier in the day that the bill would strip existing protections in state law, such as requiring cable TV providers to restore service within 72 hours and crediting customers for loss of their service, and leave consumers with little legal recourse."
Sen
R. Feingold"While the world’s leaders spout righteous rhetoric but stall from taking robust action, the viral hatred and unspeakable violence that has resulted in the death and displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent people in Darfur has now spread to infect nearby areas, destabilizing neighboring countries and fueling a downward spiral of conflict and insecurity in the region."
"We will ask the Majority Leader to bring the bill up promptly, so that in 2008 candidates for the Senate will be required to file their campaign finance reports electronically, as candidates for President and the House have done for years."
Gov.
Doyle“Since 2002, Wisconsin has been a national model for providing affordable, comprehensive drug coverage to older citizens through the SeniorCare program,” Governor Doyle said. “It has proven popular, efficient, and cost-effective."
"Due to rapidly rising waters," the Ironwood Public Works Department closed Norrie Park Road from Lime Street to Riverside Drive at 7:30 Monday morning, a common occurrence in the spring. IPSD Director Bob Erspamer cautions drivers that it is not only illegal to bypass a police barricade, but it can also be dangerous to do so."
[Pictures of the 2002 flood are still on line at Community Cam, on WHRY's website. - Bob]
Tree
nurseries fear ash borer's threat to business"The effect could be a double whammy for nursery owners: Ash tree sales could collapse, and homeowners might be hard-pressed to invest in new trees to replace those they've paid to remove."
"Kapanke said documents he gave the Ethics Board show that he formed a foundation last year that receives the payments made by companies and organizations that lobby in the Capitol. That foundation then donates that money to local civic, church and medical groups, he said."
Wisconsin
foreclosure rate above U.S. average"The survey found that Wisconsin had 5.65 percent of its subprime loans in foreclosure at the end of 2006, higher than the national average of 4.53 percent. Of all mortgage loans, the state had 1.42 percent in foreclosure, above than the national average of 1.19 percent but lower than the five-state regional average of 2.38 percent."
Health
center to pick up $200000“Thanks to this grant we got through Sen. Kohl’s office, we were able to remodel this space and make it easier to provide the services that these residents need.”
Obey
endorses Edwards for president"However, Obey said Tuesday in a press release that Edwards has his support because he "talks about tackling the problems that matter most to America's working-class families — things like affordable health care, access to quality education and strengthening retirement security.''
"Investigators believe Garth M. Flaherty, 24, took as many as 1,500 undergarments from apartment complex laundry rooms before he was caught, police Cmdr. Chris Tennant said."
Sen
R. Feingold
“Today marks an important step toward ending the war in Iraq. For the first time, the U.S. Senate will pass binding legislation requiring the President to begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq."
"Last week the Committee had the opportunity to hear from the Justice Department’s Inspector General about – as he put it – “the widespread and serious misuse of the FBI’s national security letter authorities.” Today we need to hear straight from the FBI Director how and why this abuse occurred, and why it was not caught earlier."
“I am pleased that a provision included in the supplemental spending bill will fix a glaring problem in immigration law that effectively labeled the Hmong as terrorists. We will forever be indebted to the Hmong who fought alongside and supported the U.S. during the Vietnam War."
Gov.
Doyle“Every day, Boys & Girls Clubs across the state are supporting kids, fostering the right environment for them to learn and grow. Together, we’re working to provide our kids with positive role models, a does of Wisconsin values, and a sense of belonging.”
"The figures have now been vindicated by the government's own advisers. It's time we held our leaders to account for the 650,000 Iraqi dead... Scientists at the UK's Department for International Development thought differently. They concluded that the study's methods were "tried and tested". Indeed, the Hopkins approach would likely lead to an "underestimation of mortality"."
"Voters throughout Iron County will be asked to elect officials in their respective municipalities when they go to the polls on April 3. Some officials chose not to seek re-election, some face opposition and others are running unopposed."
Bands,
choirs score well "Results of the District WSMA Band and Choir festivals held at Hurley High School have been announced."
Official
doubts bug remedies"We're boxed in," she said, less than two weeks after the Journal Sentinel reported on the flaws and failures of ash borer eradication efforts in other states. "Our choices are limited, and a lot of the limitations have to do with how the federal funding is allocated, what the restrictions on it are."
School
choice creeps into race"Jon P. Wilcox, the justice whose retirement made way for the current election, voted that the voucher law was constitutional in a precedent-setting case in 1998. The outcome of this election could have a swing-vote effect on whether the majority of the court would support changing the legal status of the program, if the occasion arose."
"Real ID will give employers another way to intimidate workers who are already being exploited," said Saul Castillo, president of the Worker's Rights Center here in Madison."
"There's a mouse in Bill Exner's house that he says he has captured three times. Each time, the mouse escaped, and the last time the rodent made off with his lower dentures."
Sen
H. Kohl"Necedah National Wildlife Refuge Manager Larry Wargowsky extended his appreciation to Congressman Ron Kind, Congressman David Obey, Senator Herb Kohl, Senator Russ Feingold and the numerous groups and individuals who have supported the refuge over the years."
Rep
D. Obey
"“But most importantly, it helps General Petraeus and our own government by sending a signal to the Iraqi politicians that this Congress is going to play bad cop until they get the message that they must step-up because we aren’t going to run our babysitting service forever.”"
"The briefings will be one hour in length at the times and locations below. The public and members of the media are encouraged to attend...10:15a.m. HURLEY ...Location: Iron County Courthouse ... County Board Room"
Gov.
Doyle“Our state has the ideal resources to be a national model for renewable energy – from agriculture and forestry, to manufacturing and cutting edge innovation."
Father
of Ryan aide signed Troha fee deal"What few knew at the time, however, was that Troha and the aide's father signed a non-compete agreement on Feb. 18, 2005, under which JHT would pay T Group Consulting, a firm solely owned by Troha, two separate annual fees until June 2010 if Congress passed the trucking measure. Just weeks later, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reported out a huge highway bill with the Troha provision. The bill became law in August, and records show that JHT made two wire transfers totaling more than $107,000 to T Group on Sept. 30, 2005. "
"We know of people who have gone up north five to six hours away to find a driver's license appointment," she said. She said most illegal immigrants don't have access to the online appointment system."
"More than a half-dozen state technology projects are over budget, delayed or canceled because of problems, a Wisconsin State Journal review found."
"Guenther said students should be aware of their constitutional rights if ever questioned by a police officer. “Assert [your] rights and be polite,” Guenther said. “If police abuse your rights, let the lawyers take care of it later.”
"The expansion also could extend coverage to thousands of younger adults. Nationwide, nearly one-third of adults 19 to 29 are uninsured, according to the Commonwealth Fund, a health care think tank. Its analysts noted that period is "a time in life when financial security is perhaps most tenuous."
Sen
H. Kohl"Criticism from Herb Kohl, D-Wis., underscores the hurdles Sirius and XM face in getting their merger approved by federal regulators. Although Congress has no formal role, Sirius chief executive Mel Karmazin, who would head the joint company, has not received a warm reception for the plan at three congressional hearings."
Rep
D. Obey"The measure was crafted by Wisconsin Democratic Congressman David Obey who chairs the House Appropriations Committee. The legislation funds operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through the end of the year. But it also requires combat operations cease before September 2008 _ or earlier if the Iraqi government does not meet certain requirements."
"I recognize that there may sometimes be a need for secrecy in certain national security investigations. But I've now been under a broad gag order for three years, and other NSL recipients have been silenced for even longer. At some point -- a point we passed long ago -- the secrecy itself becomes a threat to our democracy. In the wake of the recent revelations, I believe more strongly than ever that the secrecy surrounding the government's use of the national security letters power is unwarranted and dangerous. I hope that Congress will at last recognize the same thing."
"It has been 2 years since the closing of the Upper Great Lakes Renaissance Festival and now, the Midwest Amateur Renaissance Society, Inc. is happy to announce the opening of the Lake Superior Renaissance Faire."
[Unfortunately, this site requires registration to post there to even read the notice. - Bob]
"The driver in an early Thursday morning single-vehicle accident on U.S. 2 that claimed the life of one Ironwood youth and injured three others has still not been identified."
"By the time we got to County B in Saxon my water had broke," Lisa said. "So I thought I'd start pushing ... just a little bit ... to relieve the pain. Between the top of Birch Hill and the casino, he came out."
County
board will not hold March meeting "The Iron County Board of Supervisors will not meet this month. "There's no business to bring before the board," county clerk Mike Saari said Friday."
