Local News (archives)
Investigation
continues in burglary of Bear Trap Inn"The Bear Trap was broken into on the night of June 20, the June 21 complaint said. With money reported missing, the thief entered through a back window, the complaint added. It's been unofficially reported that Don's Bar in Saxon was also broken into on June 20."
County
board OKs land transactions "Four land transactions were approved by the Iron County Board at a 25-minute meeting Thursday. The board sold lots 9 and 10 in Richardson's second addition in Mercer to the Town of Mercer for $1."
Woman
severely injured in ATV crash"With the helicopter unable to land at the scene, Beacon Ambulance transported the victims to GVH, where the helicopter was able to land, the report said. The police escorted the ambulance to the hospital. One of the victims was then airlifted to St. Mary's in Duluth, while the 12-year-old girl was treated for a broken wrist and released, Petrusha said."
Ironwood:
City cleared in cleanfill dump site complaint "Dumping continues at all sites, and the city is taking the necessary steps to better document those dumpings, according to city manager Scott Erickson."
[This is the other side of Penokee Closed By D.E.Q., posted on 28 June. - Bob]
The mayor, speaking Thursday at The Brookings Institution, admonished the lawmakers and policymakers gathered to deep-six the stereotype, one he finds unattractive (especially compared to "Sun Belt") and self-defeating as the Midwest transitions to a new economy amid fierce, global competition.
Doyle,
Democrats diverge on health plan"Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle on Friday distanced himself from the universal health care plan that Senate Democrats added to their state budget, saying he will instead push for his plan to expand the BadgerCare program."
"The butterflies are harmless but some people still feel threatened when they see a swarm or unusual-looking insects, entomologists said. "People shouldn't automatically jump to the conclusion that something they're not used to seeing is something bad," said Beth Goeppinger, a Bong State Recreation Area naturalist."
"After all, it was Gaylord Nelson who talked about limiting immigration, not just illegal immigration, when he said, "But in this country, it's phony to say I'm for the environment but not for limiting immigration.' It's just a fact that we can't take all the people who want to come here. And you don't have to be a racist to realize that."
Obey
proposes clean-campaign election fund"Obey and eight other House Democrats have introduced a bill they say would allow the general public to check off $2 contributions on their federal tax returns to contribute to a campaign fund for general election races of House candidates. A fee of one-tenth of 1 percent levied on companies with profits of $10 million or more would supplement the fund. The money would be divvied up to incumbents and challengers based on formulas."
New
city contract goes with trends"The contract for members of Local 728-A that was approved by the city council earlier this month came about suddenly after a meeting with a union representative about insurance changes."
"Mayor Joe Pinardi said it's not a new license. Wiedbrauk will pay $500 for the license and will also be responsible for paying for the cost of Thursday's special session. There were no other items on the agenda."
County
could eliminate 'wait list' for home, long-term care"A statewide initiative to regionalize family care is under way, and Iron County could now eliminate its "wait list" for those in need of a home or community-based long-term care within two years through the consortium."
Boat
landing evidence of Mercer Lake Association's effort "The lake association will hold its annual meeting Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Mercer Community Center. The meeting is open to the public. Association members will discuss efforts under way to improve the lake, its fishery, public access and safe navigation."
"Iron County's unemployment rate for May stood at 7.1 percent, down substantially from 10.7 percent in April, but still the second highest in Wisconsin."
"The Gile Post Office will be restored to a full-service facility, with a postmaster appointed by Oct. 1, according to U.S. Postal officials."
GOP
lawmakers huddle on budget details"Huebsch refused to make public any recommendations of the individual work groups. He said public disclosure would limit the "free and open" debate needed to consider spending options. Only the final package of changes will be made public and given to Assembly Democrats one day before debate starts, Huebsch said."
Democratic
state convention attracts no presidential candidates"But the presumed front-runners for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois, passed on the opportunity to address the state's Democratic base."
"... Hewett said the virus probably spread into the Mississippi. Cedar Lake connects to both the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. The DNR announced in December 2002 that tests of fish taken from the rivers revealed antibodies for the virus, suggesting the fish had come into contact with the virus."
"Home grocery delivery services are making a comeback, aided by the Internet and a personal touch. Two new companies, one independent and one franchise, have opened recently in Madison providing personal shopping services primarily for customers needing -- or wanting -- to avoid the grocery store."
"Here, iPhone envy could linger for the next few years, possibly longer. Apple and AT&T, which took over Cingular, have an exclusive, multiyear agreement to bundle the iPhone with AT&T's cell phone service plans, said Mark Siegel, an AT&T spokesman. AT&T's network, however, covers eastern Wisconsin and the Madison area, and not much further in Wisconsin."
Odd:
Wal-Mart plasma TV for $4.88"While Wal-Mart is known for dropping its prices, one West Monroe man took the ad campaign seriously when he dropped the price of a plasma television from $984 to $4.88."
Gov.
Doyle
"The Department has indicated that an investigation was done on the Ayer Street and Penokee dumpsites. Although this cannot be fully confirmed by the DEQ at this time, the dumpsite was closed as a result of their investigation."
[Pictures from About_Ironwood at Pic 1 and Pic 2 - Bob]
"Lautenschlager, now an attorney in private practice, called the decision an "assault on the public records laws" that means that "only a select few can have meaningful input" into what may be introduced in the Legislature, pass both Assembly and Senate and become law."
Health
plan guarantees teacher benefits"Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), author of the plan, said it would be unfair to reduce teachers' health benefits with a salary cap in place. Teachers would be covered under the state health plan, but school districts would have to make up the balance of benefits, to current levels, he said."
Kohl's
pulls Daisy Fuentes clothing over sweatshop allegations"The National Labor Committee, a New York-based workers rights group, issued a report after learning of complaints by workers at the Fribo factory in rural Santa Maria Cauque de Sacatepequez, Guatemala."
"The 27-foot-long, 11-foot-tall hot dog on wheels was in a construction zone on Interstate 10 in downtown Tucson Wednesday morning, slowing traffic. Officer Korey Lankow caught up to it and ran its YUMMY license plate to make sure it was street legal. YUMMY came back as stolen."
Feingold
won't ignore Cheney claim"If Cheney's attempt to classify the vice president as a legislator -- in order to avoid requirements that his office comply with requirements of the National Archives' charting of the classification and declassification of important documents -- were to be accepted, Feingold says, "I would have to go back and reconsider some of my answers on the quizzes when I was in elementary school. I would worry about my third-grade test results if I somehow got it wrong when I expressed this bizarre notion that the vice president was a member of the executive branch."
"He had his facts all wrong," Chernow said. "If you look at Texas, the rates have not gone down." "The attitude he had was We're not going to listen to you. We've already made our mind up. We don't care who we step on.' "
"Wisconsin ranked eighth in the nation last year in revenue from Indian gaming facilities with 11 tribes bringing in $1.2 billion, according to a report released Thursday."
Land
deal adds 5,900 acres to Brule River State Forest"The Brule River deal is only part of a sweeping land-buy package the board approved at its meeting in Oconomowoc. The move ensures about 10,700 acres throughout Wisconsin will be protected from development and open to hunting, fishing and recreation."
Sen
R. Feingold"The test of whether an ad is permissible is whether it is "susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate," the court said. A loophole that large could encourage special-interest groups to wage advertising campaigns for the upcoming presidential primaries that they may not have contemplated before the ruling."
"Cheney flunked out of Yale, never got near a law school and has, throughout his long career of public self-service displayed a disregard for the Constitution unequaled in American politics."
Sen
H. Kohl"I'm disappointed that partisan divide has prevented us from completing our work on the immigration reform bill."
"The Wisconsin Methamphetamine Initiative and CLEAR teams have done a great job finding and eradicating hundreds of meth labs across Wisconsin, but they can do more if we give them the resources to expand their operations."
"And today, the Senate Special Committee on Aging, which is led by Senator Herb Kohl, Democrat of Wisconsin, will hold the first of a series of hearings on the issue, which could lead to legislative proposals to restrict and require disclosure of payments and gifts to doctors from drug companies nationwide."
"The Combination Class B beer and liquor license will be acted on first, followed by the adult entertainment license request. If the council chooses to grant the liquor license, it will be the 34th one approved in the city this year."
Democrats
advance state budget"Flexing political muscle they lacked for four years, Democrats on Tuesday pushed through the Senate a budget with historic tax increases, a $15.2 billion universal health care plan and a broader role for state government in the lives of every Wisconsin resident."
State
to add 10,000 acres to far-flung natural areas"I think that the range of the projects here shows the amazing reach of the stewardship fund and how it affects people across the state,"
University
will build bioenergy fuel lab"UW-Madison will build a $100 million facility to support a new federal research center for developing alternative fuel sources, with half of the money coming from state taxpayers, officials said Tuesday."
Feingold
puts positive spin on Supreme Court decision"Yes, of course, says Feingold, "I think the court was wrong to say that these kinds of ads could be done. I think it was a wrong decision, and that it may be abused significantly. (But) they certainly did not overturn McCain-Feingold.""
"Some fret that lawmakers will play to the camera and inject more drama into the otherwise routine process of governing. Others fear that the legislative process will seem so haphazard as to drive lawmakers' approval ratings into the ground."
