Local News ... (Archives)
31 Jan
Sen
R. Jauch
"State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) announced today that Mercer School student Jessica Barnes has been chosen to participate in the 2008 Senate Scholar Program. Elite high school juniors and seniors from around the state of Wisconsin will be participating in a week-long, intensive program at the State Capitol in February."
Whitecap
to add second golf course"County clerk Mike Saari said there's a good chance the WDNR will remove the property from the forest crop designation "because it is for better use of the land." Whitecap Mountain Recreation President Dave Lundberg hopes to begin construction on an 18-hole golf course between Whitecap Mountain and Wis. 122 in April, with completion planned for the 2008-09 season."
Two
northern Wisconsin schools to receive awards of excellence
"The middle schools had to score within the top 10 percent of all schools in reading and mathematics on state tests. They also had to show significant gains in reading and math scores."
Bitter
cold to ease grip on Range"Temperatures in the mid- to upper 20s will continue through the weekend, with the warming trend holding to Monday, said Robin Turner, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Negaunee Township, who added that this is a La Nina year. La Nina, also known as "a cold episode," is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the east-central Pacific Ocean."
Cold
snap brings snow, wind"The peak wind gust reported in the Upper Peninsula was 69 mph in Sault Ste. Marie... U.S. 2 and U.S. 51 in Iron County were reported as ice-covered and hazardous Wednesday afternoon by the Wisconsin State Patrol. Blizzard conditions were reported elsewhere in the Upper Peninsula."
Statewide
smoking ban near dead end""I guess we're back to square one," said Sen. Roger Breske (D-Eland), who noted that a meeting of Senate leaders and anti-smoking groups in the Capitol failed to produce any compromise ready for a Senate vote."
Reform
tax system, expert says"Aggressive tax avoidance by large, sophisticated multistate companies is a serious and growing problem," said Mazerov, who is a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank in Washington. "Unfortunately, Wisconsin remains something of a laggard among the states in addressing it."
[Sen. Jauch issued a previously posted press release on this that can be found here.- Bob]
"Butler has reported to the state Government Accountability Board that he raised just over $192,000 in the last six months of 2007. That is on top of $155,000 he had on hand before that. Minus expenses, Butler has $216,000."
"The suspension of Carolyn Kelly, director of the special assignments bureau and also the state fire marshal, is the second high-level personnel move in the state Division of Criminal Investigation this month... Van Hollen said he wasn't aware of any criminal probe involving Kelly and wouldn't say if the suspension was related to the state's investigation of the October murders of six young people in Crandon by an off-duty Forest County sheriff's deputy, and the deputy's subsequent suicide."
"We
have had a steady growth in the number of veterans we have been serving over
the last several years, so we ended up with space and parking issues at the
hospital," said John Rohrer, managed care director for the Veterans
Hospital."
Dems
release stimulus plan"State Senate Democrats announced Wednesday their plan to rev up Wisconsin’s troubled economic outlook, including $50 million for highways and $5 million a year for technical colleges."
"One logical next step would be to add a Friday route over to Duluth for weekend travels, which Pufall said could really help Northland College students heading home.
Another possibility would be a route to the Hurley and Ironwood area, left absent after Greyhound canceled its service from Ironwood to Duluth in January 2007."
Fish
hatcheries researching native lake herring potential "With implications broader than the consumer market, federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission have also expressed an interest in the research as a way to potentially replenish lake herring numbers in Lakes Michigan and Huron and other Great Lakes, Fischer said. He noted that, because herring numbers are strong in Lake Superior, it doesn't really need a herring restoration program."
“The changes sought in this legislation will put the park on equal footing with other national parks and help the park bring to life the vibrant history of Michigan’s Copper Country,” Sen. Carl Levin, who introduced the bill, said in a prepared statement Wednesday.
Sen
R. Feingold
“When I talk to law enforcement officials all over Wisconsin about what the federal government can do to help them better protect Wisconsin communities, supporting COPS and Byrne grants is at the top of the list,”
Renewable
Energy“These tax incentives are a great way to invest in the creation of green jobs – jobs that invest in renewable energy, get people working to improve energy efficiency, and help bring down the skyrocketing energy costs burdening so many American families.” According to industry estimates, more than 100,000 Americans could be put to work in 2008 with clean energy production tax credits."
Sen
H. Kohl"Many of us are concerned about the Administration's abandonment of our state and local law enforcement officials. These cuts have a real impact on our communities' ability to fight crime. We're talking about losing prosecutors, and shutting down drug task forces and prevention and treatment programs around the state,"
"The other at-large delegate backing Edwards is U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausa. A spokesman for Obey said the congressman was traveling Wednesday and he had not spoken with him about it."
Gov.
Doyle“One of my top priorities is to help move industries, companies, and communities forward, and create good-paying jobs for our citizens,"
Scholarship
to be Awarded - Jim Peterson
"I would like to take this opportunity to inform the readers that
Superior SnoCross Inc. will be giving out a Scholarship to a student
or students from Gogebic and or Iron County, that plans on
attending Gogebic Community College. This is our way of giving a
little something back to the communities for helping to bring SnoCross
racing to Ironwood."
Montel
Williams Loses Job after Defending Troops on Fox News"A former Marine and Naval officer, Montel lectured the stunned hosts on the stupidity of spending air time on the death of Heath Ledger, rather than covering the war in Iraq. It was a spectacle rarely seen on live cable television, as Montel exposed and condemned both tabloid "news" shows and much of American culture for what they have each become: shallow and greedy."
30 Jan
Gary
ShermanSherman
Bill Receives Yes Vote in Joint Finance Committee"Rep. Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing) announced that his legislation, AB77, that alters the manner in which the school levy and lottery property tax credits are distributed to municipalities, today passed the Joint Finance Committee by a vote of 16-0. The legislation previously passed the Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 13-0."
NOTICE
OF MEETING"The Iron County Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 6:00 PM at the Courthouse in Hurley, Wisconsin. The meeting is open to the public per Chapter 19, Sub Chapter V, Wisconsin Statutes."
"Firemen were at the scene within five minutes, but by the time they arrived, the fire had already spread from the chimney to the structure... Ahonen praised the Saxon-Gurney,
Oma
and Ironwood Township fire departments for their assistance at the fire,
which was brought under control by 1:53 a.m."
Benefit for fire victims
"Lydia Patritto will perform a benefit concert on Feb. 6 to raise funds for
Kimball fire victims Rick, Mary and Cole Koski and Keegan Miller. The
concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Hurley K-12 School auditorium. Donations for
the Koskis will be accepted."
Judge
finds man insane in arsons
"Bayfield County Circuit Court Judge John P. Anderson will determine on
Friday how long Henrik-Jan Veenendaal will be committed to a mental
institution, according to court records."
"It didn't matter that the state, not taxpayers, miscalculated the refunds. By law, the government can collect 1% interest each month on money it is owed. Jim Rosenmerkel of Waukesha didn't think that was fair. "Why would you punish honest taxpayers when the state makes the mistake?" he asked."
Real ID
headache
"About 800,000 Wisconsinites will have to renew their driver's licenses
early if they want to use them to board airplanes under a federal
anti-terrorism law requiring more secure IDs, according to the state
Department of Transportation."
Edwards'
exit from presidential race changes dynamic in Wisconsin"The other 18 are at-large and can support any candidate they chose. Two of those delegates have said they would support Edwards... U.S. Rep. Dave Obey was the other Edwards backer. Obey could not be reached for comment.
Wisconsin
sues firm over telemarketing, advertising violations"Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says the company called homes several times a day for weeks at a time and hung up when customers asked for caller identification. He says some of those customers were on the state's Do-Not-Call registry."
"It is similar to other actions previously taken by anti-government and anti-tax individuals who have previously been convicted of criminal slander of title. Hoel, as have others, filed a trademark claim on his name with the secretary of state's office in Minnesota. When Wisconsin officials began investigating him for back taxes and would letters to he or his employers to get information, he would respond by saying they had violated the trademark by using his name. He would also claim that they owed him money for doing so."
Union
to install new brew shop"According to Carl Korz, assistant director of food service for the Union, a committee formed for the project sent out surveys “to find out what students were looking for in a coffeehouse.” About 3,000 responses concluded that students preferred a coffeehouse providing organic and fair trade coffee, a comfortable environment and a thorough training process for its employees."
Rapids
mill in line for ethanol plant"Department of Energy officials announced Tuesday that the company would get $30 million, part of $114 million that will be made available to build small-scale biorefineries at four locations throughout the country. The funds are part of an initiative to reduce U.S. oil consumption."
WEAUWisconsin
Rapids Mill Receives Grant"That means up to $30 million in federal funds will be available to help Newpage and its partners construct and operate a thermal gasification and gas-to-liquids plant at the Wisconsin Rapids mill. The goal is to convert wood wastes to renewable diesel fuel."
Ashland
approves ATV use in city "The proposed routes for east-west travel are Third Street West and Eighth Street West, with Prentice Avenue and 14th Avenue West as the north-south routes. East of Bay City Creek, the routes would be 11th Avenue East, which turns into County Highway A, and Sixth Street East. There is no direct access to the lake east of Prentice Avenue, but Mayor Ed Monroe said if a suitable route is brought forward, it could be added on later."
"The Pugsley's most imposing feature is its tires, which are taller and wider than a regular mountain bike's and have car tire-like tread. They act like snowshoes, distributing the bike's weight to keep it riding on top of snow that's up to six inches thick, Ledin said. He has a spot on the purple frame for a small bike pump, which he uses to beef up the tires' air pressure if he's going to ride on a denser surface like pavement."
Sen
R. Feingold“The U.S. Senate is also now on record in support of an independent and transparent review of the entire electoral process and its outcome. I hope President Bush joins us in calling on Kenya’s political leaders to refrain from igniting violence and remain engaged in the U.N.-led international effort to bring peace to a troubled nation.”
State
receives extra energy assistance funds - Dunn County News -
Menomonie,WI“While LIHEAP continues to go under-funded, many low-income people in Wisconsin are paying the price,” Feingold said. “With home heating costs steadily increasing each year, we need to ensure that families are safe and warm in the often harsh Wisconsin winters.”
Gov.
Doyle“One of my top priorities is to help move industries, companies, and communities forward, and create good-paying jobs for our citizens," said Governor Doyle. “I’m pleased that Sargento has chosen to again expand in Wisconsin, and that we could assist the company in bringing new jobs to Sheboygan County and retaining jobs statewide.”
Northstar
Electronics Is State of the Art"There's nothing easy about being in business in Ironwood, and it's not for any one reason. I think the major thing is to get into people's heads that you are willing to stand behind them if they have a problem. So many times nowadays, retailers walk away from the customer when they have a problem."
"The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification announced Ray Klepal of ServiceMaster of Lakeside in the Ashland and Ironwood areas has qualified by education and examination as a certified carpet cleaning technician."
No
rest for the winter-weary"The seemingly nonstop bouts of snow and bitter cold, not to mention the tornadoes, already provide ample fodder for "you think this is bad" stories, and more material is approaching fast. The National Weather Service forecast warns of floods, gales, rain, thunderstorms, snow, near-blizzard conditions and brutal wind chills. That just covers tonight."
Report
has teeth"Wisconsin residents swear they've seen the big cats for years, bounding across roads and running through woods. Most reports come from northern Wisconsin, but people have said they've spotted cougars in Waukesha County and on the border of Ozaukee and Washington counties, according to the state Department of Natural Resources."
