Local News (archives)
"Iron County is accepting bids for the former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources building located just west of downtown Upson, county board chairman Dennis DeRosso told the board Tuesday."
Flowages
to see new bag limits "A limit of three walleyes for sports anglers will be in effect on Iron County's Gile and Turtle-Flambeau Flowages when fishing season opens next Saturday. The limit is five walleyes on lakes throughout much of Wisconsin, and many anglers here aren't pleased with the three-fish limit that's a result of tribal fish spearing."
Hurley students take
part in STARS program"Students from the Hurley School District who participate in the STARS program took part in a field trip to the Wisconsin Visitors Center in Hurley. During their visit the students were informed of area landmarks and attractions."
Suspect
firewood lingered at stores"The recall order came April 13, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and Menards was given 24 hours to get the job done. But more than a week later, government inspectors found contraband wood still for sale at two stores in southern Wisconsin..."
"State forestry officials scrambled Sunday to contain more than 60 wildfires that broke out as low humidity, high temperatures and high winds converged to create the most dangerous fire conditions Wisconsin had seen in the last several years."
Wisconsin
promises 8th-graders a path to higher education"The state's 75,000 eighth-graders -- of all incomes, in public schools and private -- will be able to sign the Wisconsin Covenant agreement starting May 10. They'll promise to earn a B average in high school, take courses to prepare for college, stay out of trouble and perform community service work. In exchange, the state will guarantee them a spot in one of its public or private universities or technical colleges. Low-income students will be promised a mix of work study, loans and grants to help them pay their way."
"Nearly four months after Cha Vang, a 30-year-old Hmong immigrant from Green Bay, was killed, many Hmong question why James Nichols of Peshtigo -- a 28-year-old white man accused of murdering Vang while both were squirrel hunting -- hasn't been charged with a hate crime."
"Between 80 and 90 acres of trees and grass burned, about half of which lie inside the park boundary, LaValley said. It likely will be a few days before all hot spots and burning embers are extinguished and the DNR declares the fire to be out, LaValley said. A downed power line is suspected to be the cause of the fire."
"A fire of undetermined origin has claimed over 200 acres of national forest and private late and forced the evacuation of four residences in the Crystal Lake area of southern Bayfield County."
Rep
D. Obey"The President is still standing in the way of the change the American people called for in the last election. We have to put enough pressure on the president's Republican allies to leave him. That's not going to happen overnight."
"Rep. David Obey, the committee's chairman, said in an interview he expects requests to number in the "thousands and thousands — just like last year. It's going to take a long time to sort through them all." But the Wausau Democrat has no plans to publicly release the requests or the ones he's personally made. "
Gov.
Doyle“My proposal will help provide the care and support that children across our state living with autism need and deserve, and help take the squeeze off the families that support them."
“If we want renewable fuels in the marketplace, we have to produce the fuel here in Wisconsin. If an oilfield in Mideast is competing against a farm field from the Midwest, that’s a very good thing for the environment, for our economy, and for the state,”
"While Constella says it has internal controls to prevent conflicts of interest between its government duties and its work for drug and health companies, the government doesn't require corporate contractors to disclose their private-sector clients."
Biskupic
known as prosecutor, not as pol"Several of Biskupic's corruption prosecutions have been trumpeted by Republicans seeking political gain. Because some of the cases later met with rebukes from the courts, there has been speculation that Biskupic avoided being fired by succumbing to Bush administration pressure."
Wineke:
This bishop picks rules over charity"Burke is well-known in Wisconsin, where he was Bishop of La Crosse before being assigned to St. Louis in 2004. As a bishop here, he wrote two state officials and Rep. David Obey asking them to refrain from taking communion because they weren't doing enough to outlaw abortion. Burke said he cannot endorse Crow's appearance because she has been an outspoken proponent of embryonic stem-cell research and of women's abortion rights."
"A fire is currently burning in Council Grounds State Park south of Forest Drive in northwest of Merrill... The Lincoln County Department of Natural Resources is on the scene, using bulldozers to cut a fire line, and Wisconsin Public Service is also on scene."
Obey:
Pull out not in vain"The president is saying because he screwed up and because (former Defense Secretary Donald) Rumsfeld screwed up we're supposed to hold our military hostage forever more," Obey said, adding the military doesn't have the capacity to force political change in Iraq."
"The state was hit with 1,459 Lyme disease cases in 2005, the most recent year for which data are available. That was more than double the number in 2001, when there were fewer than 600 cases in the state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
ATV
trails possible in largest state forest"Development of as many as 38 miles of all-terrain-vehicle trails is being considered for the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, which covers parts of Vilas, Oneida and Iron counties."
Sen
R. Feingold"The Administration should not legitimise this election as doing so would undermine our commitment to good governance and transparency, and to building strong democracies,.
“What could have been an historic election in Nigeria was instead a disappointing repeat of the past. Nigerian polls were marred by widespread reports of fraud, irregularities, intimidation, and violence."
Sen
H. Kohl“We protested Kohl because he postulates himself as an antiwar candidate, but he continues to vote for funding the war,” said CAN member Kate Losey. “We want and demand something more from our politicians.”
Attorney
General Awards"In September, Coughlin was honored for his work on fraud and white collar crime. By the following April, he was out because of his alleged connections to the one of the largest white collar crime investigations in DOJ's history. Only in the Gonzales Justice Department."
Private
plans would gain in SeniorCare lapse"The end of the SeniorCare program this year would mean a small windfall for the 23 companies that sell Medicare prescription drug plans in Wisconsin. The windfall would be the roughly 101,600 potential customers now in the state's popular prescription drug program. They could generate more than $100 million in additional revenue for the Medicare prescription drug plans."
"Your grandpa slathered it on prime rib. Your "bubbe" put it on the Passover Seder plate. And for all you know, there's a bottle of the lumpy white heat stashed in the back of your refrigerator. We're talking horseradish."
"Tim Counts, a spokesman for ICE, also declined to identify any of the six men arrested in Madison. He said agency policy is not to identify anyone against whom no criminal charges are pending. Three of those arrested were fugitives who previously had been ordered out of the country. The other three were encountered during the fugitive operation, Counts said."
Editorial:
Feingold's listening"Yes, by comparison with most members of Congress, Feingold is brave. But his bravery stems not from some inner reservoir of strength so much as it does from the people of Wisconsin."
UW
must give up filesharers"A U.S. district court judge said Wednesday the University of Wisconsin System must release the names and contact information of 53 students accused of illegal file sharing on UW networks."
"The reporting and collection of dead birds, starting Tuesday, will help researchers understand how the virus is spread and what types of birds are most susceptible to virus-carrying mosquitoes. "It's always going to be here in Wisconsin now," said Dr. Jennifer Meece of the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. "While we never want people to not enjoy the out of doors, we always encourage them to be cognizant (West Nile virus) could be a problem." "
Risk
for wildfire expected to increase this weekend"One of the fires from last weekend was caused when someone was burning in a barrel and the fire just got away from them because it was too windy," Bonack said. "Another one started a couple of days after people had been burning. They hadn't fully put the fire out and [the embers] got up and started burning again."
County
to sue over Lake of the Falls parcel ""The Fisher Lake property is controlled by the Department of Natural Resources. Edelstein refuses to discuss anything with us. We haven't had any correspondence from them," DeRosso said."
""We're living within our means. We're looking at possible over-staffing. No individual or department in the county is exempt," county board chairman Dennis DeRosso told the board Tuesday."
Hurley
moves forward with water, sewer project "The easement obtained from Richard Soetebier allowed the council to award the main construction bid to A-1 Excavating of Bloomer. The easement is for property in the Florian Street area, where some lines will be rerouted."
VFW
Ladies Auxiliary elects officers"The inaugural luncheon will be held at the Liberty Bell Chalet on Wednesday, May 9, at noon. All members are invited to attend."
No
budging in budget votes"The committee is weeks away from votes on the most controversial recommendations of Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle - proposed tax increases on hospitals, cigarettes and oil company profits, and a $20 increase in the $55 annual fee to register vehicles."
"This Court, not the Ethics Board, has the exclusive power and the responsibility in matters of ethical supervision and maintaining standards for the judiciary."
"The University of Wisconsin-Madison freshman has a big bedroom, a private fitness room and even the availability of a personal trainer at her home at the University House Statesider, 505 N. Frances St."
Pet
food recall hits bay area "Judy Erickson of Ashland recently felt the high cost of buying bargain pet food, after her mother's cat Shadow ate Special Kitty — a Wal-Mart brand affected by the nationwide pet food recall — and went into kidney failure. "
Sen
R. Feingold"Senate Republicans today blocked an effort by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Rules and Administration Committee, to pass common sense legislation that would require Senate campaign finance reports to be filed electronically."
Sen
H. Kohl"The decision has angered Wisconsin seniors and politicians, who say SeniorCare is easier to navigate and produces more savings than Medicare. Democrats don't have enough votes to override Bush's expected veto, which will bring them back to the drawing board."