Google
to help non-profits raise awareness"Already, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has been using Google Earth to call attention to atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan. When users scan over Darfur, they see icons of flames representing destroyed villages and of tents for refugee camps. Clicking on one opens a window with details and links on how to help."
Sen
R. Feingold"After a year and a half of stonewalling by the Administration, the Judiciary Committee is finally taking appropriate action by issuing subpoenas for information that will tell us how and why high-ranking officials authorized this illegal program. The bipartisan support for issuing these subpoenas demonstrates that both Democrats and Republicans are fed up with the misleading statements from the Attorney General and the Administration about this illegal program."
"Those protocol changes also reversed the presumption against seeking the federal death penalty in a local jurisdiction that had already chosen to outlaw capital punishment, and instead stated that a lack of “appropriate punishment” in the local jurisdiction should be a factor in deciding whether to bring a federal capital case."
Sen
H. Kohl"The commission's hard work is a true public service resulting in a process that is impartial and above the fray. I look forward to working with this impressive group."
Gov.
DoyleGovernor
Doyle Announces Stewardship Purchases Across the State“The Stewardship fund not only protects thousands of acres of land across the state, it protects who we are in Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “From the bluffs of La Crosse to the forests of the north to the more urban setting of Big Muskego Lake, these purchases will serve the needs of all citizens throughout the state. "
Bill
O’Reilly Hoisted On His Own Petard By 16 Year Old"As for what it’s like being the kid who put a hurting on Bill O’Reilly, Lange says he is getting “a couple hundred Facebook requests a day” and letters from college professors, “just asking me to consider their schools when I apply to college.”"
[Why is this pinhead the only talk radio in the Hurley area (except for right wing extremist Newt Gingrich's editorial comment that has been added at WJMS) when the county is heavily Democratic? Shouldn't we complain to Frede? - Bob]
Motion
hearing set for July 16 on Fisher Lake land deal"Iron County wants Edelstein to deed over his portion of the Haven by the Falls parcel on Lake of the Falls in exchange for his initial investment of $90,000. The Iron County Circuit Court hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m."
State
declines comment in Bednar-Clemens probe "Sen. Jauch's office, in addition to writing correspondence over the past year, recently made phone contact with the DOJ to find out the status of this case," Kanninen said. "We got the same answer as Mr. DeRosso. It's still under investigation, and we're getting closer."
$15.2
billion plan for universal health care kindles support, ire"The state's business trade groups spoke against the plan - and the payroll tax that would fund it. But some independent business owners and operators told lawmakers it would work well for them and their employees."
"Today we have a historic opportunity to give our businesses, our families, our farmers, what they've been asking for for years. ... What they have been asking for are the same health care benefits as their state legislators," said Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, D-Beloit."
Energy
secretary announces $375 million for bioenergy centers"University of Wisconsin-Madison said it would use the $125 million grant over five years, the largest formal grant in school history, to establish the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center in Madison. The lab will be a partnership with Michigan State University, the University of Florida and scientists from other laboratories."
"The newest challenge to a Depression-era state law designed to protect owners of small gas stations from unfair competition has been filed in Dane County Circuit Court by a national libertarian law firm."
"For Paul Philp, a professor of petroleum and environmental geochemistry at the University of Oklahoma, the gas is valuable on its own. “We’re going to begin fingerprinting the gasoline and compare it to modern day gasolines,” he said."
Sen
R. Feingold
Kohl,
Feingold, Baldwin Praise Grant to University of Wisconsin-Madison for
Bioenergy Research Center“This is an exciting moment for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the state as they lead research into the promising next generation of biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, that will foster increased national security, support our local communities, and protect our environment,”
Sen
H. Kohl
KOHL
LAUDS SELECTION OF UW-MADISON FOR NEW BIOENERGY RESEARCH CENTER"... it solidifies our state and our flagship University's position at the head of the burgeoning renewable fuels industry. As we wean our way off oil, gas, and coal energy sources, we know that more and more Americans will turn to biofuels to heat their homes and fuel their cars -- biofuels developed and produced in Wisconsin,"
Rep
D. Obey
OBEY
RE-INTRODUCES PLAN TO TAKE PRIVATE MONEY OUT OF POLITICS“We have reached a point where private money is swamping the political process and destroying public confidence in our government. The problem with politics is more fundamental than meals or trips with lobbyists,”
HOUSE
PASSES RECORD INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR VETERANS HEALTHCARE“This bill provides the largest increase in funding for veterans in the VA’s seventy-seven year history. It follows the increased funding we provided for veterans in this year’s budget, and clearly shows that we’ve made the needs of our servicemen and women our top priority,”
Gov.
Doyle“This Center will be the centerpiece of our state’s efforts to lead the country toward energy independence. And just like the Institutes for Discovery, this will be an economic engine that will translate new discoveries into high-paying jobs.”
Presidential
scholars present Bush with letter urging a ban on torture"President Bush was presented with a letter Monday signed by 50 high school seniors in the Presidential Scholars program urging a halt to "violations of the human rights" of terror suspects held by the United States."
"In January, Hurley K-12 School second-graders and their teachers, Patti Bertagnoli and Michelle Santini, formed a running and fitness club called the Mighty Monarchs."
"The Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce will hold an Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, July 4, featuring a full day of activities at the Manitowish Waters Community Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a downtown parade at 1 p.m., the Skiing Skeeters water ski show at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk."
"The 11th annual "Just Tri It" Triathlon will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters. Each year, the triathlon has grown in popularity, drawing over 200 participants from the beginner to the experienced tri-athlete. The course consists of a 300-yard swim, a 10-kilometer mountain bike and a 5-kilometer trail run."
Senators
push universal health care"The plan stands little chance of becoming law this year because Republicans who control the Assembly do not support the idea. But Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) said it was important to include the proposal in the budget because the cost of health care is such a pressing issue - one she contends Republicans haven't been willing to address with real solutions."
Poll:
Wisconsin residents happy with themselves _ not the nation"Only three out of 10 people in Wisconsin are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. or Bush's job performance, according to the latest Badger Poll from the University of Wisconsin Survey Center."
Court
kills key parts of Feingold law "Jay Heck, executive director of the reform group Common Cause in Wisconsin, said the ruling opens the gates to so-called "issue ads" that look and sound like regular campaign ads but don't tell viewers to vote for or against a candidate. In many cases, including the Right to Life case, such messages are funded with corporate money, which is otherwise banned under the McCain-Feingold law and Wisconsin state law."
"Several hundred people laced up Sunday morning for a two-mile charity race in which suds were the refresher of choice. Competitors in the 19th annual Beer Belly Two might not be considered athletes, but they know how to have a good time."
DNR
optimistic fish virus not widespread‘‘We all kind of felt like, when it was announced that is was in Lake Winnebago that if it was in Winnebago it could be all over the state,’’ he said. ‘‘And while we certainly aren’t ruling out the possibility that it’s in some waters out there, it’s not widespread.’’
Sen
R. Feingold
Statement
of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on the Supreme Court's Decision in Wisconsin
Right to Life v. FEC"Unfortunately, the test that the Court sets out for challenges to the law by those who wish to run specific ads -- whether the ads in question are the “functional equivalent of express advocacy” and are “susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate” -- seems susceptible to easy manipulation by groups intent on spending corporate and union money to influence elections."
Sen
H. KohlKohl
examining drug industry practices - MSN Money"It is estimated that drug companies spend $19 billion a year on doctors in lecture and conference fees, research grants, trips, meals, drug samples and more, according to a statement from the senator's office. Panel members will discuss how pharmaceutical companies influence physican prescribing patterns and the self-imposed guidelines of accepting and giving gifts and fees."
Rep
D. Obey"Democrats are predictably skeptical of the party's recent "spend wisely" hosannas. "It's a miracle," says Wisconsin Rep. David Obey, sarcastically. "It's a St. Paul conversion on the road to Damascus.""
Gov.
Doyle
Governor
Doyle Touts Bio-Initiative to Achieve Energy Independence“Our state has the farms, the fields, the forests, and the factories to reduce our reliance on foreign fossil fuels, protect our environment, and add new growth to our economy. With innovative businesses and strong partnerships like Clear Horizons working together with the Crave Brothers’ farm, Wisconsin is poised to lead the country to energy independence.”
Webcasters to Go Silent in Protest of Royalty Rate Increase -
SaveNetRadio Coalition"Many webcasters are planning to shut off access to their streams entirely,
while other webcasters plan to replace their music streams with long periods of
silence (or static or ocean sounds or similar) interspersed with occasional brief
public service announcements on the subject."
Super-rare
warbler is nesting in Wisconsin"This is the first time nests have been found outside Michigan since the 1940s, when nests were discovered in Ontario. Female Kirtland's warblers have also been observed near the nests, another first for Wisconsin."
Democrats
push health care"Saying the state's health-care system is in a crisis that demands radical action, Senate Democrats will begin Monday to advance a plan to mandate that every person in the state have the same coverage that lawmakers have."
DNR
optimistic fish virus not widespread"But the state Department of Natural Resources is requesting to make permanent rules aimed at containing the virus, which is deadly to fish but not to humans."
"About two weeks ago, a bird watcher in central Wisconsin reported seeing a nest, indicating that a breeding pair now calls the state home. Since then, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said two more nests have been found."