Court
hopefuls to debate on Internet"The debate is thought to be the first of its kind in a Wisconsin political race, said Kyle Duerstein, the journalism student who is hosting the program. Listeners will be able to hear the candidates debate and call in with questions. It will be the first forum featuring both candidates, who are vying in the nonpartisan April 1 election for a 10-year term on the court."
Feingold
gave right response"In his final State of the Union address, President Bush unfortunately continued to advocate positions and policies that have been harmful to our nation. He once again attempted to bully Congress into giving broad powers to the executive branch far beyond what is necessary to protect the country from terrorists. Congress must stand up to these tactics and pass a law that allows our intelligence community to go after al-Qaida and other threats to our national security while protecting the rights and freedoms of law-abiding Americans,"
Legislators
call for more aid when tuition goes up"Two Madison state representatives announced a plan Monday afternoon to match financial aid dollar-for-dollar for tuition increases at UW System and state technical schools. Rep. Spencer Black and Rep. Joe Parisi said the plan would essentially freeze tuition for students who receive financial aid."
Senator
John Edwards event tonight at UWSP"The house party at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will be held tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. in the Laird Room of the Dreyfus University Center. The event will offer a chance for supporters of Edwards and others interested in the upcoming primary. Edwards himself will speak to supporters on a conference call. "
ATV
test draws mixed views along proposed trails "Opinions along the proposed route were more divided than the city council, which approved ATV use for two months during the Jan. 15 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Ben Blazek, whose family lives at the corner of Prentice Avenue and Third Street East, another proposed east-west route, said Ashland is a tourist "roadblock" for ATV travel.
"I think it could really help the economy," he said. "You could have people going out to the (Bad River) casino and all the way to Superior.""
Sen
R. Feingold
in
Response to the President's State of the Union Address“Perhaps most troubling was the President’s steadfast commitment to an Iraq policy that has led to the deaths of nearly 4,000 American troops, continues to cost this country billions of dollars per month, and fails to make us safer in the global fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates."
On
Stopping the Flawed FISA Bill from Being Jammed Through the Senate"We all agree that FISA needs to be updated so our government can go after the foreign communications of suspected terrorists. But we must not provide overly broad and unnecessary powers that infringe on the rights and privacy of law-abiding Americans, especially to an administration that has proven it cannot be trusted."
Feingold
Calls for Increase in Food Stamp Benefits to Help Stimulate
Economy“The economic trouble our nation is facing is weighing heavily on the minds of many Americans, particularly low-income Americans,” Feingold said. “By boosting Food Stamp benefits, we are creating a win-win situation – helping Americans who need assistance the most and are likely to be adversely impacted by a downturn, while giving the economy a boost.”
Gov.
Doyle
Governor
Doyle Launches BadgerCare Plus"Health care in Wisconsin should be a birthright, not a ticket to bankruptcy. BadgerCare Plus is simple and will provide health care coverage that our children deserve at a price families can afford. This is an historic moment in Wisconsin history.”
28 Jan
Sen
R. Jauch
"On Wednesday, January 30th from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) will be a guest on Wisconsin Public Radio with Joy Cardin to discuss tax fairness."
The Saxon Harbor Boating Club has a web site which, although dating back to the fall of 2006, is new to me. It would be nice if people who notice that I lack a link, would inform me at lemon@wegoweb.net. I would appreciate it. - Bob
"Two men have been charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the beating of a Union Grove man outside a Lac du Flambeau tavern. Brian Dale Cross, 26, and Clinton T. Graveen, 23, both of Lac du Flambeau, were charged Friday in Vilas County Circuit Court in the Tuesday death of John S. Kintop, 37, after the beating outside of Club 47."
Lots
of unanswered questions about future of Wisconsin's economy
"The shortfall could be $400 million or more. Deep spending cuts may be needed. But no one's saying yet what they might be. State jobs might have to be held open. But for now, layoffs aren't being discussed."
Few
complaints against doctors result in discipline "Wisconsin Medical Examining Board records show that only 213 of the 2,400 complaints filed about physicians in the state from 2002 and 2006 resulted in some kind of discipline, according to a newspaper's analysis."
"Despite his record, Huffman managed to get hired at three other facilities. Patients at two of them accused him of sexual misconduct. His license was revoked effective Feb. 28, 2002 - 11 years after his first documented sexual assault of a patient."
"Mandatory exchange of information with the board could serve as a safeguard for hospitals, too, said Bruce Wilson, a Mequon cardiologist. In some cases, the medical board could achieve greater objectivity than hospital officials, who subconsciously might take economic or competitive factors into consideration, he said."
Medical
College of Wis. urged to stop using live pigs in labs"Cowley said it was the "only opportunity that students will have in their medical education to experience the cardiovascular function of a large animal with similar responses as humans before they begin clinical work with patients." This is the first year the Medical College is to use pigs instead of dogs in its introductory physiology laboratory, a course designed for first-year medical students. Thirty-six pigs are to be opened, examined and killed at the end of February."
Secondhand
smoke debate continues"Al Tedeschi, owner of the Villa Tap on Madison's north side, said he was initially staunchly opposed to the city's smoking ban which went into effect 2 1/2 years ago. He watched as some of his fellow bar owners went out of business and added more food at his bar to stay competitive, he said. He fully supports a statewide ban to "get everyone on the same playing field," Tedeschi said."
"Projections for tax collections over the past few years have consistently shown an annual increase of 3 percent, even with the rate of inflation. This rate slowed to 0.8 percent during the latter half of 2007."
Sen
R. Feingold
“The crisis in Kenya must be resolved peacefully, and the current internationally brokered negotiation is an important first step,” Feingold said. “It is also important that there is an independent and transparent review of the entire electoral process and its outcome."
Gov.
Doyle
Grow
Wisconsin – The Next Steps: A Strategy to Foster Innovation and Strengthen
the Economy“Our changing world and difficult national economy bring new challenges, and new opportunities to grow Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “Not only must we seize this opportunity – Wisconsin can lead the way."
"First, those who don’t want to nominate Hillary Clinton because they don’t want to return to the nastiness of the 1990s — a sizable group, at least in the punditocracy — are deluding themselves. Any Democrat who makes it to the White House can expect the same treatment: an unending procession of wild charges and fake scandals, dutifully given credence by major media organizations that somehow can’t bring themselves to declare the accusations unequivocally false (at least not on Page 1)."
26&27 Jan
St.
Ann's plans centennial celebration"St. Ann Catholic Parish in Saxon will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its church on July 26, with a special Mass at 4 p.m. celebrated by the Most Rev. Peter Christensen, bishop of Superior."
Arson
pleas accepted in Bayfield County"Veenendaal admitted to setting 18 fires that caused about $1 million in damage. Vacant homes, vehicles, boats, three dump trucks and the former Ondossagon School were hit by the fires."
Minnesota
company to make wood pellet fuel in Bayfield County "The plant will employ 18 full-time workers and run 24 hours a day, said Tink Birchem, president and CEO of Valley Forest Wood Products in Mountain Iron, Minn., and Mountain Timber Wood Products, which will operate the new facility. She estimated as many as 90 additional positions would be indirectly created in local industries such as transportation, distribution and retail."
"The ugly, bewhiskered fish is naturally curious, so sturgeon anglers will dunk just about anything in the frigid waters of Lake Winnebago to beckon their prehistoric prey. And underneath the thick ice under the boots of anglers in their shanties, decked out with sofas, beer-filled coolers and barbecues, thousands of sturgeon are searching for a snack. Which is where Don Ecker and his woodworking tools come in."
Lax
oversight favors doctors over patients"Degnan's family didn't know that one of the state's largest malpractice insurers had dropped Frazin because there were so many claims against him. They didn't know that Frazin had been accused several times of operating on the wrong part of patients' spines, or that people were left disabled after he claimed surgical equipment malfunctioned."
Doyle
promises not to raise taxes to cover projected shortfall"But in a meeting with the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board, the Democratic governor declined to name any spending cuts, saying the situation was "pretty hypothetical" and it was too early to know what the shortfall might be. "We've got through $3.2 billion without raising taxes," Doyle said, referring to the budget shortfall when he took office in 2003. "So we can get through a tenth of that without doing it." "
Records:
Veterans home never tracked ex-official's spending" A former state employee under investigation for embezzlement received $300 every month for more than 20 years to buy supplies but never accounted for his purchases, records show. Rich Calcut, former public information officer for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, cashed the monthly checks covered by private donations to buy prizes for games and supplies for special events."
"You may have a great opportunity to see in person, and possibly shake the hand of, the next president of the United States, " said Mike Tate, a Milwaukee-based Democratic political consultant... Regardless, they say that in the two weeks leading up to the Wisconsin primary, state voters will likely field automated phone calls from the remaining candidates and their surrogates, receive direct mailings, view television ads and get invited to candidate events."
A
warning on illegal immigrants"A stepped-up federal crackdown on incarcerated illegal immigrants could swamp Dane County 's court system, a Madison lawyer is warning... But recent fears in the Hispanic community that even a short jail sentence could mean deportation have led more illegal immigrants charged with crimes such as drunken driving to opt for a lengthy trial, Delyea said."
Wisconsin
and the recession"The Bush recession is a national reality, not a Wisconsin phenomenon. So those who would try to blame Gov. Jim Doyle's policies for slowing growth in the Badger State are either economic illiterates or Republican partisans seeking to score cheap points -- or both."
Gingrich
forecasts Wisconsin’s role"“What none of them have done yet and what they need to work at is, like Reagan, develop a broad visionary speech that allows people to understand what they would do, that brings people together in a way to say ‘I got it,’” Gingrich said."
Doyle seeks health 'fairness'"The governor renewed his call for the creation of a pool that could help reduce health insurance premium costs and spread risk over larger groups. He made the pitch during a visit to PDM Solar in Wausau. Doyle estimates such a plan could benefit 800,000 people in Wisconsin working in businesses with 50 or fewer employees. An estimated 123,000 people in the state are without health insurance, according to the Department of Health and Family Services."
Herald
Ellsworth,WI
Up
& running; Area residents love to snowmobile"“Back in the 1970s, it used to take us a day to go from Ellsworth to River Falls,” Al said. Now, Wally said, they can get to Hurley, located near the Upper Peninsula border, in about a day. “The State of Wisconsin is beginning to bring trails together from county to county,” Wally added."
Dave
Obey Speaks on Hot Topics - WJFW-TV - Rhinelander,WI"Congressman Dave Obey touched on many issues today at the Oneida County Courthouse. When it comes to the war, Obey says he's frustrated with President Bush and the decision to veto his bill which would get the troops out of Iraq.
But he says the war isn't his only frustration."
Sen
R. FeingoldSays
candidates should not be afriaid to take on FISA - Dane101 -
Madison,WI"The case is fairly straightforward to make to people. We just want to make sure procedures are in place so that if you are doing absolutely nothing wrong, the government can't run around and hear everything you have to say and want to say to your kids and everything you put in an email."