"Workshops will cover powers and duties of town officials, the Open Meetings Law, ethics and conflicts of interest, town road maintenance and safety, running effective meetings and budgeting."
St.
Mary's church youth group to present musical "St. Mary's Catholic Church Religious Education Youth will present "What Wondrous Love," a musical drama of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ Sunday at 12:30 p.m., and April 1, at 2 p.m. at the church, Iron Street and Fifth Ave. S., Hurley."
"Assistance
from the Army included cooperation in seizing the recruiter's computer,
which is Army-issued. The computer was seized to search for evidence of
inappropriate contacts through an Internet chat room, investigators said.
The Army also cooperated by sharing an investigation report of a similar
complaint from a potential Ontonagon recruit several years ago, Erspamer
said."
Median
property tax bill could rise by $94, state report says"Property taxes on a median-valued Wisconsin home would rise by $94 - or 3.4% - in December bills under Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed state budget, according to a report made public Friday by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau."
Video
bill on fast track"Wisconsin residents would lose their rights to cable television repairs within 72 hours, credit for service interruptions and advance notice of rate increases, under a bill on the fast track in the state Legislature."
"Laws requiring motorists to prove they are in the country legally to get a driver's license will force immigrant workers further underground, make roads more dangerous and inconvenience all drivers, local workers' rights advocates say."
"Jereme Tauer Jr. was born at almost 100 mph as his parents hurtled down U.S. Highway 2 in northernmost Wisconsin in a Dodge Neon. His parents, Jereme and Lisa Tauer of Hurley, managed the birth without a doctor, pain medication or even stopping the car."
"Maybe Jereme Tauer Jr. is afraid of hospitals, or perhaps the baby — who was born in a Dodge Neon Tuesday as his parents sped along U.S. Highway 2 — is just partial to making grand entrances."
Obey
defends bill from critics on left and right"Obey said this bill allows Congress to be the “bad cop” that sends a clear message to Iraqi politicians that the United States military isn’t there to be a “permanent babysitter.” In response to critics on the left who say the bill doesn’t get the troops out soon enough, he cited the pragmatic need for incremental progress."
"The first two cells in the landfill had only a sandy loam liner and no system for collecting leachate, the contaminated liquid that collects at the bottom of a landfill and leaks through anything other than a highly engineered clay and plastic liner. In 1994, after volatile organic compounds showed up in monitoring wells, the county re-capped the first two cells to prevent rainwater infiltration."
Sen
R. Feingold“Our country can never fully repay our veterans for the sacrifices they have made for their country, but we must do all we can to ensure they receive the best medical care possible,” Feingold said. “A new SCI unit is critical for veterans in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest and its construction is long overdue.”
Rep
D. Obey“This package provides for our troops, Katrina families, homeland security, pandemic flu preparedness, and other unmet funding needs,” said Obey. “But most importantly, it helps General Petraeus and our own government by sending a signal to the Iraqi politicians that this Congress is going to play bad cop until they get the message that they must step-up because we aren’t going to run our babysitting service forever.”
"Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey will host public updates on the federal budget and the war in Iraq throughout the 7th Congressional District between March 30th and April 4th. The briefings will be one hour in length at the times and locations below. The public and members of the media are encouraged to attend."
"Three people were injured in and one young man died as the result of an early Thursday morning single-vehicle rollover accident on U.S. 2 in the Gurney area and two were later airlifted to St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, Minn."
"The cost to the city has been reduced to about $350,000, said Hurley Fire Chief Darrell Petrusha. The department secured a $50,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development grant, and sold its old second-line fire truck for $126,000."
Effective March 20, all Town of Anderson roads are closed because of conditions caused by the spring thaw.
"Reilly said the university system knows such benefits are a factor in attracting and retaining employees, and he believes they foster a strong economic climate in the state."
"Social(k) allows investors to diversify their portfolios by combining various socially responsible investment options. For example, an employee could invest retirement savings only in companies that have demonstrated a commitment to reduce greenhouse gases, or an employee might specify that none of his money be invested in companies with ties to oppressive governments."
"An innovative reimbursement program funded by Dane County's Clean Air Coalition and the Wisconsin Soybean Program was announced Thursday to reimburse school districts for the cost difference between biodiesel and standard diesel fuel."
Sen
H. Kohl"The MILC is a countercyclical program that serves as a safety net to small and mid-size dairy farmers when milk prices plummet. Kohl says the program provided $414 million to Wisconsin dairy farmers when milk prices dropped to record lows since its implementation in 2002."
Rep
D. Obey"They helped drive the drumbeat that drove almost two-thirds of the people in this chamber to vote for that misbegotten, stupid, ill-advised war that has destroyed our influence over a third of the world. So I make no apology if the moral sensibilities of some people on this floor, or the editorial writers of The Washington Post, are offended because they don't like the specific language contained in our benchmarks or in our timelines."
"Rep. David Obey, D-Wausau, declined to look ahead to what House Democrats might do following a presidential veto. "I'll take it one step at the time,'' he said. "It took three months of getting double hernias to get where we are today.''"
"After ordering Wiehl's microphone cut, O'Reilly added: "I'll scold my own people here 'cause they're not -- she's not telling you the truth. There is a transcript. Every word [White House senior adviser] Karl Rove and anybody else said would be on paper.""
"Michigan anglers are asked not to move live fish between the Great Lakes and inland waters, particularly minnow species, and to use standard disinfection techniques for boats, live wells and other equipment. Citizens are encouraged to report sick fish or fish kills to the local DNR office or on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr."
"If Barbara Lynn Terry wants to get married Friday morning, she'll have to swear to a judge she's a man. And so will her doctor. Otherwise, Wisconsin's same-sex marriage prohibition will keep Terry - who was born a man, lived as a woman for decades and has undergone treatment for."
Fraud
charges against former Thompson aide dismissed"A federal judge has dismissed all seven influence peddling charges against P. Nicholas Hurtgen - a former investment broker and aide to former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson - in a high-profile Chicago corruption case."
Prison
funding shortfall?"Even with a lawsuit hanging over the state's head, Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed budget falls short of adequately funding mental health services for female inmates at Taycheedah Correctional Institution, says Todd Winstrom, an attorney with Disability Rights Wisconsin."
"Despite horror stories nationally about health care for veterans, two local soldiers who were treated at Walter Reed and Bethesda military hospitals and then transferred to local veterans hospitals for care say they had good treatment."
"The Mansfield EcoQuantum looks like an ordinary commode with a handle that pulls up for a full flush using 1.6 gallons and down for a partial flush using 1 gallon. It cost the homeowners an additional $50."
"The state Department of Natural Resources wants to create 33 earn-a-buck zones this fall, up from 21 last year. The agency also wants to impose earn-a-buck regulations in all chronic wasting disease zones, where hunters were allowed to kill either sex last year."
Sen
R. Feingold“The Child Support Enforcement program helps to make sure that child support payments make it to the children and families who are counting on that financial support,” Feingold said. “The funding for this program should never have been cut in the first place, and by reinstating funding we can act in the best interests of Wisconsin families.”
"Top on the Senator's agenda after Iraq is health care. He plans to introduce major legislation in the near future. Following revelations of deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, Feingold says more is being done for wounded veterans"
Sen
H. Kohl
"Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, said that the merger could be a "real bad deal" for customers, and with this news, we tend to agree."
Rep
D. Obey"There are some people in the political system who think that the best way to win a football game is to sack their own quarterback," he said on the call. "...I don't have the luxury of simply issuing a press release to show how pure I am. I have to actually deliver the goods. And that means I've got to pass something in the House of Representatives, and that ain't easy."
Gov.
Doyle"Sap bags are hanging on the sugar maple trees in the Montreal, Wis., area. Rye began collecting sap just over a week ago, and has collected about 40 gallons thus far this season."
Mercer
Education Foundation to soon award its first scholarship "... the foundation will award a $1,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years of college to a student who maintains a 3.0 grade point average."
"Current laws banning lewd behavior in public do not apply to breast-feeding. But the bill would clarify the right of mothers to breast-feed in public and private places where they are authorized to be, and it would prevent anyone from interfering with that right, backers say. Those who do could face a fine of $200."
Thompson
moves toward candidacy"Tommy G. Thompson took a major step toward a presidential bid when he said Tuesday that he will formally announce his candidacy in several weeks, kicking off his campaign in Wisconsin and Iowa."
Just
plain juvenile"rotests like Monday's and stunts like secretly videotaping and posting online a hallway confrontation with Wisconsin Democratic Rep. David Obey, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee (and a vocal opponent of the war), don't well serve the cause of U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. No. 1, wrong targets. No. 2, juvenile and, in Monday's case, criminal."