Rep
D. Obey"Democrats marked Thursday's passage with a news conference during which they repeatedly urged Bush to reconsider his veto threat. "This bill for the first time gives the president of the United States an exit strategy" from Iraq, said Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin."
Club
proud of its work at Saxon Harbor ""We have the nicest facility on the south shore," Grace Hines from the Saxon Harbor Boating Club told Iron County Board members Tuesday, thanking them for allowing the boating club to manage the newly renovated harbor."
""It goes without saying, Mr. Laguna, that should the state ever be able to demonstrate that the complaining witness's unavailability here today was procured by you, you would be in other legal jeopardy," Vilas County Circuit Court Judge Neal Nielsen III told Laguna."
Court
commissioner to hold sessions"Court commissioner Sam Filippo will be on hand to provide procedural help and guidance, but not legal advice, for self-represented individuals on the following dates and times:"
Two
wolf killings now resolved"Two men who shot wolves on the same day last fall in different Upper Peninsula counties have both been sentenced, solving two of about a half-dozen illegal killings that have occurred in the past few years."
"The state Department of Natural Resources will gauge Wisconsin's opinions on chronic wasting disease this year with the aid of a newly formed stakeholder group of 30 to 40 people, as well as by taking in opinions by phone and e-mail."
Gift
to GOP group smells like gratitude"Sounds like the Janesville Republican leaned pretty hard on the feds to get the application moving. Then, three weeks after that meeting, Troha dropped $25,000 into the kitty of the National Republican Congressional Committee, a fund GOP House leaders use for key races."
Campaign
finance case hinges on Alito's vote"FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life challenges the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act's restriction on some television advertising. More commonly known as the McCain-Feingold law, it was enacted in 2002, targeting "soft money" contributions."
"Circuit Judge Rick Stout, noting that Overstreet had spent many months in jail over a carbonated beverage, said he hoped the soda was good. Overstreet responded: “I should've had a V-8.”"
Wood
sold in Minn., Wis., may have ash borer"The three states learned that thousands of bundles of the Taylors firewood came from trees cut in Illinois — which is under a federal quarantine intended to keep any infested trees or wood from leaving Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and southeastern Ontario."
WEAUEau Claire
War
Spending Bill"Among Wisconsin’s Representatives, Democrats Tammy Baldwin, Steve Kagen, Ron Kind, Gwen Moore and Dave Obey voted for the legislation. Republicans Tom Petri, Paul Ryan and James Sensenbrenner voted against it."
[Keep in mind that this bill included $100+ Billion for troops in Iraq. - Bob]
Sen
R. Feingold“Today the Senate took another important step toward ending our open-ended military involvement in Iraq. The President should quickly sign the supplemental bill, which passed with bipartisan support, and begin developing a more comprehensive strategy for combating terrorism."
Gov.
Doyle
EXECUTIVE
ORDER #195The Governor has ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff beginning on April 26, 2007 and ending at sundown on that date as a Mark of Respect for Staff Sergeant Robert Basham of the Wisconsin Army National Guard Who Lost His Life During Operation Iraqi Freedom
“Best of all, at least 98 percent of our citizens will have access to health care coverage – more than any other state in the nation.”
Iron
County approves 911 plan""This is not the answer to the problem. It is only a band-aid fix," said board member Bob Lambert, who is also the chairman of the law enforcement committee."
Vietnam
Veterans' steak feed Saturday "Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 529 will hold its 17th Annual Steak Feed on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. at the Iron County Memorial Building in Hurley."
"Although the $2,313,831 Saxon Harbor project completed last fall is partially to blame because of settling, the low water level of Lake Superior, which is about 30 inches short of the standard operating depth (based on the COE design of the harbor), is a more significant cause of the problem, Challis said."
Hurley
council to again consider water, sewer project easement "The council met last Thursday in special session to consider the easement from Richard Soetebier, but didn't approve it. At that time, the council was prepared to pay $5,000 to Soetebier as part of the deal for the Florian Street area easement."
"After discovering the dock in deep waters, with just an orange post showing, workers pulled it back to the shoreline later in the day. "We'll have to anchor it better this time," Walta said. "
"Athletic director Dean Kolpin said he was notified Friday that the Guard would be in the area with the wall. He jumped at the chance to get the wall in Hurley when it was offered here through Tuesday."
Mercer
hopes to replace Vaughn with part-time administrator, principal"The board is proposing to hire a K-12 principal at entry level ($60,000), and a part-time administrator for about $25,000 to take over Vaughn's full-time administrator duties."
"The state Assembly on Tuesday tentatively approved a bill that would require state officials - instead of local governments - to issue cable TV and video broadcast franchises and investigate consumers' complaints."
"The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, a conservative think tank based in Thiensville, contends that a provision in the proposal aimed at keeping the tax from being passed on t o consumers will be overturned in court, as has happened in other states."
Oil
tax to raise costs, study says"Doyle has proposed taxing oil companies an estimated $272 million over two years and pledged he'll keep the costs from being passed on to Wisconsin consumers by fining or even jailing oil company executives who try to do so."
"But opponents note that the bill does not guarantee competition, or competitive pricing, and large telecommunications companies are unlikely to set up shop in more sparsely populated parts of the state."
"The 40-year-old machinist told Bild newspaper he had had "a few beers" with a friend in Wiesenburg, southwest of Berlin, and decided to hit the hay in the bank on his way home. Confronted with the lack of a hitching-post, he brought the 6-year-old horse, named Sammy, in with him."
"It is a rite of spring as predictable but certainly less welcome than the arrival of the first robin. Fire season has come to northern Wisconsin."
Sen
R. FeingoldFeingold,
Graham Introduce State-Based Health Care Approach"The State-Based Health Care Reform Act would launch pilot programs in several states to achieve coverage in the best way they see fit. States could use health savings accounts, single payer systems, expansion of current programs, or adopt completely new ideas in their efforts to cover the uninsured."
Sen
H. Kohl"U.S. Senator Herb Kohl has introduced legislation to overturn a nearly 30-year ban on the interstate shipment of state-inspected meat and poultry products. Wisconsin is home to more state-inspected plants than any other state in the nation."
Rep
D. Obey"But Rep. David Obey predicted Tuesday the two extensions could be removed from the spending bill after President Bush vetoes the package, as he has promised to do, and another version is negotiated with the White House. "I don't want people to get their hopes up because it's hard to see if anything decent survives when we go to a second bill," said Obey, D-Wausau."
Gov.
Doyle“Wisconsin’s future is rooted in manufacturing and in order to move our economy forward, we must have a strong, growing and innovative manufacturing sector.”
"Bob said his cousin Lester Stowel was a young student in the Bath School on May 18, 1927, when it was blown up by school board member and school handyman, Andrew Kehoe. The blast killed 45 people including Kehoe, the Superintendent of Schools, teachers, and 28 students from age 7 to 12."
"The search warrant says Schrader offered a Bushmaster .223-caliber receiver to an ATF informant for $200 on Oct. 14 at a gun show in Fond du Lac. The informant, who is not named in the warrant, was wired to record the conversation of the deal. Schrader told him the receiver would operate as a machine gun, the warrant states. The receiver was tested by ATF and confirmed to be fully automatic. The informant later bought a tool from Schrader designed to make a semi-automatic gun fully automatic, according to the warrant."
Line-item
veto bill renewed"The measure would allow the president to strike spending items attached to broader bills, but would send those items back to Congress before any of the vetoes would stand."
Trash
talk: Code of conduct wanted for writers in the blogosphere"A subtext of both sets of rules is that bloggers are responsible for everything that appears on their own pages, including comments left by visitors. They say that bloggers should also have the right to delete such comments if they find them profane or abusive."
Tree
pollens reach high level"If your allergy symptoms seem particularly nasty today, it’s not just you. Tree pollen levels are high in the area, according to staff at the Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center."
'That
used to be under water'
"Near-historic lows in Lake Superior, along with years of drought inland,
are turning the Kakagon Sloughs, the largest coastal wetland in the Great
Lakes, into dry land... But particularly vulnerable in the sloughs of Bad
River is the harvest from one of the largest wild rice beds in the world.
Dry stalks at this point in the growing season could kill off large portions
of the beds, possibly forcing some tribal members to go off the reservation
for wild rice, O'Claire said."
Sen
R. Feingold"U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) will hold a press conference tomorrow to unveil a major health care reform proposal."
“By successfully including this extension in the supplemental, we are giving the administration another chance to preserve this model program,” said Chairman Kohl. “Programs like SeniorCare, which provides better coverage and costs the federal government less, should be preserved, not abolished.”
Sen
H. Kohl
Chippewa Herald - Chippewa Falls,WI
"Kohl's amendment would extend SeniorCare _ which the Bush administration is trying to end _ until Dec. 31, 2009. President Bush has vowed to veto the bill because it sets a deadline for withdrawing troops from Iraq."
Rep
D. Obey"In the Congress Daily report, Mr. Obey did not state a reason for considering extending the no-pork diet. He said only that “I can’t tell you if we’re going to have earmarks or not until I see what the hell they look like, until I see what mood the House is in, what mood the Senate is in.”"