25 Jan
"According towakefield a
proposed resolution for authorization to submit a grant application to
improve Schomberg County Park, grant funds are available through the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ATV program to construct an ATV
campground and connector trail to Camp 7 Road. Once approved, forest
administrator Joe Vairus will hire a consultant to design the camp, trail,
bridge and other amenities, said county trail coordinator Tara Stuhr."Area
jobless rates worsen"Iron County's December jobless rate was 8.4 percent, compared with 8 percent in November and 9.2 percent in December 2006. The county's unemployment rate continues to rank second-highest in the state, according to the latest figures from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development."
"About 1,750 homes and businesses in and around Hayward were without heat in subzero cold Thursday because of a natural gas malfunction, authorities said."
Doyle
touts small business health pool, economic development "Doyle instead used his hour-long speech to talk about the variety of economic development proposals targeting the state's small businesses, agricultural community and manufacturing sector."
Funding
deal reached for virtual schools"Lehman said he had dropped his plan to cut per-pupil funding for online students to $3,000, or about in half. He said school district officials who run online schools had convinced him that $5,845 per pupil is justified and added, "We're not trying to strangle them.""
"Problems in the national economy are being felt in smaller-than-expected growth in income and sales tax collections, which in turn will mean cuts to the two-year state budget passed after much wrangling between Doyle and the divided Legislature."
Possible
cougar sighting could be historic"A game warden and a biologist, Doug Fendry, tracked the footprints for more than a mile before quitting. But they took photographs and captured samples of urine and blood that was sent Thursday to a laboratory in Montana for DNA testing. The blood might have come from an injured paw. The photographs of the paw prints were e-mailed to biologists in the West who said they appeared to be from a female or young male cougar."
Doyle
health insurance plan praised"But the up to $100 million plan, called BadgerChoice, hinges on getting insurance companies to charge everyone the same rate regardless of their risk factors or past medical claims. That could have the negative side effect of discouraging healthy individuals from buying insurance, leaving a pool of sicker, costlier consumers, critics said."
Group
offers plan for state to reduce greenhouse gases"Released Thursday, A Blueprint for Action: Policy Options to Reduce Wisconsin's Contribution to Global Warming, outlines 13 steps the state should take to address what it says "poses a serious threat to Wisconsin's future well-being and prosperity." The environmental group said the steps, in tandem with policies already being pursued, would cut the state's emissions of carbon dioxide 30 percent below projected levels by 2020."
Harley-Davidson
4Q profit skids 26.3 pct on weak U.S. sales"Consumer confidence is low, and housing and credit issues persist," he told analysts on a conference call. "All this adds up to a weak retail sales environment for major discretionary purchases, including our motorcycles." Its shares fell 5 percent in midmorning trading Friday after rising that much earlier in the session."
Obey:
Stimulus plan falls short for poor"Rep. Dave Obey said an economic stimulus deal between President Bush and House leaders "is good as far as it goes," but added it would still leave many low-income people struggling with higher energy bills and unemployed workers without extra financial aid if a weak economy means a longer job search."
Lawmakers
find some agreement in Doyle's agenda"Democrats said issues such as reforming health care and seeing to it that insurers pay for services badly needed by autistic children are essential. Republicans, meanwhile, spoke positively of the governor's economic development proposals and call for an increased focus on renewable energy, which they said can be achieved with targeted tax credits."
Obey
says stimulus plan does not go far enough "So far, (Bush) has refused to provide an extension to unemployment insurance, he has resisted providing anything more on food stamps or low-income heating assistance, he's resisted providing anything to help the states through Medicaid so they don't have to knock people off the health care rolls, and he's also resisted providing the rebate to 40 million Americans who make so little money that they don't pay income taxes,"
New
$7.5 million wood pellet fuel facility planned near Ino "A Mountain Iron, Minn. company announced Thursday that a $7.5 million wood pellet fuel producing company to be known as "Superior Wood Products LLC" is to be built in Bayfield County near Ino, about 14 miles west of Ashland. The new facility will produce some 100,000 tons of premium wood pellets annually at the site of the former Forest Fuels operation. Forest Fuels, which also manufactured wood pellet fuel, has been out of business for a number of years."
"The really big snowman - who has no name - has returned to downtown Minocqua after a 10-year absence. Standing 30 feet tall and wearing a black stovepipe hat several times too small for its cylindrical head, the snowman looks out onto the southbound lanes of Hwy. 51 with unblinking blue eyes, appearing content with its black pipe."
Sen
R. Feingold
"If the Republicans succeed in cutting off debate on Monday, the Senate won't even get to vote on the amendment Senator Dodd and I want to offer to deny retroactive immunity to telecom companies that allegedly cooperated with the administration's illegal wiretapping program."
"The Judiciary Committee bill contains a number of important changes to improve court oversight of these broad new executive branch authorities, and to protect the privacy of law-abiding Americans. The Intelligence Committee bill, on the other hand, leaves it up to the executive branch to police itself – an approach that has all too often proven to be a bad idea."
Congress
Needs to See Secret Court Orders, Feingold Argues - Wired
News"If the FISA court makes a significant interpretation of law I think Congress should know about it, and congress can't know to pass further legislation without knowing how the court interprets the law,"
"I think that package ought to contain an extension of unemployment insurance. I think it should also contain a significant increase in Medicaid funding, so that states don’t have to knock people off healthcare rolls as their own budgets get squeezed by the recession.”
24 Jan
Youth
retreat "St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley will hold an area-wide Youth Retreat on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. The event was previously scheduled to take place at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church but has since been moved to the church in Hurley."
Kangas
concerts resume Sunday"The Nick Kangas Memorial Children's Concert Series resumes in the new year with a performance on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Hurley Coffee Company. The series features young vocal and instrumental music students of Amanda Geary and Jody DeCarlo-Schneider."
Montreal:
Aimone to remain on city council"So many people from Gile and east Montreal (ward 2) asked me why I was resigning, I told them and heard, 'We do not want you to go,' so I decided I was going to stay," Aimone said Wednesday."
Doyle
pushes tax incentives, warns of spending cuts"In his sixth "state of the state" message, the Democratic governor proposed a tax-break package that aides said would cost up to $15 million by mid-2009 - and may not pass a Legislature scheduled to adjourn in March. He also said he is afraid that lagging tax collections could force emergency spending cuts."
"Skyrocketing health care costs are paralyzing our economy," Doyle said in his annual "state of the state" address in Madison. "And across the country small businesses, their employees and their families are shouldering the worst of the problem."
"Saying challenging days ahead will require "deep cuts and hard sacrifices," Gov. Jim Doyle outlined a plan Wednesday of targeted tax breaks and a new health insurance pool for small businesses to blunt effects of a national economic downturn."
State
of the state: Doyle proposes tax cuts to soften economic blows"Make no mistake, challenging days are ahead," Doyle told lawmakers from both houses of the Legislature, members of the Supreme Court, and other elected officials. "Our nation finds itself at a time of great uncertainty. America's economy is in deep turmoil. In just the last few days, markets around the world have plummeted and talk in Washington has turned from recovery to recession," he said.
Sen
R. FeingoldSix
shots left - Guardian Unlimited - UK"Russ Feingold, the Democratic senator from Wisconsin who has faithfully pushed for civil liberties protections since his first stand against the Patriot Act, has just released six amendments that he wants voted on before the seemingly inevitable capitulation to White House priorities -- I mean, before the final legislation is voted on."
Rep
D. Obey
"Public hearings will be held in Superior, Ashland, Hurley and Park Falls Thursday about the war in Iraq and the federal budget by Congressman Dave Obey. Catherine Hannula reports. The meetings will start with an overview of the war and budget by the Democratic Congressman. Douglas County Board member Bob Browne will be there. “Just to thank him for all of the things that he’s done for Northern Wisconsin."
23 Jan
School
officials keep an eye on market"The school board is considering investment options for its $1 million Lalich fund, currently being managed by the Edward Jones firm of Ironwood. Seven companies are vying to handle the investment account. The school board is limited as to how it can invest and spend the money given to the district by the late Joseph Lalich, an alumnus of the school."
Pinardi,
Little Finland, Whitecap, Silver Express feted at banquet "The Hurley chamber chose Mayor Joseph Pinardi as citizen of the year. Little Finland was named organization of the year. Whitecap Mountain Ski Resort was chosen as business of the year. Silver Express, Hurley High School's musical show group was selected as youth organization of the year."
Results
show accident victim was intoxicated"Idstein died when his snowmobile collided nearly head-on with a machine driven by Zebulun Lillard, of Ohio, in the early morning hours about three miles south of Hurley in the Town of Oma. Lillard suffered broken vertebrae in his back and nerve damage in a shoulder. He is recovering at home. "
Residents
may need to contact sanitation"Mercer residents who let their water run during the cold spell should contact Mercer Sanitary District 1. Residents of the sanitary district who have had problems in the past with freezing water lines are advised to run water at a stream of no more than a pencil as a precautionary measure."
Doyle
will focus on economy, health care in State of the State""The national economic downturn is going to have consequences for us in Wisconsin," Canter said Tuesday. It's too early to know what the exact impact will be, but the governor will talk about what he believes can be done to ensure long-term economic growth, Canter said."
"Lawton announced the thriller "Blue World" will spend its $2.5 million budget in Milwaukee. "The Violinist," a $1 million film about Arab-Israeli immigrants, will film entirely in Green Bay, primarily on the campus of either the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or St. Norbert College, Lawton said. The announcements were made just a few weeks after the new incentives took effect. The incentives give 25% investment tax credits to Wisconsin-based productions and 15% income tax credits to related businesses."
Poll
finds support for lakes compact"The expected legislation is being watched closely by area communities, particularly in Waukesha County, and manufacturers that might want access to Great Lakes water in the future but fear it could not be accomplished because the compact would be too restrictive or burdensome."
"The boy was home sick in September when he found his mother either asleep or passed out on the couch, according to a criminal complaint filed in La Crosse County Circuit Court. The boy told police he found a prescription bottle on his mother's stomach that contained eight to 10 plastic bags filled with a white powder. He said he called his father, but his mother woke before he could call police."
DNR
hunting for cougar"Our likelihood of seeing it again is very remote," said DNR wildlife supervisor Doug Fendry, calling in from the field today as he searched for more cougar tracks in the snow. "The cougar is a very secretive animal."
Wisconsin regulators approve new rules for fishing tournaments
"Fishing tournament organizers will have to buy permits beginning in 2009
under new rules state wildlife officials have approved. Permits would
cost $25 to $200 depending on the tournament's size, format, location and
prizes."
Two
movies coming to state, no word on Public Enemies "We still don’t know if Johnny Depp is coming to Wisconsin, but a bunch of actors you probably haven’t heard of will be. Independent movies about immigrants and a priest who falls for a porn star will be the first productions in the state since lucrative state tax credits for the film industry took effect, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, chairwoman of the state arts board, said Tuesday."
Sen
R. FeingoldOversight
of the Justice for All Act"I am very pleased to see this Committee once again address the need to improve the tools for seeking the truth in our criminal justice system. In addition, members of Congress know all too well that we must follow up on the implementation of legislation we pass when it appears that our intent is being thwarted."
Sen
H. Kohl
KOHL
OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR 2008 SESSION OF CONGRESS"With the presidential election season in full swing, a fierce partisan air in Washington and a divided executive and legislative branch, it will take more determination than ever to reach across the aisle to get things done for the American people," Kohl said. "The best ideas aren't the exclusive property of one party or the other, but a result of many minds working with our country's best interest at heart. I look forward to a busy and productive session in the Senate."
Gov.