"It's been dubbed the "Frankenstein" veto because of the way the governor stitches together bits and pieces from reams of text to create monstrous law never approved by lawmakers."
"We thought it was a really good idea just because people do not necessarily care or want to vote by mail," said Adam Lang, electronic media chair for the College Democrats. "Hopefully saying 'Vote naked' is amusing enough or interesting enough to get people to vote."
"However, the RIAA needs UW to forward those letters to the students or personnel, since the association has only anonymous IP addresses and no names. UW would have that information, since the letters target people who were allegedly downloading music illegally over a university server."
Obey's
war bill faces challenge, even from Democrats"Democrats have added money to complete various items left unfinished by Republicans when they controlled Congress, said Obey. The $21 billion includes money needed for base closings and realignment, Defense Department healthcare, Gulf Coast rebuilding, flu pandemic preparedness, wildfire containment, low-income heating assistance, and the supplemental children's health program known as S-CHIP."
Doyle
pushes crackdown on noncompliant sex offenders"Gov. Jim Doyle wants to spend $12 million on Global Positioning Systems and polygraphs to track and test noncompliant sex offenders, he told local police Tuesday. Doyle outlined his budget proposal during a visit to the Everest Metro Police Department."
"One company is hoping to secure enough land to eventually sustain a crushing and refining plant for biodiesel — and a consortium of companies and individuals are exploring the possibility of a biomass energy facility in the city's industrial park."
Sen
R. Feingold"It was a grave mistake for Congress to grant the government broad authorities and just keep its fingers crossed that they wouldn’t be misused. We have the obligation, the responsibility, to put appropriate limits on government authorities – limits that allow agents to actively pursue criminals and terrorists, but that also protect the privacy of innocent Americans."
Sen
H. Kohl
Senator
expresses skepticism on Sirius-XM deal - America's Network
"We must view these claims with a healthy degree of skepticism," Kohl was quoted by the report as saying. "Over-the-air radio does not come close to duplicating the impressive array of program offerings of satellite radio."
"A study by Fed economists projected that economic growth would slip toward the 2% range after 2010, about a point lower than the rate of the last decade, largely the result of meager growth in the future labor force, Kohn testified. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), chairman of the aging panel, introduced legislation Wednesday that would give employers a tax credit for establishing flexible work schedules that enabled older employees to stay on the job without losing healthcare or pension benefits."
"Four months after the San Diego United States Attorney's office launched an investigation into whether he had accepted bribes from defense contractors, and little more than a month before he pled guilty to those charges, Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-CA) signed on to a letter criticizing U.S. Attorney Carol Lam's "lax" handling of immigration crimes."
Hurley officials
confident new program will tune in better grades"For 10 days next month, students will not only go without TV, but they'll also give up video games, movies and computers."
Personnel committee,
union workers to talk health insurance "The city has changed insurance carriers and the contract with union employees says benefits can't be reduced in the middle of the contract period. The employees and council ironed out a few of the differences in open session, but there were a few questions the council couldn't answer without St. Arnold."
Mercer dumps CESA grant
writer"The Mercer School Board voted 4-0 Monday to eliminate the $12,160 cost of a grant writer from its estimated $189,219 contract with the Cooperative Educational Service Agency for 2007-08."
"The biggest share of the funds would go to an effort to cluster key research institutions around the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center in Wauwatosa, creating a critical mass of engineering and medical research institutions that can generate patents, technology and start-up companies."
Doyle
says Troha a supporter, not an adviser"Gov. Jim Doyle on Monday called now-indicted contributor Dennis Troha a strong supporter but said he was not a political adviser to his re-election campaign last year."
"As part of its aggressive anti-piracy campaign, RIAA president Cary Sherman sent a letter to UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley and System President Kevin Reilly on Sunday as a "heads-up" that the association will be actively going after illegal online file-trafficking on System campuses including UW-Madison."
"Scholz recommends simply adding up the money you'll be getting monthly from Social Security and, if you're lucky, a pension. Then figure out how much you've accumulated in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and saving accounts, and how much you can draw from that amount each month without depleting your balances until you're about 90."
"University of Wisconsin students could be shelling out $700 more per semester for a College of Engineering degree if a differential tuition plan proposed Sunday night is approved."
Plans
take shape for districts' new charter schools"All of the children will have an individualized learning plan and it will culminate in some kind of a research project in their senior year," Schlichting said. "That's different from regular students, and that's going to be one of the unique features of each of these five different charter schools."
Sen
R. Feingold“While we can’t do anything about the weather, we can make sure that airline passengers are not subjected to the terrible conditions we witnessed last month.”
"I strongly encourage all U.S. government agencies involved in oversight activities in Iraq to work together to aggressively pursue allegations of misuse and to penalize those who use U.S. taxpayer dollars for personal gain."
"Despite these ongoing and well-intentioned efforts, today in Darfur millions remain displaced, and at least 200,000 are dead. Humanitarian space continues to shrink and peacekeepers, aid workers, and human rights actors are increasingly the targets of violent crimes."
Gov.
Doyle"... Governor Jim Doyle today announced that teams of retired law enforcement and sex offender registry experts have tracked down more than 1,350 noncompliant sex offenders since the Governor launched the Sex Offender Apprehension Felony Enforcement (SAFE) initiative in 2005."
The pictures for this collage were taken on March 10th. Starting at 50 degrees in Hurley, pictures were taken east on M28 to the lakeshore near Marquette, the Sceney stretch and across to the eastern end... where, of course, near blizzard conditions turned it too dark and too windy for a video to show much..
Plunge for life: Event
at Lake Michele a fundraiser for Regional Hospice"One of three major fundraiser, the Polar/Penguin Plunge raised more than $12,000 in cash pledges and in-kind donations Sunday at Lake Michele, according to co-chairwoman Kathy Maki of Ironwood. An awards ceremony followed at the Hurley Inn."
Hurley
to offer drivers' education"Total cost of the program is $265. Call the high school office, 561-4900 ext. 206, to request an informational letter and application form."
Easter
egg hunt set for April 7 in Mercer "The Mercer Lions Club will hold an Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m. in the Mercer School cafeteria. Children ages 10 and under are welcome. There will be refreshments."
"Two Wisconsin icons made the top 150 - Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin (No. 30) and Santiago Calatrava's winged expansion of the Milwaukee Art Museum (No. 59) ..."
Don't
renew an initiative that particularly hurts urban kids and ..."Enter Russ Feingold with a breath of common sense. Feingold spearheaded a letter by 10 Democratic senators in mid-February to the Senate education committee, noting, "We have concluded that the testing mandates of No Child Left Behind in their current form are unsustainable and must be overhauled significantly during the reauthorization process beginning this year."
State
paying more to buy, protect land"Scott Hassett, DNR secretary, argued before the state Legislature's Joint Finance Committee last week that an increase in borrowing authority from $60 million to $105 million a year is necessary because of soaring land prices. "Land," Hassett told committee members, "is selling like we have never seen it before.""
"It's anti-war, yes, but it's a remembrance of the ones we've lost," said Quintina Fuller, a MoveOn council coordinator for southern Wisconsin.
[See Northwoods People For Peace for local activist information. - Bob]
"The University of Wisconsin went against the national trends Friday by warning students about its policy regarding illegal file sharing but refusing to forward settlement letters to violators from the Recording Industry Association of America."
"A recent AARP Wisconsin study found SeniorCare to be one of the most affordable prescription drug benefits available. It costs the federal government more to provide the mind-bogglingly complex Medicare Part D drug coverage to the state's low-income seniors, $67.1 million, than it does to fund SeniorCare at $41.5 million."
"The plant, to be operated using papermaking byproducts from the Flambeau Papers mill, may be delayed by up to a year, but company officials are still firmly committed to the ethanol production facility, said Ben Thorp, President of Flambeau River Biorefinery."
Sen
R. Feingold"The rally finished with a march through the downtown area ending at the offices of U.S. Representative Dave Obey and U.S. Senator Russ Feingold."
Sen
H. Kohl"The hearing was convened by U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, who chairs the agriculture subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The event gave produce industry professionals an opportunity to respond to the FDA's newly released rules that aim to curb food poisoning from fresh produce."
Gov.
Doyle“To keep Wisconsin competitive we need to continue making smart investments that will harness the talent and resources of Southeast Wisconsin. These investments will preserve Wisconsin’s leading role in groundbreaking research and will create the high-paying jobs of tomorrow.”
"The study surveyed 1,122 low-income households and reports that because Wisconsin spends no state money funding its civil legal services, an estimated 80% of Wisconsin's poorest households facing legal difficulty - such as foreclosure, consumer-finance lawsuits or problems with public benefits and schools - can't get a lawyer even through Legal Aid and other non-profits that focus on this situation."