""The lobbying dollar is what counts," Linzmeyer said. "Insurance companies don't have those huge glass buildings because they aren't making money." Lohman puts it this way: "The health care industry, hospitals, HMOs, doctors and pharmaceutical corporations spend about $1.4 million a year in Wisconsin buying non-action in Madison by the Legislature." "
Sen
R. Feingold"Feingold and Obama are urging several Senate leaders, who will play important roles in the bill’s fate as the Senate prepares to negotiate the final bill with the House of Representatives, to include several key provisions that passed the Senate but were left out of the House version of the bill."
"In the coming weeks, Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Representative John Conyers (D-MI) are expected to introduce the End Racial Profiling Act of 2007 (ERPA), which will prohibit federal law enforcement agencies from engaging in racial profiling and encourage states to adopt the same type of ban on the practice."
Sen
H. Kohl"The legislation, S. 1640, introduced Monday by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and cosponsored by Senators Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and John Cornyn (R-Tex.), would close this loophole by clarifying current vessel hull design protection laws with a clear definition of a hull and deck in the judicial process. If enacted into law, the measure would stop companies that “splash” a competitor’s protected hull, only make changes to the deck, and then escape violating copyright laws."
Rep
D. Obey"The House speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat of California, and the Appropriations Committee chairman, Rep. David Obey, a Democrat of Wisconsin, have issued an edict cutting the amount of money devoted to earmarks in half."
"Obey denied all earmarks when passing a wrap-up spending bill earlier this year... Republicans are especially feeling the pinch. Now that they're in the minority, they only get about 40 percent of the money for projects rather than the 60 percent they enjoyed when controlling Congress. The fact that earmarks are being cut in half doubles the pinch.
For
sale: One ranger station, used"Iron County is still looking for a buyer for the Upson Ranger Station. Iron County Board Chairman Dennis DeRosso recently told the finance committee the county had only received one bid on the property, $51,000. "
Summer
projects in full swing"The Mercer School Board on Monday approved two major maintenance projects, set a special meeting to discuss one and delayed a fourth due to a lack of funds."
"On Friday, July 20, a replica of the Nina will open for tours in Bayfield. The ship will be docked at Bayfield City Dock Marina, until her departure Monday, July 23. While in port, the public is invited to visit the ship for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour daily."
"Employees at McDonald's Restaurant were surprised Friday morning when a guy riding a tractor pulled up to the drive-through lane seeking an order of food. "They said it was the first tractor they served at the new restaurant," said Jim Clement, of Saxon, Wis."
Thompson
keeps race at slow pace""I think a lot of us are hoping the best for Tommy and are wishing him well but are just sort of watching the field to see how it materializes," says U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Janesville, who has been personally wooed by several GOP candidates, from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to the Kansas senator Ryan once worked for, Sam Brownback."
"Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for a 50-year-old man who crashed his mo-ped in an alleged alcohol-related incident, and for the 20-year-old whose vehicle struck the prone man as he lay injured on the roadway."
Liberals
scare wits out of GOP"Faced with the prospect that the presidency will fall to the Democrats in 2008 as Congress did in 2006, the RNC is scared to the point of delusion. How delusional? This week, the RNC appeared to be more worried about the annual Take Back America conference than about global warming or the collapse of international regard for the United States."
Eco-friendly
artist studio pla..."Since Washburn dubbed itself an eco-municipality, city representatives have considered creating demonstration projects to show Washburn's commitment to sustainability. The Woodwards may rise to the challenge, as they have a long-term goal of "going all solar" at the property, Jesse Woodward said. "It'd be nice to have a place where people can look at it and say, 'Oh, that's how you do it,'" he said."
Students
ready for camp session"Thirty adult volunteers will assist Hurley K-12 school students at the annual summer camp set for next week at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters. Also, 26 high school students have been trained as camp staffers for the Tuesday through Friday gathering."
Report
reviewing deaths of 17 whooping cranes recommends safeguards"The report by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership suggested keeping the endangered birds in open pens as much as possible, moving facilities to high ground or relocating some juvenile cranes during their winters in Florida to avoid another catastrophic loss."
Berg:
What a difference 100 years makes"How many 8th grade students today could calculate interest on an 8 percent note for $900, running for two years, two months and six days without using a calculator? Discuss the writings of Thomas Jefferson? Give a brief account of the colleges, printing and religion in the colonies prior to the American Revolution?"
Rules
lock some off the airwaves"The signal may be weak, but low-power FM has the potential of making our communities stronger," Terry said. "This is extremely important for noncommercial groups like schools, churches and neighborhoods."
Wisconsin,
Minnesota settle tuition dispute"Their pact means that starting in the fall of 2008, Wisconsin students attending higher-priced University of Minnesota schools will see a bigger number on their bills — but the state will kick in the difference in the form of a “tuition reciprocity supplement.”"
"As they attempted to subdue him in a campground area at the Country USA festival, his pants came off and he fled into another part of the campground. Officers pursued the pants-less man and arrested him after again using the Taser."
Sen
R. FeingoldFeingold
Questions Adminstration's Continued Support of NCLB“NCLB has hamstrung state and local decision-making by establishing a federal accountability system that measures and punishes our students and our schools based on, among other things, annual high-stakes standardized testing,” Feingold said. “This is the wrong approach, and the groundswell of opposition to the NCLB – from parents, educators, and administrators alike – shows just how flawed it is.”
“This funding will help teachers in Wisconsin develop new methods for teaching American history. A good understanding of our country’s history can help our children become more involved, informed citizens.”
Gov.
Doyle“This agreement ensures that as our students pursue higher education, they will have many quality schools from which to choose.”
Dobson
Cellular steps up"The "hot button" phone system will allow Iron County Sheriff's Department dispatchers to transfer 911 cellular calls from the Ironwood area to Negaunee with the push of a button ... Officials from both Gogebic and Iron counties have been attempting to resolve the issue for almost eight months."
Committee
vote good news for Midwest Forest Products "The new bill would extend the 40-ton weight limit 20 miles west from Ashland on U.S. 2 to Midwest Forest Products in Bayfield County. "Losing the mill would be a disaster in an already depressed economy," State Rep. Sherman, D-Port Wing, told the Assembly Forestry Committee."
"The public will have the opportunity to view a working dairy farm in operation Saturday at the Thewis Valley Farm during the annual Chequamegon Dairy Day. Most of the events will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m."
"A day after the Green Bay City Council passed a controversial ordinance barring businesses that get city licenses, contracts or grants from hiring illegal immigrants, the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council announced Wednesday that it's severing ties to the mayor's office."
"Statewide, Wisconsin law enforcement officers issued 8,116 safety belt citations and 246 child passenger restraint citations.
Poll
finds majority approve of Doyle's job as governor"Just 45 percent said he was doing an excellent or good job. The Democratic governor's ratings are improved from their lowest point in June 2006, just five months before he won re-election. At that time 57 percent rated him as either fair or poor and 37 percent said his job performance was excellent or good."
Environmentalists
plan lawsuit over ballast discharges"The National Wildlife Federation and seven other groups consider oceangoing freighters a leading source of exotics such as the zebra mussel and a recently discovered virus responsible for fish kills in several of the lakes. They said the lawsuit would be filed in federal court after a required 60-day waiting period. It will seek an order barring the ships from discharging ballast water into the lakes unless they get federal or state permits and install sterilization equipment."
"A woman who swerved to avoid hitting the reptile as it crawled across the northbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway Tuesday afternoon lost control of her car, crashed through a guardrail and tumbled down an embankment before the car flipped over onto its roof."
"Farming may not be as prominent in Bayfield County as it once was, but those who continue to earn a living from the soil in this country still know well how tough a life it can be. They recognize all too well that despite the occasion of tragedy, there are still cows to be milked, still hay to be mowed, chopped and stored. When one farmer experiences ill fortune, it is their way to close ranks, to help out where they can."
Sen
R. FeingoldFeingold,
Obama Push for Strongest Ethics and Lobbying Reform Bill Possible“Without provisions like a strong lobbyist gift ban, and tough restrictions on privately funded travel and corporate jet flights, the bill won’t do enough to change the status quo in Washington.”
Feingold
Calls on Levin, Jack Reed to Drop Opposition to Feingold-Reid“I’m pleased that Senator Levin and Senator Jack Reed have finally come to the conclusion that a timetable for redeployment with a hard deadline is what we need to safely redeploy our troops from Iraq,”
Gov.
DoyleHurley
eyes athletic code changes"If a student receives one F under the new code, he or she will be given two weeks to bring up the grade. The student, in effect, would be on probation and would be ineligible for play if no improvement occurred in the two-week period."
School
board OKs teacher contract""This percentage increase must cover their benefit and salary increase. If their benefit package increases more than the 3.8 percent, then salaries go down," he explained to the school board."
"There will be a charge of $2 per bag, with bags up to 35 gallons accepted. The $2 vouchers can be purchased at Stoffel's Country Store, the Iron County Community Credit Union and Town and Country."
"A parade will take place at noon with the lineup at the fair graunds at 11 a.m. After the parade, food, kids' games, raffles and horseshoes will take place at the Iron County Fair Grounds."
"The Peoples Choice Show will be located between Second and Third Avenues on Silver Street in Hurley. After dusk, around 8:15 p.m., a parade featuring classic cars and trucks, along with various cycles, will parade from Hurley to Ironwood and back."