Doyle"Grow Wisconsin – The Next Steps will prepare Wisconsin’s traditional industries to compete in the global economy with efficiency and innovation. It will also promote a high-end vision and enable existing businesses and entrepreneurs to seize new opportunities in expanding markets. Grow Wisconsin – The Next Steps will move the state forward to invest in education, reform regulations to make government more responsive and create and maintain a competitive business climate."
False
Pretenses"President George W. Bush and seven of his administration's top officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, made at least 935 false statements in the two years following September 11, 2001, about the national security threat posed by Saddam Hussein's Iraq."
[TPM adds. "You can relive every moment of the war hype on the site by watching videos, going over every false statement, and more." = Bob]
22 Jan
The minutes of the following meetings of the Hurley K-12 School District have been posted:
Sen
R. Jauch
“Mr. Mazarov is a nationally respected authority on the techniques used by multi-state, multi-national corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes owed to states, and along with the work he has done and the integrity of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, he will provide an anchor to the forthright discussion we need to have on corporate tax practices and tax inequity,”
School
receives $100K donation"An anonymous $100,000 donation to the Hurley Education Foundation will allow the Hurley K-12 School to add a second distance learning lab. District administrator Chris Patritto told the school board on Monday the distance lab will cost $48,000 and an additional 25 computer smart boards also will be purchased with the $100,000, plus another HEF donation of $15,000 that was received."
Police
correct identification mistake"Sharon Ahola, 58, of Mercer, drove her vehicle into the ditch at that intersection and Patricia Ahola's name erroneously appeared on the report."
Watercolor
class "In the first two classes, students will paint a lake scene. Supplies for the first two classes will be provided by the instructor for $20. Students should bring paint brushes. The class fee is $40.82 or $4 for senior citizens."
Proposal
limits tax reviews"In exchange for the new procedures, the bill would stop circuit courts from reopening the case completely if a taxpayer or community objected to the board's finding. Instead, the court could consider only whether the proper procedures were followed or look at information that became available after the board met. Now, the law allows the court to reopen the case completely."
"Preliminary state Department of Revenue totals show the personal and corporate income tax and the sales tax brought in $5.13 billion from July through December, an increase of only 0.8% over the same period in 2006."
Lawmakers
consider repeal of Wisconsin's abortion ban"State lawmakers are reviving an attempt to repeal Wisconsin's 158-year-old ban on abortions -- which they fear would be enforced if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Wisconsin is one of only four states with laws still on the books making abortions illegal. But Wisconsin Planned Parenthood political director Chris Taylor says Wisconsin is the only state whose law includes penalties for the women seeking an abortion."
Rights
under federal laws eroded, legislator says"Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, said today that he is seeking co-sponsors for the bill, which would expressly grant the workers protections accorded under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and anti-age discrimination laws. Mason said that over the past decade, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the federal protections do not extend to state employees unless states pass laws explicitly saying that they do."
21 Jan
AGENDA
-- Regular School Board Meeting- Hurley School District
5503 W Range View Drive, Hurley, WI 54534 - 5:00 p.m. Monday, January 21, 2008
- Held in the Hurley High School IMC
[Missing copies of the previous agendas and minutes have been posted HERE. - Bob]
Wood
burning, carving"Suzanne Vittone will teach wood burning and carving on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 5 through March 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hurley K-12 School."
State of State set for
Wednesday
"Doyle
is scheduled to deliver his sixth State of the State address on Wednesday.
He is expected to focus heavily on economic development initiatives in the
address before a joint meeting of the Assembly and Senate."
Medicaid
change to cost state schools"The new rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would halt payments for schools' administrative costs and home-to-school transportation for special-education students who receive school-based Medicaid services. It is set to go into effect with the new school year after Congress approved a moratorium on the changes until June 30."
New
bill to fund transit proposed
"Transit advocates and the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities have pushed for
regional transit authorities and transit sales taxes. They're trying to head
off financial crises that planners say will threaten the future of the
Milwaukee County Transit System and the Fox Cities' Valley Transit."
UW-Madison
scientist's work may make the Ebola virus safe to use in most labs"Kawaoka's team also stitched the gene they removed from the virus into a select group of cells, allowing the altered virus to grow only in those lab-based cells, he said. Tests showed the altered virus couldn't grow in normal cells."
Winter farmers markets grow in Wis., Ill., Iowa
"The
number of farmers markets in the program has grown from three the first
winter to about 50 now, said Ends, who operates a small farm at Brodhead.
"We're trying to connect urban and suburban consumers with farmers through
the church," he said. "This helps people of faith practice stewardship of
the earth through what they buy and how they eat. It fulfills basic
expectations of all faiths to support economic justice, ecological practices
and community.""
Dave
Zweifel: Muzzling average citizens is some pols' goal"He and his fellow Republicans rushed a bill to the Assembly floor to change the law so that local officials could turn down a referendum if it didn't directly apply to local governments. In other words, a question on whether the United States should be involved in Iraq could be summarily turned down. That's too bad, because ordinary citizens can't get their voices heard in any meaningful fashion except on the local ballot."
"According to Goldstein, the role of the Wisconsin Advertising Project is to code and analyze all political ads. The ads will be analyzed, in real time, for their content, target audience, tone, time and the television program during which they are broadcast. The information and findings of the project will be made public in a series of press releases throughout the year leading up to the elections."
Sen
R. Feingold
"We must redouble our efforts to address the lingering inequities that Dr. King fought so hard against. In a year when we will elect a new president, we are reminded of the tremendous struggle for voting rights that Dr. King helped to lead."
EDWARDS: Russ Ain't A Fan - National Journal
"MyDD's
Jonathan Singer: "Listening to the rhetoric and proposals of the leading
Democratic candidates, one comes to the conclusion (or at least I do) that
John Edwards is running both the most populist and progressive campaign. But
Russ Feingold, perhaps the Senate's leading progressive and a man that a lot
of folks would have liked to have seen run this time, comes to
a clearly different conclusion about Edwards...That's some pretty
blistering stuff -- and from someone with a lot of credibility, someone,
perhaps even more importantly, who is not making an endorsement in the
race."
"The creator of this map has had the interesting idea to break down that gigantic US GDP into the GDPs of individual states, and compare those to other countries’ GDP. What follows, is this slightly misleading map – misleading, because the economies both of the US states and of the countries they are compared with are not weighted for their respective populations."
19&20 Jan
Man
recalls season as Packer, Giant""May the best team win," said Calligaro, who played for both teams in the 1940s. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1944. He played two exhibition games before he was traded to the New York Giants. "
Jauch
backs governor's initiative to tackle ballast water problem
"Gov. Jim Doyle's announcement to target state funds to treat ballast water
was described as "welcome and necessary" on Friday by State Sen. Robert
Jauch, D-Poplar."
Book
collection
"Moore has collected more than 800 hard cover and paperback books
already. Collection boxes are at the Iron County Courthouse, the Hurley
Public Library, the Ironwood Memorial Building and the Iron County Miner
office in Hurley."
Hurley
graduate Merritt earns recruiting honor
"In October, Staff Sgt. Merritt received the Bronze Eagle as top
recruiter of the year in the 342nd Recruiting Squadrom, which covers
Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota."
Give
Pack the home field, not Jensen"After a scandal that already left a rotten odor in Wisconsin politics, state legislators stepped up to take care of their own. The Legislature passed a law - effective this year - that says lawmakers accused of crimes get to be tried in their home territory. That's quite a departure from the average Joe Blow who's generally tried where the crime was committed."
Obama alone has
courted Wisconsin
"Along with mining the state for money, Obama opened an office in the
Milwaukee area last week, putting five paid staffers to work in the state.
No other candidate has done the same in preparing for the Feb. 19 primary."
Merit
reform yields truest justice"Yet, as respected as merit selection is among government watchdogs, the system commonly raises initial suspicions in states with traditions of picking judges by election or by gubernatorial or legislative appointment."
Autism
bill remains stalled"While parents of children with autism and professionals who treat the disorder learn about alternative treatments today in Wausau, a bill that would require insurance companies to cover needed treatment remains stalled in a joint state Assembly-Senate finance committee, said Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston."
Tribune
The
lure of the outdoors"The watershed divide near Iron County, Wis., and Michigan's Upper Peninsula creates a geography of some 30 roaring waterfalls, where the waters flow either northward to Lake Superior or south to the Mississippi River. In winter, some waterfalls and their sculpted quietude can be seen from snowshoe and hiking trails near Hurley, Wis., and Ironwood, Mich., along the Montreal River."
[After more than a week of Faux News driven coverage of Hillary dissing Martin Luther King, it is time for folks to see her whole statement and the background information. It makes no more sense to believe Faux about the Dems than it makes to believe everything Democatric UnderGround says about Republicans. This is GOOD video. - Bob]
Charity draws fire for paying generals - Military Times
"Retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks was paid $100,000 — out of donations made to
wounded veterans — for allowing his name to be used on fundraising appeals
by a charity that has come under increasing scrutiny for the way it handles
its money."
Could
Congress Be Waking Up? - NY Times
"In terms of both the number and significance of new public laws, however,
last year’s Democratic majority significantly outperformed that Republican
Congress. Only one item described in the Republican Contract With America
was signed into law at the end of 1995, while most of the proposals the
Democrats announced as their agenda were enacted ... In fact, between the
2006 and 2008 fiscal years, the cost of appropriations earmarks appears to
have dropped from $29 billion to $14.1 billion."
Student
who put his candidate in a song wants autograph, too -
Daily Herald, Wheaton, IL
"Chaz got a detention for singing without his teacher's permission a parody
supporting Sen. Barack Obama. Now he wants the presidential candidate
to sign that detention slip as a memento. "It'd be really cool," he
said. "I'd frame it." "
[Check the video at
Hey There Obama. It's cute. - Bob]
18 Jan
Sen
R. JauchBallast
Demonstration Project Critical to Protecting Great Lakes"The Governor’s announcement to target state funds to treat ballast water is “a welcome and necessary step that must be taken to combat the glut of invasive species that are threatening the Great Lakes,” State Senator Bob Jauch (D.Poplar) said today. “Invasive species are an economic and ecological disaster and Government must step up our efforts to create effective removal before our lakes are destroyed.”"
Test
wells pump sufficiently"Richards told fellow city council members on Tuesday the 165 gpm should be enough water to handle Hurley's needs. The city currently purchases its water from the City of Ironwood, with Montreal as a backup source."
Local
Packer fans prepare for big game
"They plan to wear snowmobile suits and other warm clothing. At
Saturday's win over Seattle, there was a man in their section with no shirt
on. "His skin was just red from the cold," Brunello said. "It's going
to be interesting to see how many guys come with just T-shirts on." "
City's
port to clean ballast"Contaminated ballast discharges from oceangoing vessels have been blamed for a host of environmental problems in the Great Lakes, including a decline in native fish, a rise in noxious algae and, more recently, widespread bird die-offs on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.."
Abortions
in state at new low
"The survey also found that there were 1,787 U.S. abortion providers,
including nine from Wisconsin, in 2005. Wisconsin reported its highest
number of abortions and abortion providers in 1980. According to the report,
31 providers performed 21,790 abortions in 1980. The number of abortions
began a steady decline in 1981."