"Under a hush-hush deal with the company he used to own, JHT Holdings Inc., Troha is to be paid annual fees until 2010 because Congress passed a measure two years ago that specifically benefits the Wisconsin trucking conglomerate by easing a federal hauling regulation."
"Although the landscape is changing in the federal court system, advocates said it's still hard for litigants - and the public - to know whether a judge is hearing a case as an impartial arbiter or as a stockholder."
"Additionally, last spring "nearly two dozen communities passed nonbinding resolutions at the local level calling for the government to begin removing troops from Iraq," said Jeffrey Ames, chair of Peace North based in Hayward, who spoke at Saturday's rally. On Monday, Covey said he will deliver a symbolic petition with nearly 200 signatures collected Saturday to the Wausau offices of Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, and Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton."
"Across central Wisconsin as in the rest of the state, a map of the areas covered by smoking bans is the reverse of a slice of Swiss cheese. There are 30 local smoking bans in place, but smoking is allowed everyplace else. That's the way the Tavern League of Wisconsin wants it, because most of its members think that if they went smoke-free, their businesses would suffer huge income losses."
All
not well with test well "While the test pumping news wasn't good for the city this week, Richards had excellent news regarding the city's water loss prevention program. While water losses in the pipes once stood at 45 percent, the rate has been reduced to 17 percent, as several leaks have been repaired."
"Everyone jumping into the lake must wear footwear. Costumes are optional; clothing is not -- "No wetsuits or birthday suits, please!" organizers said. The water will not be over the heads of jumpers and first responders will help them out of the lake."
Loon
capital to celebrate lupine"The Downtown Development Group in Mercer hopes that the new Lupine Junefest on June 9 will attract tourists to the Mercer and Oma area early in the season. Fourth of July and Loonfest in August already draw crowds of people later in the summer."
Giving
vets a fighting chance"As the war in Iraq enters its fifth year and the number of those wounded there and in Afghanistan approaches 25,000, revelations of squalid conditions at the nation's premier military hospital have led many Americans to wonder if the nation is fulfilling its promise to provide the best care possible to the men and women we have placed in harm's way."
Green
reaches deal with Elections Board"Under the agreement, the Republican from Green Bay cannot use the money to fund a future run for office, but can give it to other campaigns and charities and use it to pay off his legal bills."
Wal-Mart
drops bid to start banking"Stymied by a phalanx of opponents from big banks to unions and dogged by conflicting messages about its intentions, Wal-Mart withdrew a bid for a banking license Friday and said it would find other ways to serve customers' financial needs."
Doyle
signs crime lab bill"The bill authorizes the Department of Justice to hire 31 new DNA analysts and makes several other adjustments to the current two-year budget that ends June 30."
"Consumers are increasingly asking for "green" furniture and accessories, or those with an ecological sensibility. And designers are responding with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness, while still maintaining a level of high style that often includes high-tech detail."
Gov.
Doyle"Governor Jim Doyle today signed Senate Bill 39, the budget adjustment bill that will provide increased funding for child care services through Wisconsin Shares, supports the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the backlog at the State Crime Lab, and provide increased funding for road rehabilitation."
Iron
County wants Ironwood 911 calls to go away "When an Ironwood resident with Dobson as the carrier dials 911, the call is transmitted to the ICSD. "The phone is connected to the most dominant tower," said Gogebic County Emergency Management coordinator Jim Loeper. "Cell One phones hit that tower." "
Violence
prevention workshop features specialist in its causes "Approximately 150 people learned of the effects that violent TV shows, hand- held game toys and computer games have had on youth in the past three decades."
Pair
teams up to open new real estate office "Tutt said she was the top salesperson in Mercer and Lantta was the top salesperson in Hurley. Both are in the top 7 percent nationwide in sales, they added."
[See more at Mercer RE/MAX. - Bob]
"That prolonged cold snap last month turned it into the eighth coldest February on record in Ironwood, according to the National Weather Service."
"For every dollar Wisconsin residents gave to telemarketers on behalf of Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America in 2005, the charity got just 14 cents, earning the non-profit the lowest possible ranking from a charity watchdog group."
[See more at Charity Navigator - Bob]
Kind's
proposal would help farmers, local communities"armers would be encouraged to be active land stewards, communities would get access to locally grown foods and development of renewable energy would be boosted on farms under a proposal by La Crosse Democrat Ron Kind and 70 other legislators."
"The fact is that even if House Democrats, with a clear majority, could agree on meaningful legislation that would get this country out of Iraq decidedly sooner, Senate Republicans likely have the numbers in that chamber to block any such effort. And then there's the matter of a promised presidential veto of any legislation that contains a withdrawal timetable."
"Jared Williams, a state weights and measures inspector, says he rarely visits a store where he doesn't find a product priced incorrectly or a scanner not working right - violations that are costing families hundreds of dollars a year."
"Taxpayers will pay more than $500,000 to provide credit monitoring for people whose Social Security numbers were accidentally printed on tax booklets mailed in December."
"A laser detector clocked cars above his sign reading "Watch your speed or it will cost you your pot of gold," and several officers on motorcycles chased those who didn't heed the advice."
Sen
R. Feingold"On this solemn anniversary, we remember the more than 3,000 brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, the tens of thousands of brave Americans who have been injured while serving in Iraq, and the countless families and communities across this country who have provided unwavering support for their loved ones, friends, and neighbors serving overseas."
Sen
H. Kohl"Between 1998 and 2004, the number of disease outbreaks tied to contaminated produce has doubled, Senator Kohl said in his testimony. In all, since 1990 public-health officials have tracked 30,000 cases of illness – involving 650 outbreaks linked to consumption of produce."
Rep
D. Obey"In May 2006, Wisconsin Ag Connection reported that efforts to extend the MILC program failed when Congressman Dave Obey of Wausau offered an extension amendment, but was overturned by fellow lawmakers."
"As House Appropriations Committee began a sometimes-heated debate on the war, its chairman, Wisconsin Democratic Rep. David Obey, said, "We are trying to deliver a message to the politicians in Iraq that we are not going to sit around forever watching them dither, watching them refuse to compromise, while our troops die.""
Gov.
Doyle“As the former Attorney General who started the DNA program, I recognize the critical needs of the crime lab,” Governor Doyle said. “This budget bill will help the Attorney General to begin to eliminate the backlog immediately.”
"Logging, mining and the city's tavern industry, the mainstays of the area's economy for decades, will be emphasized. The sculptures and banners will elicit questions from visitors that will be answered as a part of a walking tour, or in pamphlets available at Silver Street businesses."
Iron
County could hire highway commission assistant soon "After screening 20 applications for the position Tuesday, the highway committee narrowed the field to six, according to Osterman. The county is seeking an assistant highway commissioner prior to highway commissioner Bob Peterson's Oct. 5 retirement."
Montreal
opens bids for new front-end loader "The city is interested in purchasing either a Caterpillar or John Deere front-end loader, and so two of the bids are not being considered, Walta said. Aring submitted a bid for a Volvo, and Swiderski, a New Holland."
"Douglas Carr's escapades over a 12-hour period resulted in his disorderly conduct arrest by the Iron County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from the HPD."
Confusion
reigns on response plans"... the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act says the public not only has a right to see the "Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan," but agencies also are required to annually notify citizens that the plans have been updated and are available for review. Yet instead of handing over the documents, officials at the state and in Waukesha and Washington counties put up roadblocks, including demanding written requests and raising suspicions about terrorism."
"The report, reviewed Wednesday by the Wisconsin State Journal, found that the hospital needed improvements in nine of 11 criteria reviewed. Many of the problems involved record keeping, not direct patient care. Environmental conditions were largely found to be good."
Some GM car owners to lose OnStar"About 500,000 General Motors vehicles will lose their OnStar service at the end of this year as cell phone companies end analog service and switch to all digital."
Obey's
plan for war
spending headed to House floor"A House Democratic plan authored by Rep. David Obey that sets a September 2008 deadline for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq is headed for the House floor next week. The plan is included in a $124 billion supplemental spending bill that cleared the House Appropriations Committee today in a 36-28 vote."
Odd News of the Day: Coach gives birth then heads to game"The Nebraska-Kearney basketball team didn't mind that coach Carol Russell was a little late for the game. Five hours after giving birth to her first child, a son, Russell was back on the bench and encouraging her players in the North Central Region basketball tournament."
"It's considered part of a tourism industry with a huge impact here (generating $100 million in business). Wirth's hope is that his proposal will both help the sport grow and keep ATVers where he feels they belong, on the trails."