"The 4-year-old son of Cyndi and Tony Erspamer of Pine Lake was bitten by a large musky Friday at the lake. Turns out he's just fine, but he would like someone to get "that darn fish out of my lake!""
Extension
Education Committee to meet"The Iron County Extension Education Committee will meet Thursday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at the North Lakeland Discovery Center, Manitowish Waters."
News
analysis: Huebsch's hard line on budget is risky"Huebsch's comments pleased Republican loyalists, but could create difficulties down the line as Democrats and Republicans try to reach a compromise budget. If a budget doesn't pass, Huebsch runs the risk of being seen as putting government in gridlock. If he eventually agrees to a budget that allows taxes to go up, he could be viewed as breaking a promise."
Bill
would tell vets about health risks"If passed, the bill would make Wisconsin one of a handful of states with similar legislation, according to its author, Rep. Tom Nelson, D-Kaukauna. Nelson said the proposal would help avoid long delays -- like the ones that occurred after the Vietnam War -- in notifying soldiers of health hazards. "I don't want us to repeat the mistakes of the past and that's why I want (Wisconsin) to get ahead of the curve on this," Nelson said."
"Corn height was reported at a record average height of 23 inches, ahead of last year's 14 inches and the 5-year average of 11 inches. However, corn in dry areas and on lighter soils was showing some stress, farmers said."
"Before sentencing, Rice apologized for his role in the corporate scandal that wiped out thousands of jobs, more than $60 billion in market value and more than $2 billion in pension plans. "I'm sorry. I wasn't raised that way and I'm ashamed of that," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. "I'm committed to turning my life around.""
Sen
R. FeingoldFeingold
Leads Effort to Ensure Access to Health Care for Vulnerable Citizens"Since the DRA’s enactment, health care coverage is being delayed or denied for hundreds of thousands of Americans, including many children, who are eligible for Medicaid, but lack the documentation required to enroll in the program. Rural, Native American, and inner-city communities are among the groups most affected by the documentation requirements."
"Last year, the Senate unanimously passed virtually identical legislation offered by Feingold and former Senator Jim Jeffords (I-VT) as part of the Defense Authorization bill but the language was stripped in conference."
Gov.
Doyle"In some areas, the park took on the look of late November as the 1 1/2 -inch moths stripped trees of virtually all their leaves. Wasteful eaters, they often chomp on leaves but don't eat them."
"After rising in recent years, Lyme disease cases in the state began to level off last year, with 1,477. There were 1,459 cases reported in Wisconsin in 2005, state health officials say. Still, residents should take precautions when outdoors to avoid tick bites and promptly remove any bugs they find on themselves or their pets, they say."
"The court's ruling means social service agencies will have to do more to find jobs for participants and place those who are unsuccessful into taxpayer-funded employment, said Pat DeLessio, a lawyer for Legal Action of Wisconsin, which represented the women."
"When the clock strikes midnight on June 30 and there's no new state budget, prisoners won't be set free, highway repairs will continue and state patrol officers will still be looking for speeders. There will be no government shutdown."
"Demand is so strong that he'd like to expand. But he says an arcane federal law that prohibits him from selling his state-inspected meats outside of Wisconsin hinders his livelihood and that of other similar-sized sausage-makers. "Federal people understand big operations ... They don't do retail well. The state understands what we have to do to survive," he said, adding that he believes the state's inspection is more intense but provides more flexibility."
"Kim Mayorga was confused when her 2-year-old started making funny faces and pushing away the apple juice he had ordered at Applebee’s. The explanation came when she opened the lid of the sippy cup and was hit by the smell of tequila and Triple Sec."
Sen
H. Kohl"Our amendment will, for the first time, establish clearly and plainly that when a group of competing oil producers like the OPEC nations act together to restrict supply or set prices, they are violating U.S. law,"
Gov.
Doyle“Republicans in this state cannot simply pay lip service to relieving our country’s dependence on foreign oil, and then turn their backs on Wisconsin’s farmers, manufacturers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who have the skills and the resources to make it happen,”
Western
U.P. runners sought for Mackinac Bridge run "Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run lottery entrants include runners from 68 of Michigan's 83 counties. Several U.P. counties are not yet represented. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. on June 28."
"The TitanCard, the letter said, could double as a debit and ATM card if the student opened an account with U.S. Bank. Attached was a bank application. What the university did not say was that U.S. Bank pays the university a cut of its revenue in exchange for the exclusive right to target students through campus IDs."
DNR
closes state park to prevent spread of invasive insect"We hope closing the park will stop caterpillars from hitchhiking on vehicles and trailers and unknowingly being transported to areas where there is no infestation, potentially causing problems for our campers at their homes next summer,"
Cell
users should help"Consequently, a 70-year-old widow who will probably never give up her land line phone is paying into the fund while the 20-year-old techie with his latest bells-and-whistles cell phone isn't. That's not fair."
Investigation
Uncovers ‘Extensive Destruction’ Of RNC Emails, Violations Of Records Act"House investigators have learned that the Bush administration’s use of Republican National Committee email accounts is far greater than previously disclosed — 140,216 emails sent or received by Karl Rove alone — and that the RNC has overseen “extensive destruction” of many of the emails, including all email records for 51 White House officials."
Veteran
Homelessness on the Rise"The report shows female veterans were as much as four times more likely to become homeless than non-veteran women, with male veterans nearly twice as likely to become homeless than non-veterans."
"Raspberry Island Light Station has been closed to the public for two years while a major rehabilitation project was completed. A century of exposure to Lake Superior's harsh environment took its toll on the lighthouse."
"Scientists and state officials are attacking the problem with research and relatively small sums of money. But often little is known about where the next invasive species will show up and what it might be."
"As of late May, there were 55 inmates in the Wisconsin prison system convicted of adult charges who were 17 or younger. Almost all of them were in adult institutions. Nine were at Green Bay, 10 were at the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (an adult prison for inmates ages 15 to 24), 15 had been assigned to other adult institutions, and 14 were being evaluated at Dodge Correctional Institution for assignment to other prisons. Only seven had been assigned to juvenile correctional facilities."
GOP
budget aims a cannon at taxes"It also would leave Assembly lawmakers with a budget hole of more than $1 billion -- and the makings of what the Assembly Republican leader called a "great divide" between his party and Doyle and Senate Democrats on taxes."
"The good news is that the Legislature's Special Committee to Spread Ignorance About Affirmative Action has fallen flat on its face. The bad news is that the committee is still around to embarrass every race and creed."
Disparity
exists between exams"Eighty-five percent of eighth-grade Wisconsin students read well, according to state standardized tests. But just 35 percent are proficient when tested on a more challenging federal assessment. The disparity leads some to conclude that state tests are being dumbed down so kids can meet No Child Left Behind requirements."
Sen
R. Feingold"The Senate Appropriations Committee's Web site says 94 Senators turned in requests this spring for earmarks in spending bills for the fiscal year that begins October first. The specifics won't be known until the bills are made public. Others who didn't sign up are Republicans John McCain and Jim DeMint and Democrats Jay Rockefeller, Clair McCaskill and Russ Feingold."
Sen
H. Kohl"The marketing practices of Medicare Advantage carriers have led to virtual lawlessness in Oklahoma,'' Holland, the Oklahoma insurance commissioner, told the Senate panel last month. ``I currently have greater authority to address a consumer's problem with pet insurance.'' U.S. officials did little to stop the abusive sales practices, according to state insurance agencies. Senator Herb Kohl, a Wisconsin Democrat and chairman of the committee, said that he would work with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to pass a law expanding state authority over insurance sellers. "
Rep
D. ObeyDisclosures
give clue to lawmakers' assets - Baltimore Sun"Not everyone in Congress is rich. Rep. David R. Obey, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Democratic Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, the two Appropriations Committee chairmen who are in charge of annual budgets worth almost $1 trillion, reported among the most simple personal budgets. Byrd, 89, listed among his major assets a $100,000-$200,000 retirement account; Obey claimed two IRAs totaling less than $115,000."
"Obey says his committee will publicize proposed earmarks before a House-Senate conference committee resolves differences in those spending bills this fall."
"George L. Wilson of Children Need Heroes and Drew Heiss of Street Preach are planning to honor Paul Hill in a series of events called "Paul Hill Days" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 26th - 29th -- "to honor him as God's man and our hero.""
[Paul Jennings Hill was sentence to (and died from) lethal injection for murder. - Bob]
"On Friday, planning committee chairman Milton Mandelin, of Iron Belt, said, "The interest in the reunion has been heartwarmingly positive, with almost 300 people already registering for the event."
""Ivo and Katherine Zanella, Louie's parents, began the company and Louie and Cheri continued the family tradition. Louie Zanella has been driving for over 35 years."
"Rademacher updated members on the village section on four Web sites. He encouraged taking advantage of the 12 pages on the sites which promote Ontonagon and adding upcoming events and new pictures to attract visitors to the area."
[See Michigan's Back Roads - Bob]
Doyle
takes biofuel message east"From soybeans to restaurant grease, Sanimax is seizing the incredible opportunity we have to create jobs, protect our environment and relieve our dependence on foreign fossil fuels,"
GOP
asked early about blocking budget"Not passing a budget, however, would require property taxes to rise by $357 million more than Doyle's budget proposes, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimated. A budget impasse also would halve the number of road projects and force large cuts in spending at prisons and the University of Wisconsin System, according to figures in a Fiscal Bureau memo requested by Assembly Republicans."