Attorney
general joins suit to keep wolves off endangered list"Federal wildlife officials removed wolves in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota from the list last year. A group of animal advocacy groups filed a federal lawsuit in April demanding wildlife officials re-list them. Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has joined a brief on behalf of Wisconsin and 10 other states supporting the federal government's move."
UW
failed privacy test"But even more troubling is the fact that, in a letter to the affected faculty and staff dated Jan. 7, UW senior legal counsel Nancy Lynch wrote that the university became aware of the problem on Nov. 26. That elapse of time is an exceptionally serious matter. And it shows either a deep misunderstanding of the issues at hand or an even deeper disregard for the privacy rights of employees and consumers."
New
feature: Readers link faith, environment"For each Friday edition, we'll ask volunteers to respond to a question. We'll print excerpts from a handful of responses and post the others on our Web site, opening more opportunities for anyone to join the conversation."
DNR
proposes cheaper, quicker way to clean lakefront property
"The current system splits the permitting process in two: general permits to manually remove invasive species, mussels and even dead fish; and individual permits for property owners who want to use some type of motorized vehicle. Individual permits currently cost $500 and require a 30-day public comment period. The proposed rule would reduce the fee to $50, and the permit would be processed within 30 days. It would be a one-time permit, however, so property owners would have to apply for permits each time they want to clean their beach."
Email
miscue results in release of original American Indian study"After receiving the report this week, Lakeland Times publisher Gregg Walker said Wednesday that the August report and email confirm what the newspaper has been asserting all along, namely, the document was never a draft and never exempt from the open records law. "For one thing, the study is labeled 'Final Project Report August 2007,'" Walker said. "Clearly the study's authors, who had already been paid, did not consider this a draft.""
"To make sure your chimney is safe, it should be inspected at least once a year, preferably before use resumes in winter. “Even in the spring, you’ve got to check it periodically just to make sure there’s no buildup,” said Houghton Fire Chief Jim Lightfoot."
Duluth,MN
NBC
Universal movie people scout out Ashland"State Senator Bob Jauch says Wisconsin cities are a natural fit for the film. “John Dillinger hung out in Manitowish Waters—little Bohemia just south of Hurley. There’s an incredible history here. We’ve got the banks and the features and the characteristics and the history.”"
Sen
R. Feingold“I join all Americans in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His lifelong fight to protect the civil rights of Americans has been an inspiration for people around the world to stand up and speak out against injustice."
Gov.
Doyle
EXECUTIVE
ORDER #237"Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Private First Class Keith Lloyd of the United States Army Who Lost His Life During Operation Iraqi Freedom"
Governor Doyle Meets with Workers Affected by Paper Plant Closure in Niagara
Governor Doyle Announces Additional Energy Assistance Funds
Governor Doyle Pins Wisconsin National Guard General
Olbermann
and IAVA’s Rieckhoff Slam O’Reilly on Homeless Vets Denial"Sign our letter to Bill O’Reilly asking him to apologize to the homeless veterans for his damaging, dishonest remarks. Reickhoff’s IAVA has an open letter here. To learn more about or donate to US Vets, the organization where I met the vets in FOX ATTACKS! “Non-Existent” Veterans, go here."
[Be sure to watch the new Greenwalt video (link in upper left) to see what vets think of OhReally's comments. Then call WJMS at mailto:wjmswimi@chartermi.net or (906) 932-0997 and tell them to can Billo. - Bob]
17 Jan
Student's
essay wins tickets to big game "The 13-year-old seventh grader at Hurley K-12 School won four tickets to Sunday's NFC championship game in Green Bay by placing first in an essay contest sponsored by the Packers, in conjunction with Badger Mutual Insurance. The topic was "What education means to me.""
Council
rescinds Chicago Pub liquor license
"The license for the tavern at 210-212 Silver St. had been granted to DJS
Inc., Martin A. Gurka agent, last year. The license was never paid for,
however, and the council decided Tuesday that the city should take it back.
The decision was based on the fact there has been no activity for months at
the proposed tavern location."
Paavo Nurmi torch to be
moved
"Pinardi said a better location for the Kenneth Gustafson
memorial torch would be near the snowmobile trailhead sign on Fifth Avenue.
Council members agreed the torch pole should be moved in the spring to the
Fifth Avenue site. City workers will handle the relocation work."
Education
classes
"Free basic education classes through Wisconsin Indianhead
Technical College for adults will be held at Hurley High School on
Wednesdays beginning Jan. 23 through May 14 from 4 to 7 p.m."
Candlelight
ski/snowshoe tour
"The MECCA Cross Country Ski Club candlelight ski/snowshoe tour
will be Jan. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the MECCA trails. Refreshments
will be served."
Lakes
plan aims at invasive species"Those tanks, though technically empty, can still carry residual puddles of water and muck, both of which have been found to be teeming with life. The proposed rule, which would take effect this year when the seaway reopens after its annual winter shutdown, requires that even empty ballast tanks be flushed with saltwater. Canada requires such flushes for ships headed into the Great Lakes. The U.S. has only recommended that vessel operators take such precautions."
Anti-abortion
group sends plastic fetuses to Racine residents"I don't care what literature you send me, but I just think they went too far," said Bell, who sent the group a letter expressing her feelings. "I was offended. I think it was in poor taste." She found the plastic fetus in her mailbox Tuesday in a manila mailer addressed to "Resident." The model of a roughly 2-inch fetus came with a card detailing the development of an 11- to 12-week-old "pre-born."
Doyle
announces steps to respond to closures
"These are good jobs that are important to these communities and our entire
state," said Doyle, who will visit Niagara on Friday. "I am committed to
helping the Niagara and Kimberly communities and the hundreds of families
who depend on the mill for their livelihood."
John
Nichols: Michigan win is no victory for Clinton"(Had Michigan voters been allowed to choose among all the serious contenders for the Democratic nod, CNN's exit poll found, Obama would have won the African-American vote by a 73-22 margin over Clinton.) "Uncommitted" also beat Clinton among independent voters who participated in the Democratic primary, and among young voters."
"Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen told the Assembly Committee on Transportation that quick access to photos would help officers confirm identities and catch criminals who are lying about their names. Updating the interface could run about $81,000."
Lake
Superior fish fewer, smaller; but that's not a bad thing"We've had lake trout in full recovery since the 1980s, and in the early 80s when herring, bloater and whitefish came back, they came back with a big bang, so it took awhile for the predator population to catch back up with them."
Sen
R. Feingold
Q&A:
Feingold charts course - Appleton Post Crescent"Sen. Russ Feingold has a plan. Getting ready to head back to Washington as Congress is about to resume, the Democratic senator from Wisconsin has compiled a list of his top five domestic agenda items for 2008: a health care proposal, changes to the No Child Left Behind Act, improving public financing of presidential campaigns, strengthening the Clean Water Act and giving the president line-item veto powers."
Gov.
DoyleGovernor
Doyle Announces Wager with New York, New Jersey Governors"Riding on Sunday’s game is Wisconsin bratwurst, known to be the best bratwurst in the country. Governor Spitzer brings to the table his state’s finest pastrami and Governor Corzine is offering a case of Jersey Fresh tomatoes."
"Defense attorney Timothy Mahoney, without disputing how the two lizards were knifed multiple times, argues reptiles don't give their human owners company on par with traditional pets.
"When you talk about a 'companion animal,' you're talking about walking it, caring for it … a dog or cat," Mahoney said Wednesday."
16 Jan
Mayor
agrees contractor should be paid"When the council deadlocked 3-3 on whether A-1 Excavating of Bloomer, Wis., should be paid for the extra work, Pinardi sided with Don Richards, Char Mussatti and Michele Fink in voting to approve the change order."
Quit
Line offers help to Wisconsin smokers
"Health advocates in Iron County say the statewide price increase should
spark a huge influx in the number of smokers who want to quit smoking and
avoid the nation's most preventable diseases -- heart disease and lung
cancer."
Mayoral
candidate faces felony count
"A $5,000 signature bond was set Monday for Daniel F. Rossi, 46, of Hurley,
who is facing a felony charge of second-degree reckless endangerment
stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident in Hurley on Oct. 13."
Increase
in federal gas tax is proposed to fund road repairs"A congressional commission called for a 25-cent to 40-cent increase in the federal gas tax on Tuesday, in a report that intersected with a separate federal announcement identifying a design failure that caused the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis to collapse in August."
St.
Lawrence Seaway sets new rule for flushing ship ballast tanks"Oceangoing ships would have to flush their ballast tanks with salt water before entering the St. Lawrence Seaway under proposed rules designed to stem the flood of foreign species into the Great Lakes. The proposed U.S. regulations, announced Wednesday, are designed to match requirements imposed by Canada in 2006."
Hundreds
of Wis. students ask lawmakers to save virtual schools
"Students, parents and superintendents who operate the schools said state
law must be changed or a dozen of the schools that enroll 3,000 students
could be forced to close as early as next school year. The schools
allow students to learn from home under the guidance of their parents and
instructors who teach over the Internet."
Dan
Rather's search for truth"The veteran newsman's suit claims that the television network -- with which he worked for decades as a journalist, editor and anchor before being marginalized after he pursued a controversial story about Bush's failure to complete his Texas Air National Guard service -- made him a "scapegoat" in order "to pacify the White House.""
"A 36-year-old man tied up his young son with tape for an hour after the boy refused to wear a Green Bay Packers jersey during the team’s game on Saturday, local authorities said... The boy’s refusal to wear the jersey may have just been rebellion, he said. “We’ve been unable to uncover any evidence to suggest that this boy was not a Packers fan,” Smith said."
[Thank God that the kid's email is private and secure... if they found out he was a Cowboys fan, the kid would be charged with a felony and the dad would skate. - Bob]
Committee
votes to allow ATV use in Ashland city limits "The ordinance, which passed on a 7-4 vote, allows ATV use until March 31. After that, possibly some time this summer, city officials will review the decision and decide whether it should be carried over to next winter and beyond."
Doyle
OKs Madeline Island Airport funding
"A few years ago, the state put together a package for about half
a dozen airports for snow removal equipment, and we got all this nice snow
removal equipment and it sits outside because we don't have a building big
enough to store it in. This project will let us protect our asset; it needs
to last for decades."
Stormy
Kromer to talk with Olympics"To bolster his pitch, Jacquart’s looking to hear from the Kromer’s devoted fan base to provide some of their favorite Stormy Kromer memories. “We’ve got to go after the warm and fuzzy, not the dollars and cents,” he said. “We’re going for the special moments and the good things that happen around Kromer.”"
Feingold,
Kohl Make Every Senate Vote in 2007"“Wisconsinites depend on the people they elect to show up and represent Wisconsin in the Senate to the best of their ability,” said Feingold, who has only missed ten votes in his fifteen years as a U.S. Senator, earning him a lifetime attendance record of 99.81 percent."
Sen
H. Kohl"I hope this brings welcome relief for the thousands of families and elderly people in our state who have seen their budgets stretched to the breaking point by spiraling energy costs this winter,"
Gov.
Doyle
Statement
of Governor Doyle: Protecting Social Security Numbers"“What happened at DOA is unacceptable and I have ordered immediate action to correct the problem. It is clear that state workers took various steps to prevent this breach of information, but any breach – no matter how small – is unacceptable."