911
fix could be approved Tuesday"In the event this system is no longer needed, "Gogebic County agrees to allow Iron County to purchase the system for fair market value, taking into consideration the length of time Iron County has provided services for fielding and transferring the calls," the agreement noted."
Hurley
administrator testifies at state hearing"The revenue limit formula has done the job of keeping a cap on spending. Unfortunately, it has not provided a school district like ours the opportunity to meet daily fixed increases to our budget,"
Area
veteran honored on his 90th birthday "Guido's birthday had a patriotic element as well. He received a commemorative medallion given by the Northern Mariana Islands to U.S. troops who fought in the World War II Pacific Theater battles of Saipan and Tinian."
"More than 110 Wisconsin high school students attended the two-day conference designed to help high school students gain a better understanding of the role and operation of cooperatives, develop leadership skills, discover a problem-solving process they can use, and teen issues."
"The server, according to the affidavit, was offering 2,751 files constituting 1.22 gigabytes in 34 directories. The server's stats showed that it had been visited by people from 26 countries who made 13,659 downloads in exchange for 4,212 uploads."
"The aim is to foster a Midwest Biobelt, which will be the heart of the nation's efforts to develop homegrown, renewable fuels that are better for the economy, the environment and national security than imported petroleum-based fuels."
"The pesky mosquito, Wisconsin's unofficial state "bird," is ready to take a bite out of friend and fowl alike. Just as the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano every spring, the advent of warmer, wetter weather in Wisconsin signals the start of mosquito season, made more harrowing the past six years because of the deadly West Nile virus."
John
Nichols: Feingold's service to Wisconsin, America"During the darkest days of the Bush interregnum, Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., was a lonely advocate of oversight in particular and checks and balances in general."
Benefits
plan out of budget“These are policy items — major shifts in state policy — that don’t need to be tucked along in the budget,” Suder said. “These are policies that should receive their own public hearing.”
Bay
Area celebrates Earth Day "It was fitting to turn over a little dirt in the garden named for Earth Day's founder, the late Sen. Gaylord Nelson. Outside the headquarters of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, several volunteers gathered to dig up the soil and throw down some fresh mulch on the Gaylord Nelson Memorial Garden, which was started last year."
Sen
R. Feingold"The pair will introduce legislation in the House and Senate early this week that would enable the President to single out egregious earmarks in bills that arrive on his desk for signature and send these specific items back to Congress for expedited votes on whether to rescind, or cancel, funding for these provisions."
"While the Administration tries to talk up its troop escalation in Iraq, it has little to say about the threat posed by al Qaeda and its affiliates worldwide."
Rep
D. Obey"As Rep. David Obey (D-WI), Chairman of the House's powerful Appropriations Committee, prepared to gavel the hearing to a close, Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) spoke up and threatened Congressional Democrats with more fights in the future. "There are more to come...they're all going to be tough," Domenici said. "
Gov.
Doyle“We have a special and sacred obligation to all the children of our state. This proposal will help provide the care and support that children across our state living with autism need and deserve."
Ironwood
pair now facing home invation [sp]-related charges in Iron County"Many household items, including televisions and furniture believed to have been taken in recent breaking and enterings in both the City of Ironwood and Iron County, were recovered in the search conducted by Ironwood Public Safety Department officers, with assistance from the Iron County Sheriff's Department."
Portions
of Iron County trails 2, 17 now open"The Iron County Forestry Department has opened Trail 2 from Hurley to the intersection of Trail 2a and 77, west of Hurley, and Trail 17 from Hurley south to Chuck's Bar. This corridor is the only trail opened at this time."
Ban
ocean vessels in lakes? Some are floating the idea"Frustrated with ocean freighters dumping invasive species that are ravaging native fisheries, despoiling prized beaches and costing water-dependent industries billions of dollars, the conservation group Great Lakes United proposed an overseas-freighter ban in late March, the day before the St. Lawrence Seaway was rousted from its winter slumber for its 49th season."
UW
has systems for depressed students"UW-Madison, like most universities, has a (mental health care) system where they can do crisis situations and they can meet with someone over a short period of time to try and get them back on track," Crim said. "For someone who maybe has a slight depression, that's fine. But with someone who has mental health issues ... and needs a full-time, long-term care provider, there's maybe some gaps in the system."
GOP
Troubles May Hurt Bid To Retake Congress in 2008"Ethics troubles loomed large last year in the Democrats' sweep of Congress. Republicans lost seats in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, Ohio, North Carolina and Montana, where ethical lapses were decisive. And Democrats will use the new ethics charges to remind voters why they pushed out the Republicans, said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee."
"There is not so much as a whiff of a kickback or any similar impropriety," Easterbrook wrote, joined by judges Diane Wood and William Bauer."
Lawmakers
retain limit on teachers' pay raises"Since 1993, the provision has said that school districts can avoid going to mediation in contract talks if they offer teachers a package of pay and fringe-benefit increases that total 3.8%. The limit was added to control property taxes."
AirTran
chief can't convince Kohl""My position hasn't changed. I hopeSen H. Kohl (Midwest Air) remains independent," said Kohl, who's expressed concerns about whether AirTran would maintain the same level of service that Midwest provides from Milwaukee, its main hub."
Court
tells why it freed Thompson"The prosecution never showed that Thompson clearly gained by her actions or even knew that her superiors favored Adelman Travel Group of Milwaukee for any improper reasons, the judges found. Prosecutors never eliminated the possibility that Thompson pushed for Adelman because of more innocent factors like cost or its status as a Wisconsin firm competing against an out-of- state company."
"An ethics complaint filed against Supreme Court Justice-elect Annette Ziegler that could result in her removal from the bench will be investigated by the state Judicial Commission, her attorney said Friday."
"A wild boar trapped in the middle of a major highway halted traffic for about 15 minutes outside Barcelona on Thursday, police said. "The animal was disoriented and did not know how to leave from where it was," said Sonia Gonzalez of the Catalonia Traffic Service."
National
Forest, DNR close roads to protect elk herd"Radio telemetry studies have shown that vehicle use within these sensitive areas has displaced elk, potentially affecting calf survival. Great Divide District Ranger Connie Chaney says, “We are really hoping to minimize disturbances during calving time for the elk — these are primary elk areas — and we all want elk calving to be as successful as possible.”
Sen
R. Feingold
"Our friends at Sunlight have been closely following S.223, a bill which would require senators to file their campaign finance reports in electronic form (as House members already do). The bill, sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), currently has 34 cosponsors (19 Dem., 13 Rep., and 2 Ind.). Despite this bipartisan support, it is currently being blocked from coming to the floor for a vote by one anonymous senator who has placed a “hold” on it."
Sen
H. Kohl“The report illustrates that the tools to reduce accidents involving older drivers exist, but that states are hesitant to implement practices which have not been proven successful,” said Senator Kohl. "
"Last week, Durbin and Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) held a special hearing on the pet food recall. The hearing pitted FDA representatives and pet food lobbyists against the bipartisan Appropriations Subcommittee."
Wash.
Post noted Biskupic's overturned prosecution, but not judge's denunciation
of the case - Media Matters for America"But the article did not mention that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit took the highly unusual action of ordering Thompson released immediately due to lack of evidence. Indeed, according to the Wisconsin State Journal, Judge Diane Wood told prosecutors: "I have to say it strikes me that your evidence is beyond thin. ... I'm not sure what your actual theory in this case is."
Newly
minted undersheriff on the job "Kohegyi graduated from Northern Michigan University in December with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She then went through 13-weeks of basic training at the basic recruit school in Eau Claire. She graduated from the Mercer High School in 2002."
"She is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Adams has more than 30 years of experience with fruit, vegetable and flower gardening and is a master gardener."
No
action at special meeting"The City of Hurley has an agreement for an easement to make its summer street infrastructure a go. The city council met in special session with the intent of acting on it and approving a bid for the project."
Mercer's
Majewski earns West Point appointment "Andrew Majewski of Mercer has been accepted at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Majewski, a senior at Mercer K-12 School, will begin six weeks of basic training in July. He will be a member of the Class of 2011 at the elite Army officer training university."
"A fire Jan. 20 destroyed the contents of the resale and craft shop operated by students at Mercer School."
"ederal firearms officials said Thursday they are investigating whether Cho Seung-Hui's mental health history should have prohibited him from purchasing the handguns used in the Virginia Tech slayings - including one from a Green Bay-based online gun shop."
Voters
not told of ethics inquiry"Washington County Circuit Judge Annette Ziegler knew she was under investigation by the state Ethics Board before she was elected April 3 as a Supreme Court justice, but she never disclosed that fact to voters."
Appeals Court questions federal prosecutor's moves in politically-charged
corruption case"An error — even a deliberate one, in which the employee winks at the rules in order to help out someone...is a civil rather than a criminal transgression," the opinion reads. "Likewise the sin is civil (if it is wrong at all) when a public employee manipulates the rules, as Thompson did, to save the state money or favor a home-state producer that supports elected officials."
"I think (this organization) allows us to leverage the capacity of what is going to be called the biobelt," said Nilsestuen, who was named the organization's president. "Wisconsin is going to be a major player (in the biofuel industry) but we're not the only player."