Sen
R. Feingold“I am extremely concerned by the report that the Attorney General may have known he was a target of an internal investigation relating to his authorization of the illegal NSA wiretapping program, and yet advised the President to effectively shut down the probe by denying investigators the necessary security clearances."
"... the resolution rejects the idea of Congress using its power of the purse to safely redeploy our troops from Iraq. Moreover, it does so in a manner that can only be described as inaccurate and almost intellectually dishonest."
"Since 1994, more than 30 major reports have been issued calling for reforming the Corps and/or pointing out stunning flaws in Corps projects and project studies."
Sen
H. Kohl"A mission that began with the great success of our men and women in uniform has bogged down through no fault of theirs. With heavy hearts the Congress, after hearing the people speak in November, must now force a change in our policy in Iraq."
""Of all the programs this panel funds, there are none that literally mean the difference between life and death, on a daily basis, as much as the programs related to humanitarian food assistance,""
The video of Jimmy Lee singing the Brule tune, "Home", that Andrew Abraham posted on You Tubes has been entered in a competition in Britain. Click on the above link to go to http://www.webpops.co.uk/. You then click on "Video Voting" and scroll down to Jimmy's picture. Clicking there lets you see the video and vote for him.
Globe,
WJMS-WIMI join in news venture "The new venture will allow WJMS 590 AM, on its 5 p.m. weekday newscast, to carry edited versions of stories that will be published in the next day's Daily Globe. Listeners can then read more in-depth and other local news in the next day's paper."
Hurley
seeks to use grant money for storm sewer work"The city will send a letter to the WDOC seeking the $200,000 to be used in conjunction with the 2007 water and sewer project. It will consist of 21 blocks of sewer, water and roadway reconstruction, with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development and the federal Section 154 fund already secured."
Iron
County unemployment rate increases in January "The jobless rate in Iron County for January hit double digits, the highest in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development said Iron County's 10.1 percent unemployment rate compared to 9.2 percent in December."
"Iron County Forestry Department Administrator Joe Vairus said ATV trails will open on a trail-by-trail basis as conditions dry up. Trails must be inspected for washouts and grade integrity, he said Tuesday."
Mercer
student to be Senate page"Minnis was nominated for the Senate Youth Scholar Program by Sen. Robert Jauch, D-Poplar. She said Mercer history teacher Kay Krans suggested the page program to her."
"The Mercer Food Pantry has established "new boundaries," according to Louise Minisan, and will serve only residents of Mercer, Springstead, Manitowish Waters, Presque Isle and Winchester. Proof of residency will be required."
"Patricia Kubacki, Beltone Hearing Instrument specialist, Hurley, attended Beltone's 2007 International Convention in Orlando, Fla."
"Three Mercer students and a teacher were part of a delegation representing eight northern Wisconsin counties at Superior Days in Madison on Feb. 27 and 28."
Foreclosure
filings soar"Another ugly surprise reported Tuesday by the Mortgage Bankers Association was that Wisconsin, long known for superior bill-paying performance, had a foreclosure rate worse than the nation's - 1.42% of all loans in the fourth quarter."
"Legend has it that one snarling pothole on East Washington Avenue brought down more than 100 cars last weekend. 'Course, that's the stuff of pothole lore, which seems to spread as ominously as the holes themselves."
"Moreover, when auditors compared 10 technical college districts that also contain a four-year UW System institution, they found that full-time faculty in seven of the 10 districts had higher average earnings than UW System faculty."
"With the state budget now facing a Democratic Senate and a Republican Assembly, the University of Wisconsin is looking to get its foot in the door with an aggressive campaign to secure domestic partnership benefits for its employees."
"A man told police not to blame him for crashing his truck into a light post - it was that unicorn behind the wheel."
"The musky at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame needs a fresh coat of paint. Hall executive director Emmett Brown said the project will require "an artist with special paints.""
Sen
R. Feingold"I continue to believe that the only way we are ultimately going to end the President’s failed policies in Iraq is by exercising Congress’s power of the purse to safely bring our troops out of Iraq."
"The Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act fixes the anomaly in the elections law that makes it nearly impossible for the public to get timely access to Senate campaign finance reports, even though most other reports are available on the Internet within 24 hours of their filing with the FEC."
Sen
H. Kohl"This merger wave has led to substantially less competition in the oil industry, which have directly caused increases in the price of gasoline. And the grossly inflated profit numbers of the major oil companies -- the highest corporate profits ever achieved in U.S. history -- are conclusive evidence of the lack of competition in the U.S. oil industry,"
"Herb Kohl, chairman of the Senate antitrust subcommittee, said his bill would require companies to prove their proposed merger would not hobble competition."
Rep
D. Obey"Because Obey is quite right: The votes aren't there to shut down funding for the war. What he and Pelosi and the rest of the Democratic leadership in both houses are about is finding some way to curtail the president's determination to pass the war on to his successor regardless of the continuing cost to U.S. interests and lives."
"Road restrictions in the Town of Carey, Iron County, are in place, effective immediately."
"The two lead sponsors of a bill in the Wisconsin Legislature promoting the use of ethanol and the purchase of cars that run on an 85% blend of the corn-based fuel have financial ties to the ethanol and automotive industries, records show."
"In a nationwide audit of open records laws, government officials who were asked by reporters for copies of emergency plans for chemical or hazardous material spills denied access to the public reports one-third of the time. One in five of the government agencies provided only partial reports to the more than 400 requests."
"On a bipartisan 27-6 vote, the state Senate today confirmed Gov. Jim Doyle's re-appointment of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi. The vote came despite questions about the Department of Transportation's handling of a tax dispute involving one of Gov. Jim Doyle's biggest campaign donors, indicted Kenosha businessman Dennis Troha."
"Nineteen Democratic state legislators released a letter Monday sent to Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, urging him to uphold the University of Wisconsin’s revised admissions policy."
Activists
charged with ordinance violation"Three peace activists were charged this afternoon with a disorderly conduct ordinance violation following their arrest Feb. 26 after refusing to leave Rep. Dave Obey’s Wausau office."
"This story is a hallmark of effective partnering, and a hallmark of the way we need to implement the goals of the Endangered Species Act," said Ken Stansell, acting deputy director of the Fish and Wildlife Service."
Sen
H. Kohl"U.S. Senator Herb Kohl today held a Congressional hearing in Wisconsin to examine the issue of food safety and called for additional research and rapid response teams to help prevent and contain contamination of produce."
Rep
D. Obey"If only their rhetoric matched their voting record. In October 2003, as insurgent violence in Iraq was growing and military equipment shortages were becoming increasingly problematic, Rep. David Obey (D-WI) proposed an amendment shifting $3.6 billion to pay for better equipment and other quality-of-life measures for U.S. troops. Not one of the five voted for it."
Gov.
Doyle“It’s been an historic season for Wisconsin basketball. During a season where a Wisconsin team was ranked No. 1 in the country, it’s no wonder we’re well represented in the NCAA tournament."
- BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS – 5:30 P.M.
- POLICE, FIRE & LICENSE COMMITTEE - Immediately following the Board of Public Works meeting
- FINANCE COMMITTEE - Immediately following the Police, Fire & License Committee meeting
- CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6:30 P.M.
[The link takes you to the agenda which is graciously provided by City Clerk Linda Ryskewecz. I thank her for her commitment to "sunshine in government." - Bob]
Hurley
to hold kindergarten registration "Parents of children that are not attending the district's present 4-year-old kindergarten program and who will be eligible for next year's 5-year-old kindergarten class are asked to call the elementary school office at 561-4900, ext. 203."
"Doctors at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics harvested adult stem cells from Myrah's bone marrow so they could be injected into blood-deprived areas of his heart. The hope is that the cells will stimulate the formation of new blood vessels or the expansion of existing ones, restoring blood flow."
Bluntness
backfires on Honest Obey"Obey, who is himself a liberal Democrat but is not Bill Clinton, didn't emote with a quivering lip. He did, however, talk in a reasonably empathetic voice until the Missouri woman changed the subject with a truly baffling question."
"In the trials, doctors at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics and other locations will harvest adult stem cells from a patient's bone marrow and inject them into blood-deprived areas of the heart. The hope is that the cells will stimulate the formation of new blood vessels or the expansion of existing ones, restoring blood flow."
"The crying woman told a constable at the police station in the city of Napier the plant theft was the fourth from her property in as many years. The 45-year-old woman, who was not named, lamented someone had again sneaked on to her property at night to steal her three carefully nurtured marijuana plants."