"Secondly, there was no way to make the Kenosha streetcars roll-on and roll-off anyway. The system uses five streetcars built in St. Louis in 1951 and used in Toronto, Canada, until 1970."
"You know, if you really wanted to, you could spend your entire summer doing absolutely nothing but eating your way through Wisconsin. You could do that, that is, if you didn't have anything else to occupy your time, and if you had an appetite approximately the size of Lake Michigan."
Silver
Street may not be done until July""Hopefully, it will be done within the next two to two and a half weeks," Don Richards, chairman of the city council's board of public works, said Tuesday. The city and its engineers are waiting for the state to come back with results of test borings from the blacktop that was placed last fall as a temporary fix."
Farm
market vendors to meet Monday"The market is tentatively scheduled to open around July 14. Agenda items include the election of two directors for two-year terms. Anyone interested in selling handmade crafts or garden produce is urged to attend this meeting."
""Wisconsin residents are not getting a lesser level of care," Etter said. While in Wisconsin, the paramedics on an ambulance run can still run fluids through an intravenous drip, both saline and drugs, but they cannot administer paralytic drugs to patients who are awake, she said."
Ozone
could foil economic initiative"On Thursday, a few hours after Doyle announced that the state would seek the change in ozone classification, the DNR issued an air quality watch for today for 15 counties in southeastern and south-central Wisconsin. The watch means that conditions are favorable for ozone levels to become unhealthy."
"A bird watcher has discovered a rare Kirtland's warbler nest in central Wisconsin, indicating that a breeding pair now calls the state home, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday."
[More often found in Pigeon River Forest with Michigan's elk herd. - Bob]
"A number of other common Wisconsin birds, many familiar to backyard birders and weekend visitors to the state's parks, are also listed as suffering steep declines in their numbers, largely because of loss of habitat due to sprawl and large-scale agriculture, threats which become even worse when combined with the perils posed by the warming climate and by ever-encroaching invasive species"
Obey's
camp: Anti-pork group 'twisting facts'"The group, Americans for Prosperity, also paraded a giant, plastic pink pig to downtown Wausau, targeting Obey because he is chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee that negotiates the federal budget. Americans for Prosperity is a "Republican front group paid for with big corporate money, that's twisting the facts for political gain," wrote Ellis Brachman, Obey's press secretary in Washington."
"It was originally thought that VHS could not survive in fresh water, and that some species were not susceptible. Both of those assumptions were wrong: The virus has been found in all of the Great Lakes except Superior, along with inland lakes; and more than 30 species of fish — including muskie, brown trout, whitefish and yellow perch — are susceptible to this particular strain of VHS."
Gov.
Doyle
The Committee that puts on the 4th of July fireworks display over Lake Michelle in Hurley is seeking donations. They hope to exceed last year's $5K by raising $7K for this years display and including a cookout selling brats and hotdogs and daylight aerial fireworks starting at 3PM. Persons interested and able to contribute should contact Mike Fontecchio at 561-2772 or (715) 360-0895. [See the 2006 fireworks or panoramic view of site. - Bob]
Auditor
tells council city saving $200,000 annually after repairing leaky water
system "David Traczyk, of Hurley, said the city reduced its water losses to an average of 27 percent for 2006, down from 40 percent the previous year. Mayor Joe Pinardi said the current water loss rate has dropped to 17 percent. Three more leaks have been found this year, he said."
City
cracking down on long lawns"At its meeting on Tuesday, the city council instructed city clerk Sue Lesky to send letters to residents whose lawns are not being cut in a timely manner, instructing them to mow the grass. If residents do not comply, the city will hire someone to cut the grass, and the residents will be billed, the council agreed. "
The
case of the disappearing Great Lake"The dropping levels have had serious environmental and economic consequences. Wetlands have dried up. Power plants run at half capacity. Cargo ships carry partial loads. Boaters struggle to find a place to dock."
"The high court overruled the 1999 decision, saying governments must balance several factors in determining what to include in meeting notices. Officials must provide more information when they take up non-routine matters and must weigh the public's interest in an issue in determining how much information to put in notices, the court said."
GOP
could block state budget"It would be the first time ever that Wisconsin legislators didn't agree on and pass a two-year budget. Huebsch told reporters that in the coming weeks the Assembly will pass a budget that doesn't increase taxes. But he would not put a deadline on when both houses would vote on a final budget that reflects a compromise with Democrats who control the Senate."
"Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard said he could not recall the hate-crime enhancer ever being used before when the targeted characteristic is a disability... Hate crimes are more commonly charged when unlawful acts are committed against individuals because of their race, religion or sexual orientation. Under Wisconsin law, the enhancer also can be applied if individuals select the person against whom a crime is committed or select property affected by the crime because of their perceptions regarding a person's disability, national origin or ancestry."
"Yet, as farmers earn higher prices for corn, milk and other products, the nation is developing angst over the consequences showing up in grocery bills. Food prices are projected to jump by as much as 7 percent this year. That's more than triple the recent average annual increase."
Cynical
votes on stem cells"With their votes, the three representatives do not merely shame themselves. They invite the scorn that ought to be accorded politicians who are more concerned about currying favor with extremists than with ailing Wisconsinites who know that the best long-term hope for ending their suffering is with stem cell research."
"An animal expert said if a person did injure the bird, it likely was a boy between 9 and 16 years old who had experienced domestic violence or animal cruelty at home. "This is how they act out and try to get attention," said Victoria Wellens, executive director of the Wisconsin Humane Society in Milwaukee, who has held seminars on animal cruelty and family violence."
"Millie Rounsville, director of NWCSA, said the need is greater than it appears, and those needing assistance in this area don't fit the shopping cart-pushing, campfire-in-a-barrel stereotype of the homeless. "We've got more than 300 families who depend on the food shelf alone," Rounsville said. "There's a lot of working poor who are just one minor setback away from needing even more of our help.""
Sen
R. Feingold"Feingold’s legislation would identify the most effective anti-crime programs from the sea of information available on crime prevention strategies. The legislation would also offer direct and accessible guidance to state and local law enforcement and community organizations on how to implement those programs."
Statement
of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold On Flag Day"Whenever we see the flag, we are reminded of our freedom to speak, to worship, and to believe. As communities across America celebrate National Flag Day, we all recognize how fortunate we are to be citizens of the country the Star Spangled Banner represents."
Sen
H. KohlKOHL
DIRECTS $7 MILLION TO TRUAX FIELD IN MADISON"After September 11th, the men and women of the Air National Guard based at Truax were asked to shoulder a greater burden of our homeland security and they've risen to that challenge, but have done so without the proper equipment at their outdated facility."
Gov.
DoyleFlag
Day important to veterans"Thursday is Flag Day. That's a pretty important day for many veterans, including Brian Dary, commander of the Hurley American Legion Post 58. "I think we need to keep in the forefront," he said of the flag. "I feel proud when I see people flying the flag."
Hurley
gets union deal done with no fuss "A recent meeting with a union representative about insurance changes unexpectedly led to a new three-year contract deal for city employees. The Hurley City Council Tuesday ratified the new contract that calls for 3 percent wage increases for each of the three years."
"The course provides ambulance operators with the knowledge required to safely and efficiently operate an ambulance in both non-emergency and emergency modes, Starkey said. Training covers basic laws for operating an emergency vehicle and how a vehicle reacts to driving during emergencies, he said."
"This project is very important to us, as our current facility is inadequate in size and accessibility, and is not code-compliant," Morzenti said. "We are very fortunate to have access to financial programs offered by Rural Development, an agency of the federal government, to make these needed improvements for our city and our citizens."
First
Lupine Junefest a success"The weather was picture perfect and the wild lupine flowers were in full bloom for the Lupine Junefest Saturday beginning in W.S. Carow Park, Mercer."
Legislators
promise to save graduate tuition waiver for veterans"I'm floating that around to people as reasonable," said Sen. Robert Jauch (D-Poplar), a Vietnam War veteran. "There has to be some way to acknowledge, for a period of time, the postgraduate veteran."
More
state schools fall short of benchmark"The list of Wisconsin schools that fell short of benchmarks tied to the federal No Child Left Behind law grew from 87 last year to 95 this year ..."
Edwards
gets rural right"His Rural Recovery Act, which was issued recently by the campaign, is far savvier than the one peddled four years ago by the Edwards camp. It lines up the candidate for the 2008 Democratic nomination with working farmers rather than the big agribusiness interests that his 2003 plan would have aided. It promises that Edwards "will strictly enforce laws against anti-competitive mergers and unfair pricing, and will support country-of-origin labeling laws.""
'Fighting
Bob' La Follette coin urged"No one has ever fought harder for the people of Wisconsin, or fought harder against corruption and cronyism, than Fighting Bob' La Follette, and his legacy deserves this distinguished recognition," Feingold said."
"The soft drink, which hit stores here on Tuesday, doesn’t actually have any cucumber in it — but has been artificially flavored to resemble “the refreshing taste of a fresh cucumber,” said Aya Takemoto, spokeswoman of Japan’s Pepsi distributor, Suntory Ltd."