"Wisconsin has major untapped biomass reserves," said report author Brett Hulsey, president of Better Environmental Solutions. "While the state may not be able to match Silicon Valley as a high tech leader, it could be the Cellulose Prairie and Forest for biopower and biofuels."
Editorial:
Information boom hasn't ignited blast of knowledge"The best-informed group also took its news from the Internet, especially newspaper Web sites, PBS' "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," National Public Radio and Rush Limbaugh's radio program. The less-informed audiences favored network morning news, local TV news, the Fox News Channel and online blogs."
"The last agreement, signed in 1995, allowed 126,600 lake trout to be harvested between both tribal and non-tribal citizens. That number was bumped up to 150,500 under the new deal."
Sen
R. FeingoldOn
Earth Day"“This weekend the world will celebrate Earth Day, a celebration founded in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, the great Wisconsin senator and environmental leader. On this day, by celebrating our environment, we also celebrate Senator Nelson’s outstanding legacy."
"Sen. Feingold (D-WI) had one of the clearest and most damning exchanges with AG Gonzales earlier this morning."
[Includes link to video of the exchange. - Bob]
Gov.
Doyle
O'Reilly claimed WI
paper tried to "hurt" Thompson - Media Matters"But contrary to the assertions that the Journal Sentinel does not "like" Thompson because he is a "moderate," the newspaper actually endorsed Thompson during his final re-election campaign for governor in 1998."
[How is it that in such an overwhelmingly Democratic area, the only talk radio is this "truth challenged" blatherer. - Bob]
"The Iron County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, April 24th,
2007 at 7:00 PM at the Courthouse in Hurley, Wisconsin."
"The Iron County Finance Committee will meet on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 4:00 PM at the Iron County Courthouse, Hurley, Wisconsin."
Economy
has many loggers 'up a tree'""You're dealing with global issues," he said. "You're dealing with pulp being shipped in from South America to the United States." The weather the last 1.5 years has hurt the market, he said. That's because it has been so good for logging, it's created more production."
"Ethics Board Chairman Jim Morgan said that Ziegler improperly decided those five cases, even though her family did not benefit financially from them. "A government official shouldn't be acting on a matter that affects a business of which the official or official's spouse is an officer or a director," Morgan said in a statement."
State,
U.S. meet over SeniorCare"The secretary expressed he understood what a difficult logistical problem that the ending of SeniorCare has created and that we need time to be sure people get the help that they need,"
Ruling's
effect on state abortion law is in doubt"But they said it was unclear if the decision would allow district attorneys to begin enforcing the stayed state ban that mandates life in prison for any physician performing such an abortion."
War
protesters leave Sen. Kohl's office here after threat of arrest"At about 9:30 a.m., police told about 35 protesters in the office to leave and later arrested a lone member of the group who refused the request."
"“It’s the customer’s responsibility to let us know where they want the gun shipped because typically the receiving dealer has to do some paperwork,” Thompson said. Once the required paperwork was completed, the gun was mailed from Green Bay to Virginia on Feb. 5, Thompson said. Records show it arrived Feb. 8, and Dowdy said Cho picked it up Feb. 9 at the store located just off the Virginia Tech campus."
Kohl,
Feingold question AG Gonzales"Attorney General Alberto Gonzales denied today that the public corruption charges against a Wisconsin state employee last year by a federal prosecutor were politically motivated. Both Wisconsin senators questioned Gonzales about that case during a hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee into the circumstances surrounding his firing last year of eight federal prosecutors."
"A woman arrested following two car crashes last week registered a .47 blood-alcohol content on a breath test — nearly six times the legal intoxication threshold and possibly a state record."
Wolf
numbers are estimated to be up"Adrian Wydeven, a wolf ecologist for the agency, attributed the rise in the population reported by the agency Tuesday to several factors. They include an abundance of public land, a teeming deer population and wolves’ own population dynamics through which it has grown steadily ‘‘and then just seems to have taken off.’’"
Sen
R. Feingold"I didn't ask you and I'm not alleging that there were political considerations here. I'm asking can't you see how this U.S. attorney scandal, a problem that has occurred throughout the Justice Department, leads to a situation where people wonder if there are political situations -- considerations."
Gov.
DoyleWill
counties agree to temporary fix?"After installation, when a 911 call comes into the sheriff's department from the Ironwood area, the dispatcher, after determining where the call is coming from, will hit a button that'll transfer the call to Negaunee Dispatch."
"He is very active, speaks well to groups, and is a good role model fostering community relations."
"The board accepted the resignation of Dave Meade from two coaching positions, varsity girls' basketball and seventh grade girls' basketball coach. The board also hired Sally Domin as yearbook advisor for 2007-08. "
Weavers
to be on TV "During a tour of the museum, Today reporter Melissa Ganje and cameraman John Thain of KQDS Fox News interviewed a few of the weavers who prepare fabric and weave rag rugs and placemats."
"On the floor Tuesday, Democrats pointed to recent reports of how scantily voter fraud cases have been prosecuted in Wisconsin. U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic's office in the Eastern District of Wisconsin indicted 14 individuals for either being a felon on probation or parole or for voting twice in the 2004 presidential election. Five were convicted."
Thompson
campaign lags out of Wisconsin
"A little over $90,000 of that came from individuals outside Wisconsin. The
report shows Thompson with just 72 out-of-state donors (along with 154
Wisconsin donors). At the opposite end of the fund-raising spectrum,
Democrat Barack Obama reported more than 100,000 donors."
Wolf
population reaches new high"The state's preliminary count jumped to as many as 590 wolves, the Department of Natural Resources reported Tuesday. That compared with a maximum count of 502 during the winter of 2005-'06, the DNR said."
'Stunning'
waste reported in state computer audit"The total lack of project management has created an environment in which poor planning, unacceptable cost overruns, and never-ending projects have become commonplace, and quite frankly, I find that just deplorable," Jeskewitz said. "We must change how we contract for IT projects."
""We have found that the economic impact on the taverns has been devastating where the smoking bans have gone in," said Pete Madland, executive director of the Tavern League."
"She said she had just finished washing dishes Monday and stepped outside to smoke a cigarette when an 80-foot oak tree crashed through her roof, landing across the sink where she had been standing just seconds before."
"One of the biggest concerns for businesses on the north side of the highway is a loss of parking, as the DOT is reclaiming a right-of-way long used by many of those businesses between basically 10th Avenue West down to 6th Avenue West. In addition, a five-foot-wide sidewalk will be added, making the total loss of frontage between 11 and 13 feet."
Sen
R. Feingold"Congress has already called for many of the measures the President outlined today. What is needed now is their quick and effective implementation and enforcement in order to pressure the Sudanese government and the rebels to end the fighting and commit to a sustainable peace."
Gov.
Doyle“Throughout my career in public life, I’ve fought hard to protect our kids, and all citizens, from the ugliness of tobacco. Too many individuals and families have suffered terrible pain and losses, only to benefit big tobacco companies."
Hurley
kids turn off TVs, tune into life ""If the entire kindergarten through sixth grades get 75 percent or more participation in TV turn-off for the entire week, I'll kiss a pig in front of a K-6 assembly," Gulan challenged students."
Spring
wildlife, fisheries rules hearing tonight"Iron County residents will have the opportunity to comment on proposed rules that regulate fishing, hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation activities in Wisconsin by attending tonight's spring wildlife and fisheries rules hearing at 7 p.m. at the county courthouse here."
"The Hurley School will continue its membership in Cooperative Education Services Agency 12 next year for $112,151"
"An evaluation of administrator Chris Patritto and consideration of staff needs and personnel for 2007-08 school year are on the agenda in closed session for Monday night's Hurley School Board meeting."
Mercer:
Events planned for National Library Week "Events scheduled in recognition of National Library Week, April 15-21, at the Mercer Public Library are as follows:"
"Simmons faces 10 felony counts stemming from the March 22 accident on U.S. 2 that claimed the life of Cody Southwell, 18, of Ironwood."
"Beltone-Hearing Solutions, Hurley, is celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month in May by offering free hearing screenings to local residents."
Thompson
apologizes to Jews for comments"The remark caused some murmurs and disbelief in the room, according to some who were present. Thompson, a Roman Catholic, returned to the podium shortly after the speech was over, after someone from the organization spoke to him."
"A student loan company called Education Finance Partners paid the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh nearly $10,000 this year in exchange for being placed on the university's list of preferred lenders, the Journal Sentinel found."
State
fails to properly manage costly computer upgrades"The total lack of project management has created an environment in which poor planning, unacceptable cost overruns, and never ending projects have become commonplace ..."
"AT&T favors statewide franchising over negotiating with each community, and Moore said the cable operators approve of statewide franchising so long as all video providers operate under the same rules. But bill opponents say it would reduce revenues to local communities, kill off public-access channels and gut state protections for consumers."
"The Imus situation isn't going to change the proportion of coverage female athletes get to male athletes; that's a whole different debate. But maybe it can start some thought about how we -- the media and the country -- perceive female athletes. Thirty-five years after Title IX passed, it seems a ridiculous debate to have, but it swirls nonetheless."