"As of today, the gray (timber) wolf is no longer recognized by the federal government as an endangered or threatened species."
"Under the requirements in the bill Obey has put forward as chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, by July 1 of this year the president must certify that Iraq is making "meaningful and substantial progress" in meeting military and political benchmarks, including a militia disarmament program and a plan that equitably shares oil revenues among all Iraqi factions."
Sen
H. Kohl"Between 1998 and 2004, food poisoning outbreaks caused by produce nearly doubled, according to Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl. Meanwhile, the number of FDA inspectors for fresh produce declined from 870 in 2003 to 640 last year. "And food inspections dropped nearly in half in that time," Kohl said. "
"Kohl says the need for new rules became clear after recent outbreaks, such as e-coli tainted spinach and green onions. He says the largest obstacle to improving food quality will be obtaining more federal dollars since the FDA's food inspection budget has remained stagnant over the past several years."
Gov.
Doyle"Jenkins and other soldiers claim that the division and brigade surgeons summarily downgraded soldiers' profiles, without even a medical exam, in order to deploy them to Iraq. It is a claim division officials deny."
"If it were determined tomorrow that a single tree in, say, the middle of Shorewood were infested with the bugs, the state plan could require every ash tree within a half-mile radius to be chopped down. That might force the village to rethink its very name. Such a cut would topple virtually all the thousands of ash that tower over the shady Milwaukee suburb."
"The report made public Friday said Doyle's budget plan includes increases of $506 million from raising the cigarette tax to $2.02 per pack, $417 million from a new tax on hospitals designed to bring in more federal Medicaid dollars, $272 million from a tax on profits of big oil companies and $142 million from a doubling of the transfer fee when real estate is sold."
"The University of Wisconsin Roman Catholic Foundation is not eligible to receive student-segregated fees from the university, a federal judge ruled Thursday, since it does not currently meet the criteria of a student organization."
Obey
stands by remarks"I think that anyone who thinks that I can wave a magic wand and produce 218 votes (needed for a House majority) to pass an immediate cutoff to the war in the teeth of presidential opposition is, in fact, an idiot," Obey, D-Wausau, said in a telephone interview moments after reading his prepared apology.
"The following is an exchange between U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, and antiwar activist Tina Richards of Salem, Mo., more than the $103 billion supplemental spending bill President Bush has requested to help pay for the continued cost of the war in Iraq and an escalation of troops."
"The fact that this story is being pushed by people in the Republican leadership demonstrates that they will stop at nothing to cynically try to keep those of us who want to change direction on that war divided."
"Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI), Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) today applauded the Veterans' Administration's (VA) decision to open Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Rice Lake and Hayward to provide veterans living northwestern Wisconsin access to primary and mental health care closer to home."
Sen
H. Kohl"Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl will hold a food safety hearing Monday at Verona with top US Food and Drug Administration officials. It's aimed at building support for more inspectors in the wake of last year's E. coli breakout caused by tainted spinach."
Net losses: Saxon Harbor
fishermen express concerns over netting"DNR fisheries biologist Steve Schram said Wednesday the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission is responsible for checking the harvest of tribal netting on the Michigan side of the lake. He said Michigan does have quotas for commercial fishermen."
"This jurisdiction has been chosen to receive $3,145 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. Local EFSB chairperson Lucia Patritto said, "Though, unfortunately, our funding has decreased over that of past years, I know that local agencies and programs will be able to leverage the money to provide needed services to Iron County residents."
"She will travel with a team of volunteers assembled by The View Foundation to conduct an English as a second language day camp at Abebech Orphanage in Addis Ababa. The camp uses classroom lessons, crafts, games and sports -- with an emphasis on "much needed individual attention" -- according to its Web site."
"Nathan Anthony Kolesar is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. The weapons' charge carries a penalty of nine months in jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000."
Protests target
state's lawmakers"The protesters have focused their attention on Obey and on Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl. On Monday, four members of the group were arrested at Obey's office in Wausau, following the arrest of three the previous week, for refusing to leave when the office closed for the day."
""We cannot accept the proposition that a governing body's belief that secret meetings will produce cost savings justifies closing the door to public scrutiny," judges on the 4th District Court of Appeals wrote in an opinion issued Thursday."
Kohl
pushes anti-trust issue"After Sen. Herb Kohl criticized the proposed hostile takeover of Midwest Airlines at a hearing Wednesday, he won a pledge from a top Justice Department official that any information sparking anti-trust concerns would be reviewed."
Put more energy into green power"It's time to push even harder to increase the electricity generated from renewable sources, including wind, landfill gas, farm manure and hydropower. Wisconsin is making praiseworthy progress. But look what's happening elsewhere."
"The forecast calls for a warming trend next week, and we can finally get rid of those piles of snow. You think you'll be driving on easy street, right? Think again. Madison is about to jump from winter season to construction season."
"Speakers from religious, labor and Hispanic communities gathered at the state Capitol Thursday to protest the federal Real ID Act and rally support for immigration reform."
"A video in which Rep. Dave Obey refers to some of his colleagues as “idiot liberals” is being used by Republicans to highlight disarray among House Democrats over the Iraq war. The six-minute video clip — shot Monday in the hallway of the House Rayburn Office Building — was posted on the YouTube Internet site by Grassroots America, a peace and social justice organization opposed to the Iraq war." To See video, click HERE
Obey
offers troop pullout plan"Rep. Dave Obey joined other House Democratic leaders Thursday in announcing a plan to tie continued funding for the Iraq war to a timeline for the "orderly and responsible" withdrawal of U.S. troops by the end of August 2008."
"But we're left, after two sit-ins and pending national demonstrations, with a seemingly contradictory thought. It's possible to support both the protesters' right to protest and the man they're targeting in their activism. "
"Under the requirements in the bill Obey has put forward as chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, by July 1 of this year the president must certify that Iraq is making "meaningful and substantial progress" in meeting military and political benchmarks, including a militia disarmament program and a plan that equitably shares oil revenues among all Iraqi factions."
Sen
R. Feingold
“Helping children, no matter what their background, receive a higher education is what the American dream is all about,” Feingold said. “This legislation is critical to helping students with great potential receive the higher education they’ve earned through their hard work in school.”
“This report proves that "trust us" doesn't cut it when it comes to the government’s power to obtain Americans' sensitive business records without a court order and without any suspicion that they are tied to terrorism or espionage."
“Access to higher education should be based on a student’s desire to gain knowledge and skills, not on their financial resources,” Feingold said. “There is broad bipartisan support for increasing the Pell maximum award and increasing funding for Pell would send a strong message to students that Congress supports them as they pursue higher education.”
Sen
H. Kohl"Kohl says he'll seek additional funding for more research and inspectors, perhaps in the neighborhood of ten (m) million dollars in the short term."
"Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl, a co-sponsor of the proposed ban, said in a statement that there may be ``room for compromise'' with Hatch and others ``as long as the end result solves this problem.''"
Rep
D. Obey“I am sorry that I yelled at them. I respect their passion on the issue; I wish they would respect mine. We are both frustrated, and that led us to have an argument that we never should have had because we both want to see an end to U.S. involvement in that war."
Gov.
Doyle"Seasonal weight limitations on Iron County trunks A, B, C, CC, D, E, F, G, H and J will go into effect Monday. Seasonal weight limitations on Wisconsin 122 and 169 will also be placed on Monday."
"The Class B liquor-beer establishment closing hour on that day only will be 3:30 a.m., rather than the normal 2:30 a.m. closing time. "The bars will not gain extra bar time on that day, since we'll be setting our clocks ahead one hour," Erspamer said on Wednesday."
"A federal limit for Medicaid payments tied to the funding of Medicare - the federal health plan for the elderly and the disabled - would cut by more than half what hospitals would gain in Doyle's plan, the hospital association's analysis says. Another federal rule would impede Doyle's goal of enrolling 57 rural hospitals in a program that would bring in more federal money, the analysis says."
"The arrangement worked fine for more than 30 years, when the tuitions in the two states remained fairly comparable. But a series of steep tuition hikes over the past six years at the University of Minnesota and the widening gap between the states' tuition rates had called the whole deal's future into question in recent months."
"Under the reciprocity agreement that has been in place for nearly 30 years, Wisconsin students can attend a public university in Minnesota for the same price as attending a UW school."
Obey
ties war funding to 'orderly' withdrawal"Obey also plans to add at least another $13 billion in spending to the bill when it comes before the House Appropriations Committee next week, including $3 billion for military base closings, $3 billion for homeland security, $3 billion for Hurricane Katrina rebuilding and $1 billion for redeployment of more troops to Afghanistan."