Midgets
set for Johnson Creek"Hurley might be young on the lineup card, but the team actually came of age in a hurry. Following the lead of the two seniors on the team — Tim Mattson and Shawn Basom — the Midgets found ways to win early and carried that through in a season that’s carried them all the way to the WIAA Division 4 State Tournament in Grand Chute."
Sen
R. FeingoldFeingold
to Continue Push to End Open-Ended Military Mission in Iraq"“We need to keep the pressure on the President and supporters of his disastrous Iraq policy, and the way to do this is by voting on legislation that will end the mistake in Iraq. We should not wait until September to change course,..."
“While Sudan’s acceptance of a hybrid African Union – U.N. peacekeeping mission for Darfur could be a step in the right direction, the conditions the Sudanese regime is putting on the expanded mission, such as it must be an all African force, are unacceptable."
Rep
D. Obey"Under pressure from Republicans, the Democrat, Representative David R. Obey of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said that this year all earmarks and their sponsors would be listed in The Congressional Record a month before they come up for final approval."
"The bill would provide $37.4 billion for the budget year beginning October 1, a 6 percent increase over Bush's request and a 13 percent increase over levels approved last year. The extra funds, among other purposes, would hire an additional 3,000 border agents and nearly triple Bush's request for grants to train and equip first responders."
Gov.
Doyle"They are the envy of the nation, and when students are here getting a first-rate education, their safety and their school’s ability to handle an emergency should be the last thing on their mind.”
Legion
Post fate uncertain""It breaks my heart," he said. "Unless we get more bowlers and more takers for the bar, we're pretty much done." The heating bill has gotten to be astronomical and revenues haven't risen to cover the added costs."
"Youth participating in the Trail Blazers program "will explore Iron County ad surrounding areas by biking, hiking, swimming, and by using GPS technology," Fauerbach said."
"She recalled "many hours together in planning an painting to get the mural done." She remembers "many great days spent at the mural painting and sharing wonderful memories with my classmates to accomplish such a great mark in the city.""
State
is No. 1 in health care"Wisconsin also was among the five best-performing states in ambulatory care and ranked in the top 25% for nursing home care. Home health care was the anomaly: The state's overall score was 25, far below the scores of 95 for the top performing states, Michigan and Pennsylvania."
"The benefit was to apply regardless of whether veterans served in combat, when they signed up for college and what type of degree they wanted. The only requirement was to enter the service in Wisconsin, live in the state and be honorably discharged. But on a 16-0 vote last week, the Legislature's budget committee specified the benefit could not be used for any graduate or professional school and would expire 10 years after veterans leave the service."
"Reflecting from the study's statistics, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton said today that Wisconsin's ranking of 44th is cause for action and that she will soon announce proposals to correct the disparity. For every dollar spent per person per state, Wisconsin spends 44 cents, compared to the $1.67 spent in Minnesota."
“While very few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, we want to do all we can to protect someone from being bit by an infected mosquito. Finding the virus in birds indicates that the virus may be present in the mosquito population in a particular area.”
"If the county prevails in the case, which is scheduled for a June 29 court trial, the consequences could reach a lot farther than the area near Hwys. D and 51; technically, as zoning director Karl Jennrich put it in a recent deposition, any business owner with any kind of outside activity might have to have a $500 permit, assuming it's approved. If Jennrich's testimony is any indication, approval could hinge on who the zoning director happens to be."
Sen
R. FeingoldLegislation
Honoring "Fighting Bob" La Follette"The legislation will direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint a commemorative coin to honor La Follette and authorize the President to posthumously award La Follette the Congressional Gold Medal. The entire Wisconsin congressional delegation is cosponsoring the legislation."
"To date, the power struggle between the Ethiopian-backed TFG and various clan-based and extremist militias in Mogadishu runs parallel to a brutal crackdown by Ethiopian and Somali troops that led to enormous civilian deaths and displacement. The increasing prevalence of suicide bombings and other guerilla tactics is a serious setback for Somalis, and for our own national security interests on the Horn."
Rep
D. ObeyHouse
Democrat Warns GOP on Earmarks - ABC News"Congress' targeted spending escalated Monday as a House committee chairman threatened to kill all pet projects if Republican leaders "demagogue" the issue. The chairman, Wisconsin Democrat David Obey, also said that his House Appropriations Committee will publicize proposed "earmarks" before House-Senate conferees resolve differences in the government's annual spending bills this fall."
"A groundbreaking event for the new $1,027,100 city hall/fire station will be held in Montreal on Tuesday. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the existing city hall off Wisconsin 77."
"The FBI has joined the effort to find whoever has been sending false reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. The service began getting the reports in mid-April through an online form on its Web site. The areas affected by the reports have included Milwaukee, La Crosse, Chicago, and Lincoln, Ill.,"
"Although it is rare for states to reject an act of Congress, New Hampshire and Oklahoma in May joined Montana and Washington state in passing statutes this year refusing to go along with Real ID. The refusals mean those states' driver's licenses eventually won't be accepted as official identification when boarding airplanes or entering federal buildings."
"Much of the credit for development of the business in Wisconsin goes to the Spooner research station, which started milking sheep in 1995, then conducted research and helped start a marketing cooperative. Now the state has more than 2,000 sheep in licensed milking herds and produces roughly a million pounds of sheep milk per year."
""It is time more motorists stripped off their armor plating and moved around more gently on this earth," said Duncan Blinkhorn, 45, one of the event's organizers. More than 200 cyclists in various stages of undress took part in the World Naked Bike Ride in Brighton and Hove, sister cities on the southern coast of England, to promote cycling."
Hurley
comes up short in title..."Hurley's Hailey Manzanares retired the first two Williams Bay hitters in the bottom of the seventh. She then struck out Megan Hovestol, but the third strike got away from catcher Judy Nevala, and Hovestol reached base. A pair of Manzanares wild pitches moved Hovestol to third, and Starck lined a single down the left field line to give the Bulldogs (24-2) their first state title in their first appearance."
Gas
prices skyrocket, but hybrid sales just putter along"According to the Electric Drive Transportation Association, an industry association, American sales of hybrid electric cars have grown from 9,367 in 2000 to 246,642 in 2006. That's impressive by any standards but some experts say the surge in sales could be over, even though gas prices are still rising."
Sen
R. Feingold"After months of troubling and even shocking disclosures about the U.S. Attorney firings and the politicization of the Department of Justice, it is important for the Senate to go on record on the question of whether the Attorney General should continue in his post."
Gov.
Doyle“It’s heartbreaking any time an event like this strikes a Wisconsin family, and a reminder that we need to work to ensure the safety of families and communities across the state."
Ash
borer fight adds wasps"Now the U.S. Department of Agriculture is poised to launch a new front in the battle. It wants to release three species of imported Chinese wasps this summer to eat the invading beetles, which already have been blamed for the death of 20 million."
Dave
Obey: A passion for justice A passion for justice"The first reads, "If what you want costs money, are you willing to go home and tell your friends that we need to cut back on the size of the president's tax cuts so there is room for it in the budget?" The second asks, "Is there anything you want me to do for somebody else that is more important than whatever it is you want me to do for you?""
"Despite raking in one of the biggest payouts of tribal casino dollars nationwide, Wisconsin spends only a fraction of what comparable states do to monitor the fast-growing industry, a Wisconsin State Journal review has found."
"Brommer said social networking helps to "keep the library at the forefront of (patrons') minds, even if they're not physically in the library." About 10 to 15 percent of the libraries she works with are using social networking or blogs to market programs and services, and promote new materials, she said."
"It has been 11 years since Congress voted to break the cable television industry's stranglehold on set-top boxes -- the devices that consumers need to receive digital programming and change channels. So why are you still paying $5 or more a month for that thing on top of your TV?"
"State and local taxes claimed 12.13 percent of personal income in 2004-05, which was down slightly from 12.18 percent during the previous year, the new report showed. Wisconsin was one of 11 states where taxes declined as a share of income."
Expulsion
cases rise"School boards can place conditions on a student's return to school, such as ordering a drug and alcohol assessment, counseling and stipulating academic progress. Some students are expelled essentially forever, and others are allowed admittance only to an alternative school."
See also related article: Few options for expelled from same source.
Sen
H. Kohl
Key
senator urges rejection of XM-Sirius deal - CNET News.com -
San Francisco,CA"Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl of Wisconsin said he had sent a letter to the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission calling on them to oppose the deal on grounds that it would cause "substantial harm to competition and consumers.""
"The mural on the south side of the bridge was painted by volunteer students from the 6th grade art classes approximately 15 years ago."
"He said winds in the Ironwood area gusted between 40 to 45 mph until about 10 p.m. "It remained breezy after that time, but the chance of any storms were well off to the east," he added. There were some tornado touchdowns in central and northeast Wisconsin, he said."
6
nominated for state accountability board"The six white men, average age 65, have a total of 136 years of judicial experience. And three of them have been criminal prosecutors. But it's who isn't on the list of nominees to the new state Government Accountability Board - no women or minorities, and no one from Milwaukee County - that is attracting some criticism."
UW
sets financial aid rules"New rules will prohibit University of Wisconsin System campuses and employees from accepting payments from private lenders -- a response to a national scandal over ties between universities and companies offering student loans."