Obey
raises $272,000 in campaign cash"His biggest expenditure was $360,000 sent to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. Another $55,035 went to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and $40,000 was donated to the state Democratic Party Unity Fund."
Sen
R. Feingold“I am disappointed that a Republican Senator has chosen to block my bill to require Senate campaign reports to be filed electronically. This bill has bipartisan support in the Senate and significant support around the country, from editorial boards to bloggers on both the left and the right."
"The nation joins the Virginia Tech community in mourning those who were lost in this devastating tragedy."
Court
must step up in campaign finance case - Concord Monitor
- Concord,NH"Let's stipulate that even in the absence of explicit language, Wisconsin Right to Life was doing more than issue advocacy. The group opposed the voting records of both senators, and its members clearly looked forward to the defeat of both men. Their ability to advocate for that result shouldn't be a function of how cleverly they disguise their motives."
Gov.
Doyle
Governor
Doyle Announces $100 Million in Affordable Housing Tax Credits"These tax credit awards – worth more than $100 million – will create new rental living opportunities for working families, seniors, and other Wisconsin residents with special needs."
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who were killed, and everyone at Virginia Tech, as they go through this difficult time.”
“Together, we will build the coordinated effort the state needs to compete in the global marketplace – by attracting and retaining innovative companies, and equipping our workers with the skills they’ll need for the jobs of the future.”
EXECUTIVE ORDER # 193
"On one side of the issue are breeders such as Schauf, who view cloning as one more tool to perfect a herd ... On the other side, consumer groups fear that cloning may lead to unintended consequences that could harm the nation's food supply and imperil the health of animals."
"Because some Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are crossing paths with law enforcement, the Madison Police and Dane County Sheriff's departments are requiring all sworn officials to go through an hourlong session to help them understand why some veterans are getting into trouble and, more important, how to help them."
"Critics said the change, made in late October, could allow political considerations more influence in the high-stakes reviews the state uses to decide whether contractors can do millions of dollars in business with tribal casinos."
Wineke:
Time to end voter
fraud witch hunt"The state Elections Board reported late last week that as many as 82 felons may have voted in the 2006 election. Given that 2.16 million state residents voted, that amounts to a tiny fraction of a tiny fraction of 1 percent."
"The corporations then transfer their profits from Wisconsin to the dummy corporations until they owe little or no state income tax. The subsidiaries sometimes consist of just a post office box number. According to the Department of Revenue, the Las Vegas loophole costs the state as much as $260 million a year in lost revenue."
Government
looks to standardization"The recent thrust to quantify the value of a college education has sparked heated debate across campuses nationwide and has caused some government officials to consider requiring graduates to take a college exit exam."
"By midday, 4,400 bunnies had been rounded up, but 100 were still roaming the fields surrounding the highway."
Sen
R. Feingold"If the President vetoes the supplemental that will soon be on his desk, he will be delaying this funding from getting to the troops and defying the will of the American people.”
Gov.
Doyle
Governor
Doyle Praises U.S. Olympic Committee for Nominating Chicago to Host 2016
Olympic Games“In Wisconsin, we have a friendly sports rivalry with our neighbors to the South, but we stand united with them in this effort to bring the Olympic torch to our region."
Governor
Doyle Announces May 10th is “Covenant Day””The Wisconsin Covenant will make college more affordable for hard-working students and their families, but it is about much more than that,” Governor Doyle said. “It’s about raising standards, rewarding hard work, and motivating students."
Tax
Day"So, on Tax Day, join WakeUpWalMart.com supporters who will be passing out "Stop the Wal-Mart Tax" flyers at post offices all across America. Please download the "Stop the Wal-Mart Tax" flyer and make copies to hand out to taxpayers."
Some folks, although brightening up with the warm spell and looking forward to the snow being completely gone, might also feel better looking at this chart from NOAA which includes "Greatest Aug-July snowfall total" However, you might also want to check out who gets the Wisconsin extremes at this page.
Biskupic
didn't fly under Rove's radar"Among the records released recently by the U.S. Justice Department are two pages on Milwaukee voter fraud. Both contain a line at the bottom of the page that shows they came from somebody's C drive and carry the script "Rove_K.""
"Lawmakers in at least 39 states have introduced measures to require the HPV vaccine, provide funding for it or educate residents about its availability, while 23 are considering bills specifically to mandate the vaccine for school entry, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures."
Some
schools crack down on dirty dancing"Breathalyzers, signed waivers, warnings to call parents. It's not exactly every teen's vision of prom. But that's what some high schools are resorting to in Dane County and across the country to keep drugs, alcohol and dirty dancing away from school- sponsored dances."
Report:
Biskupic was on chop list"It seems to be shifting away from the eight fired prosecutors onto how the other 85 kept their jobs, which is a significant change in the debate," said Wineke, who wants Congress to look into Biskupic's conduct. "An ethical man could have still been caught in a vise under pressure from this administration and might want to keep his job."
Subprime
loans main culprit in foreclosures"They're stretching for that home where they maybe didn't qualify for a loan 10 years ago," she said. "It's become so easy to get it, and they were so desperate to find that loan and buy that first home; now they're getting squeezed."
Sen
R. Feingold"By almost all accounts, Nigeria is simply not ready to conduct this election and the president and the chairman of INEC should be held accountable for that failure," Feingold said."
Sen
H. Kohl"The FDA's Sundlof appealed for calm, saying, "Consumers have access to an ample supply of pet food." This assurance didn't tame Kohl. "Is the FDA confident that this recall will not grow? When will we get the all-clear signal?""
Brew
City Brawler - typepad.com
"And sure there was plenty of evidence of human error and lax bookkepping --
and that deserved being looked at. But that's different from voter fraud.
And Biskupic "stood up" after months and months of investigating what was on
its face a bogus issue. But you know what we saw plenty of in the 2004
election? Attempted voter suppression."
MyHurley.nt
loses calendar againIt appears that the calendar was attacked by a bot on April 12th and 13th, erasing all existing calendar information. The stat program shows 223,932,000 bytes of bandwidth used on Friday and 106,261,000 on Thursday . This is as compared to 3,001,2000 per day averaged last month. I apologize for any inconvenience, but it is literally, a situation beyond my control - Bob.
Biskupic
on firing list, source says"Nevertheless, McClatchy reported that the disclosure aroused investigators' suspicion that Biskupic, who is based in Milwaukee, might have been retained in his job because he agreed to prosecute Democrats. Such politicization of the administration of justice is at the heart of congressional Democrats' concerns over the Bush administration's firings of the U.S. attorneys."
"It was only 40 years ago - on June 12, 1967 - that the U.S. Supreme Court knocked down a Virginia statute barring whites from marrying nonwhites. The decision also overturned similar bans in 15 other states."
Pollution
'wake-up call' tells state to shape up"Drawing on U.S. Department of Energy Data between 1990 and 2004, the group found that carbon dioxide emissions, primarily from coal-fired power plants and transportation fuels, increased by 25 percent in Wisconsin. Nationwide, such emissions increased by 18 percent."
"The bubbles spewed from a three-block stretch on the city's east side Thursday after American Linen accidentally released detergent into the municipal sewer lines. The combination of gravity and churning water whipped the soap into a sudsy foam."
Making
Sense of the Georgia Thompson Ruling - Shephard Express"The only difference is that Paul Ryan actually introduced special-interest legislation for Troha, signed by Bush, that substantially increased the value of Troha’s business... If Biskupic is really trying to ferret out corruption, why isn’t he investigating Ryan, where there is actually a smoking gun of corruption? But, wait a second, isn’t Paul Ryan a Republican?"
State
tourism officials visit Iron County "While the focus will be on our spectacular waterfalls, the folks from the state are also working to add a good deal of local color to this promotion to show potential visitors our warm and friendly nature,"
Feingold
representative to hold office hours "Karen Graff, regional representative to U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., will hold office hours on Thursday from 8-9 a.m. in the county board room at the Iron County Courthouse, 300 Taconite St., Hurley."
"Simmons is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, and homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration."
Corruption
cases above politics, prosecutor says"Regardless of where the case went, whether there were no charges or charges, there would be criticism and I accept that, and that is the nature of the business in these public corruption cases,"
"The number amounts to just thousandths of 1 percent of the 2.16 million voters who voted in that election statewide and two-tenths of 1 percent of the roughly 41,500 state felons who were being supervised in communities on Nov. 7. The modest number appears to contradict claims by state Republicans that voting by felons is a much more widespread problem in Wisconsin."
"When you combine taxes and fees, Wisconsin is in the middle of the pack. We choose to use more progressive taxation rather than the more regressive fees and special charges. When we examine all revenues per capita, Wisconsin is 15th in state rankings. And according to UW Professor Andrew Reschosvsky, in a study never challenged, our state ranks 23rd in the nation in terms of revenue collected per capita."
Religions
must learn to co-exist, expert says"Marty disputed the idea that once upon a time the United States was a mostly homogenous Christian nation, and that things would be peaceful if it could somehow return to that status. That idea "presumes a unity that was never here," he said."