Sen
R. Feingold"While the legislation doesn’t go as far as I would like, it is a strong step toward ending our involvement in this misguided war. I will continue to push for Congress to use its power of the purse to end our involvement in this war.”
Sen
H. Kohl"Under current law, there is a seven-year time limit on SSI benefits -- a modest monthly stipend to allow the elderly, blind or disabled to afford basic necessities -- for legal humanitarian immigrants who are not U.S. citizens."
"The impact has been clear. The cuts are so damaging -- and the program so important -- that one Wisconsin community has decided to hold a raffle, to raise funds for their child support enforcement program."
"The plan would require all private gun sellers in Milwaukee County run a buyer’s background before making a sale…something gun dealers already do. Those who break the law could face 10 years in jail and a $25,000 fine."
"The computer site will allow viewers to browse newsletters, review minutes of meetings, and research information about the flowage. Photos will also be included."
[To view the site (which is apparently not up right now), click on this address: http://friendsofthegile.org./ - Bob]
"The young team went to Milwaukee to watch the Bucks play the Chicago Bulls at the Bradley Center. The tickets were a gift from Franki Reichard, mother of freshman player Alicia Reichard."
"The City of Hurley last summer passed an amendment to its burning ordinance. It requires homeowners to obtain permits for both fire pits that can be purchased from stores and also backyard pits, such as those that are constructed with rock boundaries. Fire chief Darrell Petrusha recommended a $10 annual cost for burning pit permits, to cover the cost of an inspection."
Schools shorted
in budget plan"In a summary of the budget that Doyle gave to legislators last month, the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau said the state would pay 65.3% of public school costs in the year that begins July 1 and 65.5% of those costs in the following year."
"Travelers in Wisconsin spent an estimated $12.97 billion last year, up more than 8% from $11.95 billion in 2005, the study said. Summer was the busiest travel season, as spending rose to $4.94 billion from $4.45 billion ...Also, travelers spent more on gasoline as those prices increased last year.
[One has to wonder how shipping windfall profits to Texas and Saudi Arabia would help Wisconsin's economy. - Bob]
"Early one morning last October, Luillia Van Lanen was rushed to the hospital after she awoke with shortness of breath. Doctors told her the cause was her decision to stop taking medications that kept her blood pressure down, she said. She did that because under the Medicare Part D drug program, she couldn't pay for all her medications."
Gov extends last call an hour Saturday night"Doyle signed a law Tuesday allowing bars to remain open until 3:30 a.m. early Sunday. In future years, it will apply to the night that daylight-saving time kicks in."
“Understandably, when a victim is initially seen in the emergency room, they do not know what questions to ask or what specific treatment options there are to prevent a pregnancy,” Robertson said. “Every victim has a right to be told how to prevent a pregnancy after an assault.” Pro-Life Wisconsin, however, opposes the proposed legislation, calling emergency contraception an “abortion-causing drug.”
"It wasn’t the most romantic of honeymoons. Police said a groom is in jail, accused of trying to run over his new wife after a weekend wedding in Las Vegas."
"Most of the cases reported to the police turn out to be boyfriend/girlfriend matters that are not prosecuted, but have to be investigated nevertheless, Katchka said. "Every person who has been named as a witness or being a party to it or has any information has to be interviewed," he said. The results could simply be painfully embarrassing, but worse, could result in a criminal prosecution and conviction for offenses that range from misdemeanors to felonies that could potentially result in a prison term and listing as a criminal sex offender.
Sen
H. Kohl"Midwest Airlines is a unique company in the airline industry -- an airline that offers the highest quality of service, and is actually beloved by its customers. Beyond this, Midwest Airlines is vital to the economy of Wisconsin and the Greater Milwaukee area."
Rep
D. Obey"But the revamped Earmark Store is advertising less, not more, this year. Shopkeeper David Obey, the Wisconsin Democrat who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, has announced that his panel intends to allow only half as much earmark spending as Congress approved in fiscal 2006. Exempt from the clampdown, however, are programs that by their nature are "project-based," such as the Army Corps of Engineers' levees, appropriators said."
"With all the snow we had brought to the track by our village department of public works and all the snow last week, we feel confident that we'll have plenty of good hard snow for the drag races on March 24th,"
Wal-Mart
will call for bids by end of this week "Wal-Mart will call for bids for a general contractor for the construction of its 165,000-square-foot Super Center on Country Club Road in Ironwood Township by the end of this week, ... "We are coming. It is just a matter of time," Infante said Monday. "
"The combination of state grants, federal tax credits and a program launched by We Energies to buy back power from solar panels installed by customers has led more than 37 electric customers across the state to add solar panels in just over a year. Across the state, the utility company program - Focus on Energy - has awarded more than 200 grants for solar projects."
"What the experts call hunger and "food insecurity" among the elderly is in the spotlight as the older population grows. olunteers are addressing a problem that's largely invisible but pervasive and can threaten the health and independence of older people, said Rita Giavannoni, chief executive officer of Independent Living."
"As recently as 20 years ago, there were so few women in leadership positions that it wasn't plausible to imagine one taking the reins of government, she said. But that doesn't mean some didn't try."
Sen
R. Feingold"Many veterans and active duty servicemembers are willing to provide constructive feedback on the current state of health care services provided to them. They should be given a strong voice on this commission."
"Indeed, Attorney General Gonzales testified in January that he would “never, ever make a change in the United States attorney position for political reasons.” Yet there is increasingly disturbing evidence that political motivations played a significant role in what happened and that the Department of Justice did its best to obscure that fact."
Sen
H. Kohl"Over the past several years, industries that are served by only one railroad have faced spiking rail rates," Kohl said. "They are the victims of price gouging by the single railroad that serves them, price increases which they are forced to pass along, ultimately, to consumers."
Rep
D. Obey"Four protesters refused to leave Obey's office when it closed last night at five. The four want Obey to promise he'll vote to deny additional funding for the war in Iraq. Wausau police gave the four a chance to leave, but they refused and were arrested on disorderly conduct charges."
Gov.
Doyle"Senate Bill 52 harmonizes state daylight savings time statutes with the federal law. It also maintains the current law status for bar closing time on the Sunday that daylight saving time begins."
"The only thing that's needed now is final approval," he said. There are still a couple of minor issues with road design, Johnson said. "They are close to being resolved," he said."
"Local election officials around the state are criticizing that computer software, still not fully functional a year after missing a federal deadline, as unreliable, maddeningly slow and unnecessarily complex."
"The large home lots, typically with a big house set in the middle, cannot be used for farming. And the introduction of new non-farm neighbors often sets up conflicts with nearby farmers over slow tractors on narrow country roads, dust, unpleasant odors and assorted, sometimes late-night farm noise."
"But since then, social conservatives and medical groups have opposed the mandate, some Republican cosponsors have withdrawn their support and the chairwoman of the Assembly health committee has declared the proposal dead on arrival in that chamber."
"The three-day conference exhibited roundtable discussions, brainstorming sessions and keynote speakers at the Humanities building."
"Through an interpreter, the snow lover said he was excited about the weather and wanted to run naked in it. He told authorities he didn’t realize the woman and children were watching. The man was charged with disorderly conduct."
His resignation letter to the board, dated Feb. 19, stated his experience in the Mercer School District "for the most part has been very positive." "I will be willing to assist the board in finding my replacement and recommend that we do not waste precious time as we map out a plan," he said."
Sen
R. Feingold“While I am withholding judgment on the FCC’s consent decree on payola until it is official, I am encouraged today by reports of a significant financial settlement between the federal government and major radio broadcast companies that improves access and increases air time for independent and local artists."
Gov.
Doyle“We will make health care more affordable in Wisconsin and ensure that 98 percent of all Wisconsin citizens have access to comprehensive health care coverage – more than any other state in the nation,”
"Peering through infrared binoculars, the Wisconsin National Guard private watched as seven green shapes made their way in the darkness through the mesquite bushes, creosote and sand to an irrigation canal filled with Colorado River water. The figures jumped into the water and stayed put for 45 minutes. The canal was in the United States."
"SeniorCare needs the approval of top federal officials to continue past June 30. Despite support from all of Wisconsin's congressional delegation, Gov. Jim Doyle and most legislators, there are growing signs that federal officials want it to end."
"But the registry contains only a fraction of the likely sex offenders living in the state. And the law gives police broad discretion in how - or even whether - to tell neighbors about any one of them ...
Police said they base their decision on state data predicting an offender's likelihood to reoffend. They also consider, to some extent, their own ability to get the word out."