Governor Doyle Launches Next Generation Manufacturing Plan
Governor Doyle Seeks Applicants for Brown County Judicial Vacancy
15 Jan
Gary
Sherman
Kerkman/Sherman
Funeral Bill Clears Final Hurdle"Legislation co-authored by Representatives Samantha Kerkman (R-Randall) and Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing) passed the Senate unanimously this afternoon on a voice vote. The bill (AB 305) offers people the opportunity to control their funeral arrangements and the disposition of their remains at death with the force of law."
Snowmobile
hill climb set for Saturday at Copper Peak "Organizers are expecting about 30 competitors for the seventh annual running of the Copper Peak Hill Climb, including former "King of the Hill" Al Turin, Wyler "Wild Man" Miller and Matt "Tingers" Tingstad of Bessemer."
Doyle
cancels voucher meeting"Kessler's ideas include reducing voucher payments to some schools that give scholarships to students who don't qualify for vouchers, and limiting voucher payments to no more than the amount charged for tuition for nonvoucher students. Currently, voucher payments are based on the amount a school spends to educate a child, up to $6,501. Some schools charge lower amounts for tuition to nonvoucher students."
State
to buy natural areas
"In one set of transactions, 195 acres - and 6,500 feet of shoreline - will
be added to four state natural areas on Washington and Detroit islands,
including Detroit Harbor between the two islands. Funding will include $1.1
million from the state and $1 million in federal dollars."
Bill
would curb citizen initiatives on Iraq war, other issues"The plan would allow cities and villages to refuse to act on citizen initiatives that do not relate to local governmental functions. Under current law, anyone who gathers enough signatures in support of a proposal can force city councils and village boards to either adopt it or put it to a referendum vote ...The Republican-controlled Assembly voted 48-44 along party lines to adopt the plan on Tuesday.."
[Hmmmm? Allowing Voting only if city officials approve sounds un-American to me - Bob]
Wis.
voters could curb guv's veto power in April
"Voters will decide in April whether to scale back the veto power of
Wisconsin's governor. The state Assembly gave final approval Tuesday
to a statewide referendum on whether governors should lose some of their
power to rewrite legislation approved by lawmakers."
[Now letting the people decide what powers the governor would have... that
sounds Patriotic and American to me. - Bob]
UPDATE:
State mailing glitch leaves data visible"Morgan also said the employees responsible for checking the addresses before the forms are mailed did not catch the mistake. He said the state learned of the error on Jan. 9 and that it was "immediately corrected by the end of business last Friday, Jan. 11.""
Bill
stiffens drunken driving penalites"The bipartisan proposal would slap seventh, eighth and ninth-time offenders with a Class G felony, punishable by up to $25,000 in fines and 10 years in prison. Offenders who drive drunk a 10th time or more would be charged with a Class F felony, punishable by up to $25,000 fines and 12 1/2 years in prison."
State
sends another mailing revealing Social Security numbers
"This marks the third time in 14 months that state residents were
extended free credit monitoring as a result of a mailing showing Social
Security numbers. Two weeks ago, EDS Corp., a Texas-based contractor
hired by the state Department of Health and Family Services, mailed 260,000
brochures with recipients’ Social Security numbers on the label to Medicaid,
SeniorCare and BadgerCare members."
ATV
Club, businesses develop a proposal for in-city ATV use "The only hint of dissent Monday came from representatives of the Ashland Snowmobile Club, who said they don't want ATVs on the Fifth Street Corridor for fears of tearing up the snow groomed by the snowmobile club...Martinsen, Monroe and other supporters of ATV use made it clear that, in terms of a trial run, use of the vehicles would only be allowed for the rest of this winter — basically February and March. After that, the city will consider whether or not ATV use will be allowed all of next winter."
Sen
H. KohlSenate
repairs nation’s most popular wetlands program - Ducks
Unlimited Magazine"The Wetlands Reserve Program, the nation’s leading wetlands restoration program, received much-needed leadership in the Senate recently. Sen. Herb Kohl (Wis.) took the lead to amend language in the Farm Bill, correcting an administrative issue that undercut WRP’s appeal to farmers and ranchers. The change adds a strong negotiating position for WRP as the Farm Bill goes to conference, the final step before being sent to the President."
Rep
D. ObeyMassive
Funding Cuts to ‘Reading First’ Generate Worries for ... -
Education Week News - Bethesda,MD“The bill includes $1.1 billion in program cuts and consolidations with a significant cut to the Reading First program (-$629 million), which the administration used in its own version of ‘earmarking,’ steering billions of dollars to favored publishers and individuals,” Mr. Obey’s press release on the budget measure said.
14 Jan
"Dr. Paul Hagemann and the Iron County Health Department will offer the second free
flouride
varnish for children in the pre-K and kindergarten classes at the Hurley
School who received the first varnish treatment."
Police arrest dancer
"A 30-year-old Barnum, Minn., woman who is registered as an exotic dancer in
Hurley was arrested on prostitution charges Friday night"
Other
states avoid glitch"Wisconsin is the only state in the region to use Social Security numbers as Medicaid ID numbers, increasing the chances of compromising state residents' personal information, as happened last week."
Conservation
Congress: Should we hunt wolves?" Wisconsin's Conservation Congress plans to ask sportsmen this spring whether they want to hunt timber wolves, a year after the federal government removed the animals from the endangered species list. The question isn't binding on the state Department of Natural Resources or the Legislature, but it illustrates what some say is growing frustration with wolves in northern Wisconsin as their numbers rise."
Wis.
Senate expected to pass increase in minimum wage
"Despite opposition from the state's largest business group and others, a
measure that would raise Wisconsin's minimum wage each year based on
inflation is expected to pass the state Senate on Tuesday. It also
would immediately increase the minimum wage from $6.50 to $7.25 an hour. But
don't spend that extra 75 cents per hour just yet."
"Gov. Jim Doyle approved $900,000 to purchase new airport safety equipment and a weather reporting system at Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee."
Gov.
Doyle
EXECUTIVE
ORDER #234"WHEREAS, on January 5, 2008, Corporal Jason Lemke, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army, died as a result of injuries sustained during enemy action in Iraq ..."
EXECUTIVE
ORDER #235
"WHEREAS, on January 7, 2008, Private First Class Timothy Hanson, a member
of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd
Infantry Division, United States Army, died while serving his country in
Iraq ..."
12&13 Jan
Committee
on Tax Fairness pushes for equity, progressivity in Wisconsin tax system
""This committee has an opportunity to push for a greater effort to evaluate and reform our tax system so that fairness and progressivity -- two hallmarks of Wisconsin -- might be restored," Jauch said."
Pollution
not just a summer concern"Wisconsin has issued numerous particle pollution warnings this winter, including an unprecedented 25-hour alert in December in metro Milwaukee when emissions were so high that state officials recommended that healthy people cut back on strenuous outdoors activity."
7
agencies miss drill deadline" "Everyone came in quite well, " said Linda Barth, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Administration, which coordinated the drill. "We 're going to continue to work on this and work with the agencies to improve. That 's why we do drills. " The state will continue to conduct the drills quarterly as recommended by the federal government, Barth said."
Let
merit replace mudslinging
"Merit selection spares candidates the potentially compromising process of
raising money
Merit selection emphasizes professional credentials and de-emphasizes
political connections."
Saga of 'Public Enemies' is turning into a Wisconsin thriller
"Mann was in Baraboo Jan. 5 to see the vintage bank and courthouse square
that retain a 1920s or 1930s look. Production scout Robert Medcraft
stopped last Tuesday in Oshkosh, another of the 20 communities considered
possible film sites."
State
turns on water effort"One is an experiment now going on in Waukesha, where customers are charged more after they reach a certain threshold of water usage, instead of being charged a lower rate for additional use, as is the case in most municipal water utilities in the state."
"The elderly face a number of specific challenges, aid workers say. Many have lost a spouse, have difficulty working and must pay for extensive medications. "I think that they're kind of a hidden population because of the fact that they are very frugal," said Deb Menacher, executive director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin."
Sen
R. Feingold
Feingold
speaks out; senator talks presidency, Iraq, health care ... -
Portage Daily Register - Portage,WI"Feingold said he is weighing issues of experience vs. change. He said he can envision Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as well as Republican John McCain in the White House. "Then I have the occasional nightmare when I think it's going to be (Mitt) Romney, but then I wake up," he said, laughing."
Rep
D. ObeyDemocratic
representatives visit Burnett County - Inter-County Leader -
Frederic,WI"Congressman Dave Obey is visiting all 20 counties in his district through the beginning of February. He made his Burnett County stop on Thursday, Jan. 3, at the Burnett County Government Center. With him were Democrat Ann Hraychuck, 28th Assembly District, and Democrat Bob Jauch, 25th Senate District."
"Barack Obama has drawn several high-profile endorsements, including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Gov. Jim Doyle. The Hillary Clinton camp includes Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. John Edwards has the support of U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, former Gov. Tony Earl and Democratic Party Chairman Joe Wineke.
Barack
Obama Boycotts FOX - Buzz FlashThis link to a short Robert Greenwalt video was found at Buzz Flash. It is notable because it covers concisely the apparent smear attempts by the network on the Illinois Senator, including the OhReilly spin of his shoving incident where the video shows him physically shoving and swearing at an Obama aid and the often debunked charge that Obama is a Muslim or attended a Madrassa school.
11 Jan
Equalized
value increases"Depending on the location in the county, a taxpayer with the same property value as last year may see the county's portion of taxes decrease. "We're spreading a larger levy over a much greater tax base," said Iron County Clerk Mike Saari."
Two
snowmobiles stolen
"An Iowa man reported his 2008 Arctic Cat F8 stolen from the parking lot on
the lower end of Silver Street, according to a report filed with the police
department at 1:10 a.m. Thursday. A 2008 Ski Doo 800 Rev XP belonging
to an Illinois man was reported stolen from the same location at 1:44 a.m."
[It seems the Globe has returned to its former page naming convention. Some items from Jan 5th and early are now linking. If this holds I will go back to links. - Bob]
Bill
seeks tighter restrictions on virtual schools"A month after an appeals court decision cast doubt on the future of the state's virtual charter schools, a key Racine Democratic senator introduced a proposal Thursday that would preserve such schools but subject them to tighter restrictions than other public schools."
Women's
ranks rise at colleges
"The national trend holds true in Wisconsin. In 1989-'90, some 46% of
bachelor's degrees in the University of Wisconsin System were granted to
men. By 2005-'06, that figure was down to 42%."
Company
will pay for identity theft insurance for errant mailing"EDS vice president Sean Kenny said Friday that the free credit monitoring with all three major agencies and the insurance, along with resending the mailings, will cost the company at least $1 million. EDS was "deeply regretful" about the mistake, he said. Those affected will have 90 days to sign up for the credit monitoring and insurance. To date, there have been no cases of illegal activity related to the mailings, Kenny said."
Gas
prices highest ever for early Jan."It makes you worry about what is down the road in the next four or five months," AAA spokeswoman Pam Moen said. "We typically see a fairly significant price increase in the spring. Certainly, what we are seeing today does not bode well for consumers as we get further into 2008."
"About three weeks ago, someone affiliated with Universal Studios called up. They were familiar with our bank because they had been involved with 'A Simple Plan' and had done site scouting for commercials and other production work in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin," she said. "They asked 'aren't you the big bank that you can look through the door and see the vault all the way through the lobby?'"
Gov.