"Police looking for a purse snatcher were able to flush the suspect out from the portable toilet where he was hiding."
Gov.
Doyle"His career was marked by a deep concern for the rights of Wisconsin’s citizens of all backgrounds. We have lost a great man, a mentor, and a friend.”
Arbor
Day fund-raiser set for Saturday "Arbor Day Fun Day will be the elementary kickoff for "Turn Off the TV Week," which begins Monday. It is open to Hurley K-12 students in grades one through five."
Silver
Street banner project progressing"They're all part of streetscape beautification improvements included in the Silver Street renovation project that began last summer. The metal sculptures will be affixed to new lampposts along the street, depicting the heydays of logging, mining and the city's tavern industry."
"Montreal city foreman Joe Walta was out checking the condition of Laurence Street early Wednesday morning after the city council Tuesday agreed to check into a complaint of deteriorating roadway."
Jauch
to sponsor legislation that will phase out products containing mercury
"State Sen. Robert Jauch, D-Poplar, said he'll sponsor legislation to phase out the retail sale of several products that have mercury added to them during the manufacturing process."
Biskupic
did pursue voter fraud, futilely"In all, federal prosecutors indicted 14 individuals for either being a felon on probation or parole who voted in November 2004 or for voting twice in that contest. All but one of those charged with felonies were African-American, and all were Milwaukee residents. In the end, the feds secured only five convictions. Two of those convicted were poll workers."
"The legislation would require certain sex offenders to install special green - chartreuse to be exact - license plates on their cars so they are more recognizable to parents and children. They would not be allowed to drive a car without the plates."
Study:
State business taxes low"If Wisconsin businesses would pay the national average in state and local taxes, an additional $1.3 billion would flow to school districts, fire departments and other governmental services, a new report says."
"A man accused of using a chain and pickup truck to yank a 1,500-pound ATM from a market failed to escape police when his prosthetic leg fell off during the getaway."
Sen
R. Feingold"With the first set of votes just days away, I am disheartened by the poor performance of the Government of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission in the lead-up to these historic polls. If this month's polls do not produce a legitimate, fairly elected government, however, the United States and our allies will need to reconsider our political and material support to Nigeria."
Sen
H. Kohl""We are concerned whether or not politics may have played a role in a case brought by Steven Biskupic, the United States Attorney based in Milwaukee, against Georgia Thompson, formerly an official in the administration of Wisconsin's Democratic governor. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals was reportedly so troubled by the insufficiency of the evidence against Ms. Thompson that it made the unusual decision to issue an order reversing Ms. Thompson's conviction and releasing her from custody immediately after oral arguments in her appeal.""
Did
Rove Want WI U.S.A. on Purge List? - TPM MuckRaker"Biskupic's task force pursued a range of cases -- eighteen prosecutions total. The US Attorney's office prosecuted fourteen individuals. Four were indicted on charges of double voting, all of whom were either acquitted or had charges dismissed. Eight felons were indicted for unlawfully voting. Five of these individuals were eventually acquitted; the others were convicted and sentenced to punishments ranging from fines to probation."
"Data* indicate that the offices of the U.S. Attorneys across the nation investigate seven (7) times as many Democratic officials as they investigate Republican officials, a number that exceeds even the racial profiling of African Americans in traffic stops."
"A special council meeting may be called when an agreement for the Florian Street area easement is reached. Sewer and water lines are being rerouted in that area."
"Newly elected council member David Aimone was sworn into office Tuesday, along with council member Mitchell Koski, re-elected in the April 3 spring election."
City
council confirms seven committee appointments "Seven appointments by Mayor Joe Pinardi were confirmed by the Hurley City Council Tuesday evening."
Senate
firings inquiry widens"We are concerned whether or not politics may have played a role in a case brought by Steven Biskupic, the U.S. attorney based in Milwaukee, against Georgia Thompson," six Democrats wrote Attorney General Alberto Gonzales."
"Population densities as high as 1.5 million an acre have been recorded in the cicadas' favored wooded habitats, but numbers in the tens to hundreds of thousands an acre are more common."
Wineke:
Thompson case not over yet"The fact is the prosecution of Thompson on charges a federal appeals court found to be unbelievable did greatly color last fall's election. It was precisely the kind of prosecution the fired U.S. attorneys testified they were urged to bring."
"Rome wasn't built in a day and homophobia doesn't end even 25 years after passage of our historic law," says Clarenbach, reflecting on the successful campaign to ban gay marriage in the state constitution."
National
student loan scandal strikes Milwaukee campus"After learning the director of financial aid at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee sits on an advisory board of a private student loan company, some are concerned about what could be an ethical gray area."
"A panel consisting of a city building official and three residents appointed by Mayor Matthew Godfrey would investigate complaints. A device known as an olfactometer would be used by city inspectors to determine if an odor had reached an objectionable level. Restaurants and bakeries would be exempt."
Jauch
proposes ban on sale of mercury products"Frankly, the purpose of the legislation is to have a consortium of states that ban these similar products, in which you would end up with a tipping point for manufacturers that they would no longer produce these products,"
WEAUEau Claire
Obey
Pushing Iraq Spending Bill Forward - WEAU-TV 13 - Eau
Claire,WI"A Wisconsin congressman is taking on fellow Democrats, anti-war protesters and even the Washington Post in putting together a war spending bill that includes a deadline for bringing troops home from Iraq. Democratic Congressman David Obey pushed the bill through the house last month."
Sen
R. Feingold"In a countermove designed to counter President Bush's expected veto of an emergency supplemental spending bill containing a timetable for US troop withdrawal, Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) is introducing legislation which would "effectively end military involvement in Iraq.""
Gov.
Doyle“President Bush’s restrictions have delayed that research for far too long. Once again, Congress has a critical responsibility this week to do the right thing so that scientists can unlock cures to diseases we have long thought to be incurable.”
"Democrats are seeking all documents related to Biskupic's handling of that case, including "[a]ll communications between the Department of Justice and any other outside party, including political party officials, regarding the case against Ms. Thompson or the United States Attorney’s handling of that case.""
[You can read the letter here. - Bob]
National
Day of Climate Action.Saturday, April 14th is the National Day of Climate Action. There are man grassroots actions and events planned on that day to raise awareness and spur real action on global warming, including two already in Ashland..
Kohl
rep to visit Hurley Friday"Sen. Herb Kohl's regional representative, Marjorie Bunce, will be in Hurley on Friday to meet with constituents. Bunce will be at the Hurley Senior center, 308 Third Ave., from 2 to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary."
"Four inches of snow could fall Wednesday morning, said Tom Green, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Negaunee Township. That should start melting soon after it falls though. A high temperature of 50 is possible by Monday."
"The Wisconsin Works welfare- reform program is seriously flawed and should be overhauled to de-emphasize most education and refocus on giving the neediest clients up to 18 months to prepare for better jobs, a study released today states."
"But after three decades, Madison's historic ordinance permitting possession of small amounts of marijuana remains at odds with state and federal laws, putting city police in a difficult position."
ampaign
finance hearing is today"When it's all tallied up, it's likely a record-breaking $6 million was spent by the candidates and special-interest groups on the campaign, which reform advocate Mike McCabe described as a "cash-soaked, special-interest-contaminated smearfest.""
"The 7th Circuit acquittal of Georgia Thompson, after a widely publicized pre-election prosecution, certainly raises serious questions about the integrity and motivation of the prosecutor."
"With their own store close to Ashland, Homola said A-Plus gives local people a reason to stay local, since the company can provide just about everything that the big box stores can, without the need to drive 100 miles. And, whatever they don't have in stock is easy to order."
Sen
R. Feingold
Court
Decision to Release Georgia Thompson and the Ongong U.S. Attorney
Investigation“The Seventh Circuit acted decisively to correct what appears to have been a miscarriage of justice in the Georgia Thompson case. In light of ongoing concerns about the politicization of U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country, I am seeking further information from the Department of Justice on how this case and voter fraud cases after the 2004 election came about and whether there was improper political pressure to pursue them.”
“Since the President refuses to change his failed Iraq policy, that responsibility falls on Congress. By setting a date after which funding for the President’s failed Iraq policy will end, we can give the President the time and funding he needs to safely redeploy our troops so we can refocus on the global terrorist networks that threaten the lives of Americans.”
Gov.
DoyleGovernor
Doyle Formally Requests Six Month Extension of SeniorCare“Today, I have requested a six month extension of the SeniorCare program, so that 105,000 of our citizens will not lose their drug coverage in the next 90 days,”
"Raskin, a Democrat, said he hoped Maryland's support for the idea will start a national discussion and "kick off an insurrection among spectator states - the states that are completely bypassed and sidelined" during presidential campaigns. "Going by the national popular vote will reawaken politics in every part of the country," Raskin said."
Music
students qualify for state competition"Results of the Hurley School District band students who participated at the District Solo and Ensemble Music Festival have been announced ... Students who received a star rating will participate at the State Music Festival at UW-Stevens Point."