"Doyle is counting on the money generated from the cigarette tax, the 0.8 percent tax on hospital revenues and a $175 million transfer from the patients' compensation fund to pay for Medicaid and other health care expenses."
"In December 2004, Hurd was acquired by Monarch Holdings Inc. In September 2005, about 80 union workers in Merrill went on strike over the union's accusations of unfair labor practices in the company's negotiations of a new contract. The National Labor Relations Board later reached a settlement with the company regarding the complaints. Last October, Hurd announced permanent cuts of 103 jobs at its Merrill facilities.
"Once again, the rest of society is stuck cleaning up the messes made by the gun guys. This lead problem is no secret– it’s been known for years that led causes problems, especially around children. And yet when it’s discovered that the people using this range have been ignoring that problem, it’s not they who take responsibility, but the school district and the taxpayers."
- BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS -_5:00 P.M.
- POLICE, FIRE & LICENSE COMMITTEE
- PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE
- FINANCE COMMITTEE
- CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 P.M.
"City of Hurley officials announced the bridge on Poplar Street between Hurley and Ironwood will be closed to traffic beginning Monday for about two weeks. The closure is due to the water and sewer construction project in that area."
Mercer
library announces June events"On June 21 at 6:30 p.m. Prof. Richard Kyte from Viterbo University will present, "The Cultural Significance of Wilderness: A Lost Voice?" He will discuss the writings of Thoreau, Muir, Leopold, Roosevelt and other nature writers."
State
testing doesn't measure up, report says"In 2004-'05, the state Department of Public Instruction said 83% of Wisconsin fourth-graders were proficient or better in reading. The federal report says that, by the standard used in the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the figure for the state would have been 33%."
"One evening last month, three members of the Joint Finance Committee held fundraisers to support their re-election campaigns. The next morning, they met to vote on portions of the $58 billion biennial state budget."
"Manufactured by the Canadian company Bombardier, the Spyder is billed as a safer three-wheeled vehicle. It has two wheels in the front and suspension that eliminates tipping when turning a corner. The Spyder retails for $15,700 and a $1,000 deposit will hold one for next year."
"A 21-year-old man got the ride of a lifetime when his electric wheelchair became lodged in the grille of a semitrailer and was pushed down a highway for several miles at about 50 mph."
Wetlands
protection muddied under new guidelines"The Bush administration recently made it harder for non-permanent streams and nearby wetlands to be protected under the federal Clean Water Act, but state officials and wetland advocates say that Wisconsin's regulatory framework maintains a strong level of protection for all the state's waters."
Battle-tested
Hurley aims for big finish at state"“I think our record is pretty deceiving,” said Hurley coach Jim Kivisto, adding they also had the least impressive record at the Shell Lake Sectional, which they dominated. “We’ve played the hardest schedule of the four teams that are there (at state). “I think our schedule is what got us there. As far as I’m concerned, everyone there’s 4-0.”"
Sen
R. Feingold“As part of helping Americans get healthy, we should consider new policies to increase access to healthy foods. With most American children eating less fruits and vegetables than recommended, it is important to promote healthy foods in our schools.”
Gov.
Doyle"Its current rating means that Beacon Ambulance can no longer administer advanced life support services such as intravenous infusions, drug delivery to IVs, intubations (tube through the throat to the lungs) paddle shocks to the heart, electro-cardiograms, and many other life-saving techniques to a patient while in Wisconsin."
"For the first time, the 1.5-mile Raven Nature Trail is the site of a three-week international artists symposium. Starting May 29, 28 artists worked on their installations and performances while living together in Minocqua."
Ethanol
frenzy could fizzle"Most industry analysts remain optimistic about ethanol, especially if the government mandates more of its use amid rising petroleum prices. But there's growing concern that too many ethanol plants are being built as investors rush to capitalize on the trend."
"Wisconsin's Blue Book, the venerable chronicle of all things state government and so much more, becomes a fully searchable online database today -- all 56,000 pages of 87 editions. For the first time, every word of the biennial almanac, including the rare inaugural edition of 1853, will be available free on the Web."
Pork-barrel
reform should stay on track"Late last year the Wisconsin Democrat who heads the powerful House Appropriations Committee helped to spark an effort to save taxpayers billions of dollars by reining in pork-barrel spending. But Obey is now dodging the very reforms he helped to generate."
"A proposal set to be announced as early as Friday will temporarily waive a requirement that U.S. passports be used for air travel to and from Canada and Mexico, provided the traveler can prove he or she has already applied for a passport, officials said Thursday."
"A prosecutor has dropped charges against a woman arrested for staring at and making faces at a police dog."
DNR:
10 wolves euthanized since protection lifted"Problem wolves have killed livestock on nine farms in Barron, Bayfield, Douglas, Dunn, Price, Rusk, Sawyer and Shawano counties since March, Wydeven said. Ten wolves were captured and euthanized at four of the farms, he said."
Midgets
march on to state" The Hurley Midgets had the right recipe for success Tuesday afternoon. They combined solid defense with steady pitching, and for good measure, mixed in just enough timely hitting. The result was a pair of big wins at the Bruce Sectional and a trip to the WIAA Division 4 State Baseball Tournament in Appleton."
Sen
R. FeingoldEnsure
Veterans and Servicemembers Receive Quality Care“The range of administrative and legal hurdles injured servicemembers face when they return home is unacceptable,” Feingold said. “Congress has a responsibility to aid our nation’s heroes in overcoming these hurdles.”
Habeas
Corpus Restoration Act of 2007"Resetting our sights on pursuing global terrorist networks is long overdue. But whatever long-term counterterrorism strategy America pursues, it will be undermined if we fail to adhere to our longstanding American values."
"We passed a lobbying and ethics bill here in the Senate right away. Senator [Barack] Obama (D-Ill.) and I were leaders on that. It’s taken too long for the House to get that done. … There have been some disappointing votes. That vote on [weakening the ability to import] prescription medicines from Canada was, again, a failure of Democrats to live up to their rhetoric."
Rep
D. Obey"We all look forward to the opening of the clinic in Rice Lake.
Most of the credit has to go to Congressman Obey, veterans groups and individual veterans, for their continued efforts to get the federal government to act."
Gov.
Doyle"Judge Patrick Madden sentenced Muellerleile to 2,000 hours of community service to be performed over a five-year period, and a $1,000 donation to the victim's family. Muellerleile fell asleep at the wheel, and his vehicle struck an oncoming vehicle driven by Harland A. Craft, 71, of Round Lake Heights, Ill. Craft died at the scene of the crash on U.S. 2 near Saxon."
"The Iron County Health Department is offering the following clinics/screenings for the month of June:"
Deal
offered to solve 911 cellular phone dilemma""This has gone on long enough," said committee member Ron Kern. He said Iron County is more concerned about Gogebic County residents than Gogebic County officials are. "We need to get this taken care of. It is a safety issue.""
Enhanced
911 works well overall, saves lives - To the editor"As you know, only Cellular One cell phone customers connect with the Iron County Sheriff's Dept. when they dial 911 on their cell phone. Alltel customers are routed to Negaunee Regional dispatch when they dial 911. Land-line phones in either county are not affected."
Students
receive lessons in bicycle safety"The Hurley class was presented by the Hurley Police Chief Dan Erspamer and Sgt. Chris Colassaco, with assistance from the Ironwood Public Safety Department officers Matt Sterbenz and Brandon Snyder."
Mercer:
Clinic to host open house "Marshfield Clinic Mercer Center will hold an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at its new location on U.S. 51. The event will feature tours of the new clinic, refreshments and drawings for door prizes."
"Former U.S. Rep. Mark Green was to be named ambassador to Tanzania today, seven months after being defeated as the Republican Party's candidate for governor."
Rising
gas prices fuel change"New regulations and low supply meant that drivers using diesel vehicles paid higher prices for their fuel than those driving gasoline-powered vehicles over most of the past two years. But higher inventories have allowed diesel prices to stabilize while gasoline jumped above $3 per gallon in April."
"Though few mosquitos carry the virus, dead birds act as an early warning system for the disease, according to the Department of Health and Family Services. Mosquitoes contract the disease from birds carrying the virus and in turn transmit it to humans and animals by biting them."
Sen
R. Feingold"I first introduced this legislation in 2001 after hearing from a group of German Americans in Wisconsin who were concerned that this sad chapter in our nation’s history had gone unnoticed for too long. It was only decades after World War II that they felt comfortable coming forward to ask for this acknowledgement."
Nomination
of Mark Green to be U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania"As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, I believe Mark would preserve and strengthen the longstanding relationship between the United States and Tanzania, which is increasingly important to Tanzania’s political and economic development, as well as regional security.”
Simmons
waives preliminary hearing"Alan Michael Simmons' preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday in Iron County Circuit Court. The charges stem from the March 22 accident on U.S. 2 in the Saxon-Gurney area that resulted in the death of Cody Southwell, 18, of Ironwood."
"Among other things, those proposals would have drafted a constitutional amendment to prohibit state agencies and public universities from granting preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, and would have required racial or ethnic minorities applying to the UW System or state contracting agencies to prove they are at least 25% that race or ethnicity to receive preferential consideration."
"Front-loading primaries tends to help the candidates with the most campaign money. The big-money candidates have an easier time relying on expensive and simplistic TV ads while visiting the most-populous states and those with the richest donors."