Doyle"In addition to putting Wisconsin bratwurst on the line, he’s also promised to include a freshly caught Lake Michigan Coho Salmon if the Seahawks beat the Packers. If the Packers win, Governor Gregoire will send over Cougar Gold cheese, produced by the Washington State University Creamery."
10 Jan
- free fluoride varnish
- dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Friday, January 18
- hearing and vision screening
- Dodge ball Tournament
Gary
Sherman
Health
Care Reform"Most people have health coverage. That is not where a discussion of health care reform usually begins, but that is where it ought to begin."
What
You Are Seeing Is . . . Democracy"This is a most interesting presidential election. For the first time in many years, the nominees of both parties are unknown. Each day, the pundits tell us who is ahead and the next day they have to eat crow, to the great satisfaction of everyone. The voters of each new state present us with surprises. Neither party has a frontrunner right now."
- Aimone resigns after dispute
- Blood-alcohol results to come in snowmobile fatality
- Woman to receive cousin's kidney Friday
33%
of students here live in poverty"Milwaukee ranked sixth highest overall among the nation's 70 largest school districts; only Cleveland, New Orleans, Detroit, Fresno, Calif., and St. Louis had higher percentages of children living with families in poverty."
State
considering legal action against company that sent mailing""We believe EDS violated its contract with the state, as well as state and federal privacy laws and it should be held accountable," Hayden said. "This confidential information should have never been printed and this mistake has left our members vulnerable.""
Area
Girls-Loggers upend Midgettes "The Midgettes (7-3) took an 11-10 lead after one and held that lead heading into halftime at 24-23. But the Loggers responded in the third, rallying to outscore Hurley 17-15 in the quarter for a slim 40-39 lead heading to the fourth. From there, the Loggers (5-4) took advantage of a 20-4 edge at the free throw line to pull out the win."
"The primary reason for the current hops shortage was actually a glut in the hops market during the 1990s and early 2000s, according to Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the Brewers Association, which represents craft brewers. With hop prices down, many farmers took their fields out of hop production in favor of crops getting higher prices on the market. Over the last year, those surplus stores of hops have been gradually used up and the diminished hop production worldwide is now unable to meet demand."
Rep
D. ObeyObey
secures nearly $2 million for research on the Great Lakes -
BusinessNorth.com - Duluth,MN“The Great Lakes maritime industry contributes greatly to our economy and is a vital source of good-paying jobs for the region, so it’s important that we fully understand the forces affecting it, and are constantly searching for better ways to take care of it,”
Gov.
Doyle“Like all Packer fans, I was excited to hear Brett Favre talking about returning to action next year for the green and gold. Brett Favre’s tremendous work ethic and willingness to go out and play hard every day represent the true spirit of Wisconsin."
EXECUTIVE ORDER #232
"WHEREAS, on Saturday, January 5, 2008, Chippewa County Deputy Sheriff Jason
Zunker died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty..."
EXECUTIVE ORDER #233
"WHEREAS, Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the famous architects of the
Twentieth Century, as well as one of Wisconsin’s important citizens ..."
"Unlike the average American, the president, vice president and members of Congress all enjoy government-financed healthcare with few restrictions or prohibitive fees. They are never turned away for pre-existing conditions or denied care for what an insurance company labels "experimental treatments.""
New Huckabee Ad in
Michigan
[Is it any wonder the Chamber of Commerce is rumored to be planning on
spending $50 Million to defeat this man?]
09 Jan
Gary
Sherman
Sherman
outraged over sudden closing of northern VA clinics“My initial reaction to the news was ‘has anyone been arrested yet?’ They acted like thieves in the night.” Sherman said. “No warning, no decency. They just ordered the closing of the doors with veterans still sitting in the waiting rooms awaiting services. I have also heard that employees’ paychecks bounced.”
[Although this story is now old it still aggravates me and I couldn't think of a better way of announcing that MyHurley will now have access to press releases from Rep. Sherman's and Sen. Jauch's offices. - Bob]
- Innes to run unopposed
- Hurley: Pancake breakfast
- County: Workshop to offer help in coping with chronic condition
Doyle
proposes credits for R&D"It's time to see what further breakthroughs await us in the R&D halls of Wisconsin businesses," Doyle said in prepared remarks. "We can do more to help fuel these creative engines in private industries, and we must." Doyle's plan, dubbed Innovate Wisconsin, seeks to boost industrial R&D spending, which was $2.7 billion in 2005, or 1.23% of the state's gross domestic economy, compared with 1.65% among all states."
State
offers hotline for those exposed by privacy flub"Bill Ritz, a spokesman for EDS Corp., the private company that administers the health programs for the state and that was responsible for printing the social security numbers of 260,000 program participants on the mailing labels of a recent newsletter, said letters instructing participants on next steps won't arrive until at least next week."
Lawmaker
calls state's response to security breach 'dumb'"State Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, called the state's handling of the situation "dumb" and said he would propose a law change to set up emergency credit counseling and call centers for future security breaches. Gov. Jim Doyle ordered his cabinet secretaries to review contracts with private vendors to ensure that private information is protected, his spokesman Matt Canter said."
$1M
grant funds scholarships for older students"Good news came this week in the form of a $1 million grant by the Bernard Osher Foundation to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to endow scholarships for returning adult students. The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program will benefit students -- primarily those aged 25 to 50 -- whose collegiate studies at a four-year campus were interrupted by circumstances beyond their control."
Proposal
to raise minimum wage heads for debate in state Senate"The bill by Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker would increase the minimum wage from $6.50 per hour to $7.25. The wage would then automatically increase based on inflation. The measure passed out of the Senate Labor Committee on Tuesday on a 3-2 vote."
’Meanest
mom on the planet’ sells teenage son’s car in Iowa "The ad reads: “OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don’t love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet.”
Sen
R. FeingoldFeingold
Leads Wisconsin Delegation in Urging VA to Open Two More Veteran Centers"Wisconsin only has two Vet Centers, both in the southern part of the state, to serve the state’s 469,000 veterans. States with similar veteran populations have more than double this number of Vet Centers. Maryland, for example, has fewer veterans than Wisconsin and is one fifth its size but has four Vet Centers. Massachusetts is about one eighth the size of Wisconsin, and has only a slightly larger veteran population, but it has seven Vet Centers. If Vet Centers were established in La Crosse and Brown counties in Wisconsin, roughly 82 percent of Wisconsin veterans would be within an hour drive of a Vet Center."
Gov.
Doyle
Governors
Doyle, Pawlenty Pledge to Make Midwest a Renewable Energy Leader“We must seize opportunities to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut emissions that cause global warming, and develop renewable technologies of the future. In doing so, we will create high-paying jobs for our citizens and build a cleaner and safer world for generations to come.”
08 Jan
- Warm weather forces closure of street
- City Council to meet Jan. 15
- Adult enrichment courses set for Hurley, Saxon
Study
ties heart ills, vitamin D deficiency"Low levels of vitamin D, a chronic problem for many people in northern latitudes areas such as Wisconsin, were associated with substantially higher rates of heart disease and stroke, according to the latest study in a growing amount of research suggesting that vitamin D deficiencies might be at the root of a variety of serious health problems."
"The
differing reports remain the subject of intense debate between the chemical
industry, which supports the National Toxicology Program panel conclusion,
and environmentalists and scientists who believe that panel understated the
health threats."State
again lets private ID numbers slip"The Social Security numbers of about 260,000 Wisconsin residents who participate in Medicaid, BadgerCare or SeniorCare were mistakenly disclosed on an item sent through the mail, a state official confirmed today. The disclosure comes a little more than a year after the Social Security numbers of more than 170,000 residents were printed on state tax forms."
Advocates
outraged after audit finds polling sites inaccessible"State auditors who visited polling sites in the November 2006 election found parking, building entrances and voting areas that were difficult for the disabled. At other sites, voting machines for the disabled were located in places that did not allow for privacy or did not work."
Mike
Ivey: Despite growing economy, state uses less energy"A combination of milder weather, higher fuel prices and increased efficiencies sent overall energy use in the state down by 2.1 percent in 2006, according to the new Wisconsin Energy Statistics report. And while the data for 2007 aren't yet available, the decrease in total energy use represents a major shift from the increases over the past decade. The decline came even as the state experienced a 1 percent gain in total employment and a 1.7 percent increase in the gross state product."
"The proposal would make all work places smoke-free starting next year. But bars and restaurants would have until 2010 to comply. The later date was offered as a compromise designed to help bring in opponents of the measure."
“I didn’t want to go to school because vacation was so much fun,” Reforma newspaper quoted the boy as saying. Palacios said Diego sneaked into the kitchen in the early morning to get the industrial glue, which he then slathered on his right hand."
"In the Big Bucks Bingo Hall at the Ojibwa Casino, state representatives Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, Steven Lindberg, D-Marquette, Congressman Bart Stupak, D-Menominee, and Kane Beauchamp, staff assistant for Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, spoke about recently enacted or pending legislation affecting veteran’s issues."
Sen
H. Kohl
Annals
of Communications The Search Party - New Yorker"... some government officials—notably Senator Herb Kohl, a Wisconsin Democrat—have begun to ask: Does Google, which today is among America’s ten richest corporations, with a market value of just over two hundred billion dollars, have too much power?"
Gov.
Doyle“To continue to stay ahead of the competition, Wisconsin’s manufacturers must invest more in research and development to improve existing products and develop new ones. Wisconsin has become a world-renowned center for research, particularly in the public sector. The next phase of Grow Wisconsin will do more to foster research in the private sector as well.”
07 Jan
"The Knight Club Billiards and Arcade, downtown Ironwood, hosted the New Year's Area Youth Championship 8-Ball Singles Tournament here Saturday. There were 48 players entered into the tournament. The top quarter of the field qualified for prizes."
"The Aging Unit of Iron County will sponsor Winter Carnival on Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Hurley Senior Center. Lunch will include Famous Jan's Barbecue, seasoned wedgies, tossed salad and Eskimo pies. "
Landowners
allege coercion, sue pipeline builder"Roth and landowners say ONEOK and its subsidiary, Guardian Pipeline LLC, are avoiding Wisconsin eminent domain requirements because they are more advantageous to landowners. Under state law, for example, government or private companies must pay for a second independent land appraisal if the owners seek it. Federal law does not require that."
All
infants to get immune ailment test""This, once again, really establishes the state of Wisconsin as being such a progressive state," said John Routes, professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The state now tests for 48 disorders, well above the federal government's recommendation of 29."
Hazardous
Homes Part II: Household products that may be harmful"A big part of the problem is that manufacturers are required to list only "active ingredients" and not all toxic ingredients on labels, according to Dr. Henry Anderson, the state's chief medical officer and an environmental and occupational disease epidemiologist for the state Department of Health and Family Services. Labels on many household cleaners are a good example, Anderson said. "There are more and more of these agents such as brighteners, cleaners and polishers,'' Anderson said. "You look at the labels and they don't tell you anything.''"
3
tornadoes reported in Kenosha County, homes damaged"According to data from the National Weather Service, there has been only one tornado in January since 1844, until the storms on Monday. The only other tornado in the first month of the year was in 1967. The twisters were part of an odd series of weather phenomena in southeast Wisconsin. Temperatures in Milwaukee soared to a record for the date of 63 degrees, far above the previous high of 47 degrees measured in 1965 and again in 2003."