"We had a foot and a half to two feet of snow in just about the entire western ring of land surrounding Lake Superior from Grand Marais all the way down the North Shore to Duluth and inland quite a ways and then wrapping around the south shore to Saxon Harbor,"
Sen
H. Kohl"Today, a U.S. citizen can bring his parents into the country, but not his five year old brother or sister. The parents -- forced to choose between their children -- are effectively prevented from coming to this country as well."
"The MEP program is a nationwide network of centers that helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers compete in the global economy by producing advanced products, using emerging technology, and streamlined processes. The President's budget for FY2008 slashes funding for the MEP program by 56 percent."
""Some of the stories associated with this problem are simply unbelievable. For instance, a husband accused of abusing his wife was asked to translate as his wife testified in court,""
"Friday's revelations by the bouncers appeared to contradict a White House spokesman's assertion in 2005 that volunteers were responsible for ejecting the Denver Three - self-described progressives Alex Young, Leslie Weise and Karen Bauer. Only Young and Weise are involved in the federal lawsuit ... The ACLU team seeks a federal court ruling that a policy of excluding event guests violates the First Amendment."
"A blast from the past best describes the current winter storm on the Gogebic Range. And as of late Friday this 2007 storm was still going strong. Significant snowfall with blowing and drifting was common on the Gogebic Range in the mid-1990s and again in the early 2000s."
"Marotta also met with opponents of the Kenosha casino and officials from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nation said. "He met with folks representing every tribe that has an off-reservation issue pending in front of the feds," Nation said. "It was completely appropriate and if he wasn't having those meetings, that would be very unusual. Again it's his job.""
"Citing a lack of resources and continuing staff reductions, District Attorney Brian Blanchard has told police chiefs his office will no longer file charges of criminal possession against individuals for having less than 25 grams of marijuana - an amount many law enforcement agencies consider to be for personal use rather than for distribution to others."
Sen
R. Feingold""Under the Buy American Act, the federal government is supposed to support American manufacturers and American workers by buying goods made in the United States, but the law is full of loopholes that give agencies broad discretion to waive the requirement," Feingold said."
"With the expiration of the current ceasefire between the Government of Uganda and the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), the U.S. and the international community must take swift action to encourage both parties to recommit to a political resolution and to a sustainable and lasting peace,"
Sen
H. Kohl"The retirement of the Baby Boom generation threatens to limit the potential of our economy," said Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., "but demography is not destiny. Studies show that as older Americans live longer and healthier lives, many are planning to work longer. We must encourage businesses to adopt policies now to attract and retain older workers as they are confronted with the coming labor force shortage."
Rep
D. Obey""There were 31 kicks of the cat with Vietnam. We're on kick number three here," Democrat David Obey of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee that oversees spending, said on Wednesday as he and his colleagues sought consensus on their next move on Iraq."
Hurley
School Podcasts- Col. Grossman - Media Violence - "Retired Colonel David Grossman speaks to Sam Erspamer - AM 59 WJMS Radio, Ironwood, Michigan, regarding the dangers of violence in video games, television and movies. The psychology of killing is"
- Chris Patritto - Friday, February 2, 2007 - "This is the first in a series of Podcasts for and about the Hurley School District. This is just one more way we can reach our to our community."
"The Mercer School District plans to advertise for a full-time principal and part-time administrator for the 2007-08 school year. "It's too much of a job for one person to handle, to do it properly," school board president John Pinzl said Thursday."
"At least 17 people have died in snowmobile accidents in the state, compared to 27 a year ago. The fatality count for the entire winter of 2005-06 was 36, according to the Department of Natural Resources."
"Near Iron Belt, Wis., 40 mph gusts around 3 p.m. Thursday were making it hard for school students at bus stops to stay earthbound, said one area resident."
"Under a new state law, libraries can request reimbursement starting in summer from any nearby county where their books or other materials are on loan. The arrangement is designed to promote cooperation among neighboring libraries, some of which have been resentful toward out-of-town customers using facilities without paying."
"To help give local passengers those options, Gov. Jim Doyle included more support in his budget proposal for a state and federal plan to extend Amtrak rail service from Milwaukee to Madison with passenger trains that could travel up to 110 mph."
"For the continued survival of the state's American Indians, tribes must be legitimately treated as sovereign governments and rise above inner squabbling, said Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council President Patricia DePerry in the 3rd annual State of the Tribes address before the Wisconsin Assembly Thursday."
"Drug companies previously provided low-cost pricing to University Health Services and many other college health services nationwide, but the Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 required the cancellation of those contracts as of Jan. 1, 2007."
Sen
R. Feingold
“I commend Senators Obama and McCain for pledging that, if nominated, they will participate in the presidential public funding system in the 2008 general election, as long as their eventual opponent also participates."
“During two decades of violence in northern Uganda, hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or mutilated and tens of thousands of children have been abducted, forced into combat and subjected to torture and sexual violence,”
Cancellations caused by
stormMore complete and accurate updates are available by listening to WJMS, 850 AM.
"Maybe we'll see a bunch of stand-alone stories on this tomorrow. Maybe we'll hear lots of similar denunciations of McCain's blunder in the next 12 to 24 hours. Or maybe not. Maybe instead we'll be reminded yet again of the media's default setting: On military matters, Dems are presumed to be politically vulnerable, while Republicans -- particularly McCain -- are presumed to be politically infallible."
"A leading expert in the study of school violence, Grossman will be at the Hurley School on Sunday and Monday to talk with parents and educators about the "virus" of violent crime."
Teachers
get SMART"We are in a time where we have to protect our students in ways we could never have imagined. Students are making horrific decisions that not only affect them, but also the lives of other innocent students,"
Vairus
takes over as forest administrator "Forestry committee chairman Tom Thompson, Mercer, introduced Vairus to the county board Tuesday. Vairus hails from Pine River, Minn. He replaces acting administrator Gary Glonek, who was appointed to the position when Charlie Zinsmaster stepped down from the top forestry post in October."
"There's no money owed," Iron County Board Chairman Dennis DeRosso told the county board on Tuesday as he outlined the $2,313,831 Saxon Harbor project that was completed last fall."
"Lake Superior fishery-related issues will be discussed in what has become an annual meeting between the club and the DNR."
English
willing to return to Mercer School's top post "English said Tuesday that he had contacted each board member and asked that the board meet with him prior to beginning its search for a new administrator."
"The Department of Natural Resources wants to increase the price of camping fees by $3 a day at seven popular campgrounds that are used heavily on weekends. The agency also wants to raise the price of the annual state trail pass from $15 to $20 and place restrictions on drinking alcohol at the newest state park in Milwaukee."
High
court takes on faith-based initiatives"The separation-of-church-and-state case, also the first of its type to be heard under Chief Justice John Roberts, hinges on a narrow but key legal question: Can the average taxpayer allege violations of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion . . . ""
Doyle's
biggest supporter, Dennis Troha, is indicted on charges of illegally
funneling campaign cash"The federal indictment accuses Kenosha millionaire businessman Dennis Troha of illegally funneling more than $100,000 in campaign donations to the Democratic governor and others through a business entity and family members."
Sen
R. Feingold“Our heroic soldiers fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world make tremendous sacrifices. To hear that conditions at the Army’s premier care facility were anything less than top-quality was simply unacceptable.”
"U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has been honored as a “Clean Water Champion” by the Clean Water Network, a coalition of over 1000 national, regional, state, and local organizations dedicated to protecting water quality."
Sen
H. Kohl"In both 1999 and 2001, the Traveling Sales Crew Protection Act was introduced. The lead sponsor is Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI). This bill would regulate the industry, close loopholes, and better protect salespersons in door-to-door sales. This bill has never made it to the floor for a vote either."
Rep
D. Obey"The health cooperative is contracting with Aetna, a nationwide health care benefits administrator, for the coverage. The health cooperative will be owned and governed by its farmer and agribusiness members. U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl and Congressman David Obey played a role in getting the health cooperative started, as did State Rep. Al Ott, R-Forest Junction."
"Other leading Democrats responsible for military oversight, including Representative Ike Skelton of Missouri, the chairman of the Armed Services panel, and Representative David Obey of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, have joined Abercrombie and Murtha. Among their targets: some of the $14 billion the Pentagon has requested for new armored vehicles, including 58 M-1 Abrams tanks, 168 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 111 Stryker light armored vehicles, 121 M113 armored personnel carriers, and 22 M88 recovery vehicles."
Gov.
Doyle"That means states will have a much shorter window to replace every driver’s license in America, and motorists will likely face longer lines and bigger hassles in getting their licenses renewed. In addition, the Bush Administration today provided no additional funding for the law – meaning state taxpayers now face an $11 billion unfunded mandate."
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