"Many Hmong community leaders in Madison revere Vang Pao for his military and civilian leadership, but opponents allege that he was guilty of drug trafficking and war crimes during his alliance with the United States and the CIA during the Vietnam War era. Both factions attended Monday night's School Board meeting, and the news of Vang Pao's arrest sent shock waves through the meeting."
Sen
R. FeingoldGuidance
on the Scope of the Clean Water Act's Protections"The Clean Water Act was intended to preserve all of our nation’s waters, not just sustain the navigability of some of them. In the wake of last year’s Supreme Court ruling, Congress must pass the Clean Water Restoration Act to preserve all of our nation’s waters, which are so important to the health and vitality of our country.”
Hurley
seniors receive scholarships"Hurley High School graduating seniors were awarded the following scholarships on May 23 at Scholarship Night at the high school auditorium:"
Saxon:
Area skippers take top prizes"Star-Kissed, skippered by Charlie Maslanka, of Saxon, won the Class A (big boats) division with 468.4 points. Black Dawg, with Jim Cox, of Montreal, at the helm, won the small boats class with 305.6 points."
Preliminary
hearing today in crash death"Alan Michael Simmons is charged with three class D felony counts -- 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."
"Doyle, a Democrat, wants the Legislature to impose a 2.5% tax on the price of gasoline the first time it is sold in the state - that is, when it is sold by a wholesale supplier. Companies paying the tax would be prohibited from increasing their prices to cover the 2.5%, so subsequent sellers, such as corner gas station operators, could not add it to their prices."
"James Klauser, Department of Administration secretary when the program began in 1992, said the subsidy was created because there were limited child-care options for Downtown state workers and because the care available was more expensive than in other parts of the city. "It was a way to keep workers Downtown," Klauser said."
"But the candidates weren't the ones who were off the leash. Rather, it was the CNN anchor, who repeatedly interrupted contenders who were trying to explain the basics of their positions, cut off thoughtful answers in mid-sentence and failed to follow up when significant points of difference -- on issues such as trade policy -- were thrown into the mix."
"They were among 2,000 men and women who participated in a series of four nude group photos in the city in the early hours of the morning as part of the latest project of U.S. photographer Spencer Tunick."
Wal-Mart
doesn't give, it only takes away"If Sam's Club/Wal-Mart wants to spread goodwill and cheer, I suggest that they purchase merchandise which is made in America by American manufacturers, not from cheap foreign suppliers. Let's keep the work and employment at home. Second, I suggest that they pay their employees a decent and realistic living wage and treat all employees equally."
Sen
H. Kohl"Academic experts, policy wonks, economists, and health care providers are conjecturing broadly about how this demographic wave will affect our society. As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am listening carefully."
Beverage
of choice is clear"Filter it, pour it in a sleek bottle, give it a glamorous name, and it's something dieters and fitness buffs adore: water. Americans, on average, drank more bottled water in 2006 than milk, according to trade publication Beverage Digest. And Americans now drink nearly as much bottled water as beer."
Blunt-talking
Obey plays big new role in Congress"We accepted the inevitable," said Obey. "I didn't like being in that position. I would rather win. If you know you're about to lose the effort, at least you try to get what you can out of it, and regroup and be ready to fight again."
Tommy's
got a lonely row to hoe in Iowa"Or, put another way, is he just another cornball? Tommy Thompson has, we're told, been running hard upon the hustings of Iowa (hustings being the near cousin, there, of huskings). And his strategy is simple. Having little name recognition and even less money, he is pinning his quixotic hope of being president on a near-victory in the Iowa GOP straw poll in early August."
"Robinson isn't yet a vanishing breed, but she's becoming more unusual in one sense -- she's a Wisconsin farm kid who grew up around dairy cows and now treats their illnesses. There are fewer of these young people entering the pipeline, and that has farmers and others concerned."
Report:
Climate hits state hard"The state's average temperature has increased 0.7 degree during the 20th century, the report states. Wisconsin's contribution to the problem is large, it reports, stating if it were its own country, it would rank 38th in the world for carbon dioxide emissions, placing it ahead of Romania, Austria, Sweden and Israel."
a little
common sense"If punished, Kokesh could lose out on educational and other benefits he is eligible to receive, and may no longer qualify for job opportunities that require a security clearance. It's a curious way to support our veterans, isn't it?"
“This is about First Amendment rights and whether the military can discipline former servicemen who are in the inactive reserves,”
Mercer
grads collect scholarships"Valedictorian Lena Ranallo received the first Mercer Education Foundation scholarship, $1,000 per year for up to four years. She also received awards from: Liesen/Pinzl Scholarship, $500; Joan Vaughn Student Council Memorial Scholarship, $200; and Mercer Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club, $250."
Don't
forget the bug spray"A recent unconfirmed report of a bear infested with literally hundreds of ticks being struck and killed by a vehicle south of Hurley shows how plentiful the little buggers can be."
Improve
scores of all"And Wisconsin's students are rising to this challenge by scoring high in math and holding steady in reading, language arts, science and social studies. But a large percent of minority and low-income students are lagging behind substantially. Their numbers are increasing in our schools, and more of them are struggling."
"Competition from phone companies designed to be boosted by the nation's first state cable franchising law has not lowered cable TV prices in Texas but has provided consumers with a lower cost alternative, a study has found, Multichannel.com reported this week."
Faith
community raises environmental awareness across religions"More and more people are recognizing that environmental issues are moral issues," said Leo Jacoby, coordinator of the deanery. "It's right that churches and people of all beliefs come together and consider how they assess that and take action."
"Reck said the proposed increase would cover the years 2008 and 2009. He said the about $54 million of the increases were slated for investments in the system to produce cleaner energy, including a voluntary emissions reduction project and costs associated with construction of electrical transmission lines to bring additional wind-generated power from the Dakotas and southwestern Minnesota into the Twin Cities-based electrical grid. The rest of the increase would go to covering increased operating costs."
Midgettes
nab sectional title, trip to state"The Midgettes entered the WIAA Division 4 Shell Lake Sectional on a roll, and left the same way. They beat Elmwood 5-2 and then knocked off Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran 9-2 to punch their ticket to the state tournament on June 8-9 in Madison."
Sen
R. FeingoldWhite
House candidate opposes Southwick judicial appointment -
Jackson Clarion Ledger - Jackson,MS"The nomination was originally set for a vote on May 24, but Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., sought a delay until after the Memorial Day recess to have more time to review Southwick's record."
"As Senate minority leader, McConnell is reportedly the only lawmaker who knows which senator has put an anonymous hold on the legislation in question, the Senate Campaign Disparity Act. The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)."
"Senator Russ Feingold complained bitterly that the delegation led by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs The State Department, Jendayi Fraser, “bestows underserved legitimacy” on Yar’adua’s government. The tone of his letter implied that the White House may have preferred to keep the delegation news underwraps or as low key as possible, as Feingold wrote the letter having found out about the trip after the inauguration.
This assertion is supported by the fact that THISDAY had for about two weeks persistently sought information on whether or not the US would send a delegation to the inauguration ceremony and there was no news from the State Department."
A
rich man in a poor man's shirt"And just as they portray wealthy conservative candidates who rent pickup trucks to fit in with rural Tennesseans as folksy and authentic while declaring Edwards a phony hypocrite, the media largely ignore the wealth of conservative candidates when writing about their policies,..."
Collage
of Jarvi RunThe 10th Annual John Jarvi Run was held in Ironwood on Saturday May 26th in beautiful downtown Ironwood, MI.
Hurley
cop cited for operating ATV while intoxicated "He was off-duty. The citation does not affect his driving record and he has had almost nine years of exemplary service with this department," Erspamer said."
"Hurley K-12 School held the annual Awards Assembly on May 25 at the school. The following honors, awards and recognition were presented to high school students:"
"One contingency set by the council was that only sand be removed, allowing no concrete, blacktop or crushing operating plant, and no tampering with the stockpiles."
"The day of fun and fellowship will take place on Lake Tahoe (north lake) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No fishing licenses will be required by the State of Wisconsin to fish that day. Anglers can fish only from the shoreline and must provide their own equipment and bait."
"The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on what abortion opponents call "partial-birth" abortion. But that ruling would not have the effect of reinstating a state ban, which in 2001 a federal court said Wisconsin officials could not enforce, Van Hollen says in the informal legal opinion."
Oil
profits tax advances"On an 8-8, party-line vote, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee declined to remove the 2.5% tax on oil companies from the next state budget, meaning the Senate and the Assembly are to consider it as part of their budget deliberations... Republicans who control the Assembly have vowed to kill the oil company tax.
Debate
rages over UW stem-cell patents"Losing the patents could make WARF lose millions of dollars in future revenue from license fees and royalties involving stem cells. So far, WARF has received more than $3.2 million from the patents."
Doyle's
right about big oil"Of course there will be political and legal challenges. Some of them will be daunting. But there is no question that the governor is right to target the oil companies. And there is good reason to believe that he is right about the constitutionality of his proposal."
"I initially thought about how we could give that away to kids forever and ever. But I couldn't take the risk," he said. "Even though they were in cellophane and they're boxed, that package has been sitting somewhere for a month with a ton and a half of marijuana next to it."
Sen
R. Feingold[Senator Feingold's letter to the pResident is in PDF format. - Bob]
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