Easement
discussion Tuesday"City officials have been negotiating with Richard Soetebier over the easement for the past few months. The council will also act on a recommendation from the finance committee on awarding bids for the summer's sewer and water project. "
"She would receive about $68,000 in back wages with her first paycheck, Henderson said. The administration is also exploring ways to pay her for her six-figure legal defense bill, but paying that would likely require her to go through the state Claims Board and the Legislature, he said."
"Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Jon Wilcox has said if he'd known that a pro-school-choice group was behind an effort to get him elected, he would've seriously considered removing himself from hearing a case that decided the fate of Wisconsin's school voucher program in 1998."
"When we did ethics reform we said that was a good, important start to restoring the reputation of the Capitol," Pocan, D-Madison, said in an interview this morning. "Doing 100 percent public financing would be the complete step you need to give the public the assurance that their interest is being heard above all others."
"And, as a result of the virus, Wisconsin established its first rule in regard to ballast water. Because the virus can survive in the water for up to two weeks, and ballast water is believed to be the culprit for the virus's appearance in the Great Lakes, boaters must now drain all ballast, bilges and bucket immediately when leaving the Great Lakes or the Mississippi River."
Sen
R. Feingold
"Third, the war funding has nothing to do with changing the level of equipment and services we provide the troops; the big bucks go to mercenaries, not troops; and the really big bucks go to the profiteers providing the worst services for the highest prices."
Gov.
DoyleRural
Schools Initiative"The initiative, part of Governor Doyle’s budget for the next two years, represents significant reforms in Wisconsin’s school financing system, including measures to address declining enrollment, support school transportation needs, provide additional special education funding, and other measures to strengthen rural education."
"There’s a lot of talk now about a case in Wisconsin, where the Bush-appointed U.S. attorney prosecuted the state’s purchasing supervisor over charges that a court recently dismissed after just 26 minutes of oral testimony, with one judge calling the evidence “beyond thin.” But by then the accusations had done their job: the unjustly accused official had served almost four months in prison, and the case figured prominently in attack ads alleging corruption in the Democratic governor’s administration."
Who
complained about prosecutions?"Now we're finally getting a sense - read: circumstantial evidence - of who was behind the push here... One page bears this handwritten note: "Discuss w/ Harriet." Then-White House Counsel Harriet Miers was directly involved in the talks about which U.S. attorneys to fire."
[Unsure about gathering enough Republican votes, the Rove/Bu$hie strategie might be depressing Dem votes with charges of voter fraud and fire US Attorneys that don't play along ... Wisconsinites deserve better than that. - Bob]
K-4
classes lack size limits, curriculum"As 4-year-old kindergarten programs grow in popularity throughout Wisconsin and nationally, concerns are mounting over issues such as class size and curriculum."
Looking
for a big boost, Tommy turns to Iowa" Whatever hopes Thompson has in 2008 rest heavily on two circumstances.
One is that the first nominating contest is next door in Iowa, a more natural launching pad for Thompson than, say, New York or Alabama. The other is the political fragility of the perceived GOP front-runners."
Experts
say ruling hits prosecutor's credibility"The investigations have not led to any charges against Doyle or his aides. The federal prosecutor, who was appointed by President Bush, and the state attorney general, a Republican, say they are continuing their probes. But the appeals court has sent a very clear message that prosecutors will need to bring much stronger cases if they expect charges to stick, experts said."
Sen
R. Feingold"FEINGOLD'S PLEASED THE PRESIDENT IS TALKING MORE ABOUT INCREASING ETHANOL PRODUCTION. RUSS ALSO SAYS OTHER ENERGY SOURCES SHOULD BE PROMOTED...LIKE WIND POWER. BUT THE U-S IS STILL VERY DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN OIL..IT'S LED TO OCCASIONALLY SOARING GAS PRICES."
Rep
D. Obey“The Administration’s decision is misguided and wrong. SeniorCare provides an efficient, easy to understand, alternative for Wisconsin’s seniors and that shouldn’t be ended. The Administration claims that SeniorCare could cost more than Part D drug plans, when in fact the Congressional Budget Office has advised us that SeniorCare would actually save money."
OBEY
STATEMENT ON BUSH ATTACKS“The President has also complained that it has taken us 57 days to process his ‘my way or no way’ request. Let me remind him that last year, the Republican Congress took 118 days to pass his supplemental request. If we had not had to spend the first month of this new session finishing the work they should have done last year, we might have had more time to turn to the President’s ‘my way or no way’ request, but we first had to clean up their last year’s leftovers"
"Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI), who as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee has been at the heart of efforts to set a new direction for the country and to rein in U.S. involvement in the Iraqi civil war, hosted twenty meetings this week to provide an update on what has been happening in Congress with the war in Iraq and the federal budget."
"The program provides details about how to be a weather spotter, including things to look for and how to make a complete report to the National Weather Service."
Spring?
Hah, you've got to be kidding "Ironwood ended up with 24.8 inches from Tuesday to Thursday. Phoenix, in the Keweenaw Peninsula, totaled 40 inches through Friday morning."
"I think it's right out of the Karl Rove playbook," he said, referring to Bush's political adviser. "I never thought I'd see a prosecution like this. That woman is innocent. He's ruined her life."
Thompson
brings in $400,000 for campaign"According to numbers provided to The Associated Press, the former Wisconsin governor raised $386,795 in the first three months of the year and finished the reporting period with $139,723. The top GOP fund-raiser, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, raised $23 million in that time."
"Overall, real estate increased 5.8 percent in 2006. Commercial property was up 7.9 percent and residential assessments grew 4.8 percent. "This represents somewhat of a slowdown," said Todd Berry, president of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. "That's particularly evident in the residential numbers.""
Brakes
on in property value growth"The soaring increases in property value that the city has seen in recent years slowed considerably in 2006, according to Madison property tax information released Friday."
Bush-appointed
Wisconsin US Attorney Under Suspicion - Talking Points Memo"Indeed, the circuit court judges thought the case was so bogus that it's hard not to ask whether the US Attorney in this case, Steven Biskupic, might not be one of those "loyal Bushies" who kept his job because he knew that one of his jobs was getting Republicans elected."
"ames Byrnes of Mercer, Wis., a member of the Iron County Board of Supervisors for the past five years, died Monday night."
"Court records show that Kenneth Hernikl will now go to trial on a charge of operating while under the influence (third offense) on June 20 in Iron County Circuit Court."
Meeting
on deputy's status delayed until June"In August, Lotzer was terminated when one deputy position was eliminated. She filed a union grievance against the county and is seeking reinstatement to her position."
"During 26 minutes of oral arguments, all three judges assailed the government's case, with Judge Diane Wood saying at one point that "the evidence is beyond thin.""
Georgia
Thompson acquitted, set free"In a stunning reversal, a federal court of appeals struck down a state worker's fraud conviction that Wisconsin Republicans used in efforts to paint Gov. Jim Doyle's administration as corrupt."
Doyle's
education 'Covenant' is a promise with no price"At issue are critics' concerns that the "Wisconsin Covenant" will cost so much it won't pass the Legislature, or that it will be a hollow promise that doesn't deliver enough financial aid to ensure students can reach their college dreams."
"A single blueberry pancake has drawn a bid of over $30 so far in an ebay auction, raising funds for the Bayfield Regional Conservancy. The pancake is alleged to have the face of Mother Nature emblazoned on it. Of course, it could as easily be either the man in the moon, or Jabba the Hut, depending on how long you stare at it."
Daily
Study:
Lake Superior summer temps rising"Austin and Colman hypothesize declining winter ice cover is causing the lake to absorb more solar radiation than during past years. That increased absorption causes earlier stratification of the lake at a rate of roughly half a day per year... the earlier start to Lake Superior's stratified season significantly increases the period during which the lake warms, resulting in higher summer temperatures."
Public Radio
"If there's less ice over time, and there appears to be, there's a chance for greater storminess in the sort of shallow water (bays) that the whitefish spawn in," Colman says. "So, this has been pointed out as one particular, potential major biological impact on one of the more charismatic species that lives in the Great Lakes."
Sen
R. Feingold"It's amazing that the administration keeps pretending that things are going well," Feingold said. "It's time that we bring the troops out of there."
"The Iron County Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 11th, 2007 at 6:00 PM at the Iron County Courthouse, Hurley, Wisconsin. The meeting is open to the public per Chapter 19, sub Chapter V, Wisconsin Statutes."
"Simmons is charged with three class D felonies -- homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by operation of a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, and homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration."
"In the Town of Saxon, Sue Brauer defeated incumbent Faye LaJoice 63-57, while in the Town of Pence, Shirley Seibel topped Paula Manzanares, 41-28."
"The green-and-brown-spotted walleyes might as well be floating gold bricks for all of the cash they bring into the state. With 1.5 million licensed anglers in Wisconsin, millions of dollars are spent on catching the critters. That's why the Department of Natural Resources surveys them each year."
Bush
not guaranteed to get his way, Obey says"Bush, Obey said, "is crying crocodile tears about the fact that the Congress has not yet passed his take-it-or-leave-it spending request for the Iraq war." Obey said that while the president criticized Congress for leaving for spring recess without passing the supplemental spending measure, a Republican-controlled Congress late in 2006 left for the year without finishing work on $463.5 billion in discretionary spending bills. Obey said Congress might have had more time to consider the wartime spending measure if it did not have to "clean up their last year's leftovers.""
Thompson
touts 'reliable' principles""It's a long way for this boy from Elroy to the grand white home on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.," said Thompson, who faces difficult odds in a crowded but unpredictable GOP field."
Appeals
court overturns corruption conviction of former state employee -- evidence
called "thin," charges unfounded"It's extraordinary for a U.S. Court of Appeals to issue a decision on the day of oral arguments without a written opinion," Hurley said. "What they're saying is, there's no evidence, she's acquitted."
"Biondi said the enzymes will extract ethanol from parts of corn and other biomass that have to this point been commercially impossible to use in ethanol production. This will extend to cellulosic ethanol production, using materials such as switchgrass and wood chips."
Doyle
asks feds for SeniorCare extension, tells residents to 'hold tight'""Hold tight," Gov. Jim Doyle said at a news conference Wednesday. "SeniorCare isn't over today. People should go and get their prescriptions filled." Lisa Lamkins, advocacy director for AARP Wisconsin, also urged seniors to stay the course for the time being."
Doyle
touts biofuels, renewables"If an oil field in Iran has to compete against a farm field in Wisconsin, that's a very good thing for the environment, for our economy and for the world,"
"Benjamin Houghton, 47, was to have had his left testicle removed June 14 at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center because there was a chance it could harbor cancer cells. It also was atrophied and painful. But doctors mistakenly removed the right testicle, according to medical records and the claim, which seeks $200,000 for future care and unspecified damages. He still hasn't had the other testicle removed."
Sen
R. Feingold"Wisconsinites are well served by the SeniorCare program and it is wrong for the Administration to push its flawed prescription drug program at the expense of Wisconsin seniors and American taxpayers."
Gov.
Doyle"Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Lance Corporal Harry Timberman of the United States Marine Corps Who Lost His Life During Operation Iraqi Freedom"
“With our vast agricultural and forestry resources, our strong research institutions, and our strong manufacturing base, I want the Midwest to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy – with Wisconsin at the forefront,”
Health
programs protect children, prepare for crises "Zona Wick, director of the Iron County Health Department, singled out four programs to spotlight during National Public Health Week, April 2 through 9. They are the childhood lead program; emergency preparedness; dietary fluoride supplements; and the human papillomavirus vaccine."
"Ziegler also handled cases involving companies for which she held more than $50,000 in stock. The Judicial Commission will decide April 20 whether to investigate a complaint from the non-partisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign about seven cases involving the bank and nine cases where Ziegler owned more than $50,000 in stock."
"The business arm of the Menominee tribe improperly spent over $1 million in federal funds that was supposed to be used for roads and forestry work, according to a civil lawsuit filed by the U.S. attorney's office Tuesday."
Most
spending requests rejected"With one in eight Wisconsin districts holding a referendum, Tuesday's election marked the largest single-day effort by Wisconsin schools to gain voters' approvals since the revenue limits were implemented in 1993."
"On April 20, the state Judicial Commission will decide whether to investigate an allegation by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign that Ziegler violated ethics rules by hearing cases in which she had a business relationship with one of the parties."
Conservation
Dept. hosts contr..."For more information or to register for the event, please contact Rachael Krivinchuk at the Ashland, Bayfield Douglas, and Iron County Land Conservation Department at (800) 682-1675 or (715) 682-7187."
Gov.
Doyle"Sadly, this has become a pattern with President Bush. Stubborn and unwilling to admit a mistake. Relying on ideology while ignoring obvious facts. And putting rich, powerful interests ahead of regular people. Unfortunately, this time it’s Wisconsin seniors and America’s taxpayers who will pay the price."
Iron
County accepts Gogebic County offer"Gogebic County can purchase and maintain ownership of three telephones to be used at the Iron County Sheriff Department, as part of Iron County's "hot button" system for dispatching cellphone calls coming into the ICSD dispatch from Ironwood."
"Last season, a larger sail boat touched bottom at the entrance to the new south basin, Challis said. "The water level is lower," he explained. That, combined with the project, "created a lot more settling." "
"Iron County had a single fatality. On Feb. 1, at 19-year-old Iowa man died after his machine struck a tree at 2 a.m. in the Town of Pence. His blood-alcohol content was .186."
"The hiring of an administrative assistant will allow Ironwood complaints, other than emergencies, to be answered locally. It will not, however, stop the Ironwood proper 911 cell phone calls, with Dobson Cellular as the carrier, from being transmitted to the Iron County Sheriff's Department for dispatch, he said."
""The department is selecting Great Lakes Aviation Ltd. to provide subsidized essential air service (to Ironwood) for the two-year period beginning when the carrier inaugurates full service," the U.S. Department of Transportation said in a release issued Friday."
Stem-cell
patents tossed"The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a preliminary rejection of three key stem-cell patents owned by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, setting up a legal battle with potentially big economic and psychological ramifications for the state's biotech economy."
UW
patents jeopardized"Although these patents aren't dead, they have been diagnosed with severe cancer," said Dan Ravicher, executive director of the New York-based Public Patent Foundation. "The chilling effect caused by (UW- Madison's) aggressive pursuit of these patents could be over and people could be free to do research."
"The owner of AirTran Airways raised its previous offer of $345 million nearly 13 percent Monday in its hostile bid for the regional airline that prefers to go it alone."
Price
County gray wolf first killed since protection lifted"It took less than one month after the gray wolf was delisted from federal Endangered Species Act protection for one to be killed in Wisconsin. On March 28, a landowner west of Park Falls shot and killed a gray wolf, which he believed was after his dog, a border collie, according to Adrian Wydeven, conservation biologist and mammalian ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources."
"Even though the town's overlay district wouldn't allow the finished product to be permanently placed in Minocqua, a business that assembles "park model travel trailers" has been proposed in the township along Hwy. 70 West."
Sen
R. Feingold“The President says he supports our troops, yet he wants to keep them in the middle of an Iraqi civil war indefinitely."
Gov.
Doyle"It’s important to remember that the Patent Office’s decision is only preliminary, and the patents will remain in effect while the appeal process goes forward. Based on my many conversations with experts in the field over the past few years, I am confident that these patents will ultimately be upheld."
cont
Obey
talks Iraq, veterans and education in Hurley (4/2/07)"We're going to continue to fight for a new course in Iraq at the same time that we fight for a new budget that puts healthcare and education at the top of Congress' priority list after too long an absence."
"Voters will cast ballots at their respective town halls, except for Sherman. Because the town hall in Sherman is not handicapped accessible, electors will vote in the town garage, said county clerk Mike Saari."
Mercer
students take on health and wellness challenge"All student participants received T-shirts highlighting the program. The shirts were designed by Mercer School sixth grade student Hunter Kirchoff and are in Mercer school colors -- orange and black."
Special
meeting today"The Hurley City Council will conduct a special meeting today to act on a liquor license and restaurant permit for Horse's Corral."
"Among the regulations that will be reviewed by the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board is a requirement that boaters must drain water from their craft immediately after leaving Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the Mississippi River and portions of tributaries that reach dams that can't be breached by fish."
"The state Elections Board is estimating a turnout of 800,000 to 850,000 voters, which would be about one-quarter of 3.37 million registered voters, spokesman Kyle Richmond said."
"The event prompts Liz Pearson of Saveur Magazine to compare Wisconsin to California, which produces more milk and threatens to soon take the lead in cheese production.... "What you have reminds me of the winemakers," she explains, because of the pride and personal stories that are a part of the cheeses and Wisconsin's unified effort to promote them."
"Kyle has been in Hollywood taping a game-show pilot where he had to compete against other contestants blindfolded and correctly identify vacuum models, the newspaper said Saturday."
Obey
fields questions on Iraq in Ashland visit"Obey met with constituents at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, his sixth such hour-long stop in two days. As the House Appropriations Committee chairman, Obey recently ushered in the House's narrow approval of a $124 billion spending bill, which allocates funds for military operations in Iraq but requires combat troops be removed by September 2008."
DNR:
burning permits required"Burning without a permit, setting a fire and failing to extinguish it, or allowing a fire to escape are violations of state statutes. The responsible party may be required to pay fines, the costs to suppress the fire and the cost of any damages resulting from the fire."
Sen
R. FeingoldBill to Redeploy Troops from Iraq"The bill requires the President to begin safely redeploying U.S. troops from Iraq 120 days from enactment, as required by the emergency supplemental spending bill the Senate passed last week. The bill ends funding for the war, with three narrow exceptions, effective March 31, 2008."
"Despite the swirling rumors of graft, corruption, serial killers, hauntings and aliens, the truth is more mundane and much more interesting. Pursuant to an order by the federal courts, WalMart has ceased construction of their new mega-store on US-2 east of Ironwood."
I seem to have inadvertantly erased the links for April 1st when attaching the March archives. Sorry about that. - Bob
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