Dave
Zweifel: 'Free marketers' proven wrong once again"Time and time again, corporate America has shown that greed, unless checked by government oversight, will unjustly ensnare the unwary. We saw it with the savings and loan debacle of the 1980s, we witnessed it with the Enrons and Worldcoms of just a few years ago, and we're seeing it again with the subprime mortgage meltdown."
Doyle
announces tax breaks, incentives for start-up businesses"The package, which will be further outlined in Doyle's "State of the State" speech later this month, includes additional state money for technology grants and loans and additional tax benefits for investors in start-up companies"
Feingold:
"Pakistan the most dangerous situation we have"“It’s probably the most dangerous situation we have,” Feingold said of Pakistan. “If this government came under a Taliban-type or an Al Qaeda-type control, which is possible ... we would be in a really tough situation.”
"Advocates say it is a much-needed step to protect patrons and workers' health; opponents argue it could harm business and stomps on individual rights. The Wisconsin Tavern League's Web site cites governmental interference with running private businesses and potential economic losses for its opposition. "
Odd:
S.C. court upholds nasty note ruling"Note to defendants: Don’t tell the judge to kiss the body part you sit on. The South Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld a judge’s contempt order against a St. Matthews woman who signed a court document with just such an instruction and told a probation officer to return the document to the judge."
Clam
Lake elk herd is growing again "‘‘If we grow at 13 percent a year for the next several years, we will reach 200 in 2011. If we can boost that up to about 20 percent a year, we will reach that point in 2009,’’ he said. Regulations already in place allow a bow hunting season in December for bull elk once the herd reaches 200 animals."
Sen
R. FeingoldGov.
Doyle“To grow Wisconsin, we must attract investment and support new high tech start-up companies,” Governor Doyle said. “These businesses will create the bedrock for a knowledge-driven economy and produce the high-paying jobs of tomorrow. By accelerating the growth of new businesses we can build on our success and lure new investment to our state.”
05&06 Jan
Dodgeball
benefit has openings for teams "The tournament is hosted by the Last Blast Committee -- also known as Operation Graduation. Last Blast is an event held in conjunction with graduation to promote a fun, safe and alcohol/drug-free celebration for graduates."
Mercer:
Science tracking"The Mercer Public Library will host a program entitled "Citizen Science Monitoring: Becoming a Tracking Detective" at noon Wednesday. It is part of the North Lakeland Discovery Center's brown bag series. Zach Wilson from the Manitowish Waters, Wis., center will explain how area residents can contribute to unique monitoring projects going on through the NLDC."
Continuous
Rosary "The Daughters of Isabella will sponsor a Continuous Rosary with Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Jan. 20 from 7:45 to 10:30 a.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley. Jan. 20 marks the 35th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in the U.S. The Daughters of Isabella is holding the Rosary to support choosing life over abortion."
Lawmaker
makes state's list of tax delinquents"The co-chairman of the Legislature's budget committee was stunned Friday to learn that his name was on the state Department of Revenue's newly expanded Internet list of delinquents who owe $5,000 or more in unpaid taxes."
Doyle
endorses Obama, calls candidate a 'uniter'"He is a person who has shown he can build coalitions and he can inspire people and he can bring more people into the political process, and I feel very strongly he can govern like he can campaign,"
"In hopes of undercutting the bootleggers and curbing drinking, a few damp communities have opened liquor stores or community delivery sites where alcohol orders can be picked up in tightly controlled amounts and the customers are carefully screened. Also, under a new law, the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board will establish a database in July that will help catch people who skirt the purchase limits."
Rep
D. ObeyObey
secures over $1.5 million for small harbor dredging on Lake ...
- BusinessNorth.com - Duluth,MN“The federal government has a responsibility to keep its promises of support to large and small harbors alike. Small harbors are an important economic engine for communities and safety net for boaters on the Great Lakes,” said Obey, the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “Unfortunately, the Administration has ignored the maintenance needs of small harbors in recent years, leaving scores of communities in need.”
04 Jan
Scout
seeks donated books to create library at jail "Eagle Scout candidate James Moore of Ironwood is organizing a book drive to create a library for inmates at the Iron County Jail. Moore, a member of Troop 340, is collecting paperback and hard cover books. He has set up collection boxes for area residents to drop off new or used books."
Iron
County jobless rate remains second highest in Wisconsin "The November unemployment rate for Iron County increased to 8 percent from October's 6.8 percent. Iron County again had the second highest unemployment rate in the state. One year ago, the jobless rate was 8.7 percent."
Tax
deed gets corrected "A tax deed for a 40-acre parcel on Weber Creek in the Town of Mercer was corrected Wednesday, allowing for the sale of the property."
Assembly
split will narrow as GOP lawmaker is sent to Iraq"With the announcement Thursday that a second Republican lawmaker would be sent to Iraq, the GOP Assembly majority narrowed, potentially making it harder to control their agenda this spring."
DNR:
Elk herd in northern Wisconsin growing again, ever so slowly"The latest count puts the herd at about 130 elk, the most ever, said Laine Stowell of the state Department of Natural Resources. "We grew 13 percent," he said. "We are growing out of those doldrums we had in 2004 and 2005.""
State
may still carry primary weight"None of the front-runners in either party -- Obama, Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Sen. John Edwards on the Democratic side and Huckabee, Mitt Romney, John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson on the Republican -- managed to shut out their opponents and emerge as a clear winner Thursday. Instead, the contest moves to New Hampshire on Tuesday, where the results are likely to remain split."
Kaukauna
family on 'Supernanny' accused of neglect"Within minutes of the show airing, viewers from across the country flooded message boards at Supernanny's official Web site. Online posters accused the parents of neglect, said they reported the family to the state and encouraged others to follow suit."
Vets
to gather in Baraga"Tom Heikkinen, a wounded-in-action Vietnam veteran from Chassell, organized the meeting as a way for veterans and legislators to cooperate toward addressing issues affecting veterans. “We want to find out more from our politicians what they are going to do to help veterans and what we can do to help it go smoothly through,” Heikkinen said."
Sen
R. Feingold
Dodd,
Feinstein, Feingold Amendment Significantly Increases Funding for Peace
Corps“Peace Corps volunteers promote compassion, education, and hope where they are needed most. And by doing so, these citizen-diplomats also help improve understanding of, and confidence in, American ideals and values."
Gov.
Doyle- Boundary Agreements
- Collection and Use of Impact Fees
- Protective Placements, Services and Treatments for Adults and Elders at Risk.
03 Jan
Contract
settlement possible"Following settlement of the courthouse employees' contract on Dec. 13, Michelspetter told highway and forestry department union representative John Spiegelhoft of Merrill, Wis., that the contract could be settled without arbitration, according to county clerk Mike Saari."
Xcel:
Keep meters clear of ice, snow"With the recent winter storms, ice and snow on roofs and in trees can melt and drip on meters, then refreeze, increasing the potential of equipment malfunction. That can lead to dangerous natural gas pressure buildup in the home."
Sensenbrenner's
federal judge finalist list goes to White House"Sensenbrenner and the state's two Democratic U.S. senators - Herb Kohl and Russell Feingold - were unable to reach consensus on a shorter list to forward to President Bush, said Sensenbrenner's chief of staff, Tom Schreibel."
[More of the Republican intransigence that has hobbled the Congress for the last year. 62 Republican filibusters and counting... - Bob]
Panel:
Wisconsin justice should be reprimanded for misconduct"The panel said Ziegler mishandled 11 cases involving a bank where her husband was a paid director when she was a judge in Washington County, north of Milwaukee. Ziegler should have recused herself or disclosed the potential conflict of interest to the parties even though she reached the correct result in each case, it said."
Dreyfus
dies: Populist governor was as colorful as his vest"Dreyfus, who had remained politically active in recent years, including opposing the 2006 constitutional ban on gay marriage, was praised by leaders in both parties. "Lee Dreyfus was one of a kind -- one of Wisconsin's unique personalities," Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement."
Another
Wisconsin lawmaker is called for duty in Iraq"Freshman Rep. Roger Roth says he'll leave in mid-January for active duty with the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Assistant Assembly Majority Leader Mark Gundrum, a New Berlin Republican and an Army reservist, was called to duty in Iraq in October. He has left the state to train and is expected to ship out to Iraq in four weeks, his office said."
State's
lawmakers sign on to millions in earmarks "Kohl signed his name to upward of $56 million in earmarks, sometimes on his own and other times with other lawmakers, according to databases compiled by Taxpayers for Common Sense, Citizens Against Government Waste and several other non-profit groups. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, inserted at least $30 million in earmarks."
Kennecott
plans mineral exploration in vicinity of proposed Eagle project“There are six exploration prospects for nickel that we are looking at that are within a 50-mile radius of Eagle,” General Manager for the Kennecott Minerals Eagle Project Jon Cherry said. “The geology suggests there might be something out there of interest and we are going to be drilling those sites with exploration drill rigs.”
Sen
R. Feingold
"Among his accomplishments, his early support for long term care reform as governor, years before many other states were addressing the issue, was a critical step forward for our state."
Sen
H. Kohl- $1.3 MILLION FOR WISCONSIN'S ICE AGE TRAIL INCLUDED IN FY08 BUDGET, KOHL ANNOUNCES
- $7 MILLION FOR TRUAX FIELD IN MADISON INCLUDED IN FEDERAL BUDGET, KOHL ANNOUNCES
- KOHL SECURES $10.7 M FOR GREEN BAY AREA WATERWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
- KOHL INCLUDES FUNDING FOR WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE PROJECTS IN FY2008 FEDERAL BUDGET
Gov.
Doyle02 Jan
Community
blood drive set for Tuesday"The Mercer Lioness will host a community blood drive from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Community Center in Mercer. Cholesterol screening is now available."
Judge
dismisses lawsuit against diocese"Ryan Erickson shot O'Connell and James Ellison, 22, at the O'Connell family's funeral home in northwestern Wisconsin. Erickson, 31, who had been a priest at St. Mary's Church in Hurley, hanged himself in December 2004, just days after police questioned him in the slayings."
2007:
Year in Review - No. 3: Silver Street gets a facelift in 2007
"The resurfacing of Silver Street last summer ended a $2 million downtown renovation project that was well worth the wait for Hurley residents."
Disability
rule change sought"Some state lawmakers are working to change the state's rules that require consideration of the assets of a spouse of someone who is blind or totally and permanently disabled for determining eligibility for Medicaid."
Lake
levels may fall to uncharted territory"The lake typically drops in winter, but Army Corps of Engineers officials said forecasts calling for less-than-average precipitation in the next two months coupled with above-normal evaporation rates mean the lake likely will drop a half-foot more than normal before it begins to rebound with the spring snowmelt."
Jensen
will be re-tried in Dane County before a different judge"Jensen, a Republican and former Assembly speaker, was convicted in March 2006 of misconduct in office for using state resources and workers to run political campaigns."
2007's
bright progressive star"This newspaper takes as its responsibility the policing of the political class. We ask a little more than most media do of those who hold stations of public trust: that they do right by the republic and its people, that they respond to human needs rather than corporate greed, that they reject war as an instrument of policy and seek to promote diplomatic and humanitarian solutions to the world's conflicts and crises."
’Cheeseheads’
try to come up with new state brand for Wisconsin"An Assembly committee is expected to vote Thursday on Wieckert’s plan to require the Department of Administration to study whether to create a new national brand for the state. Its recommendations would be due by the end of the year. Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble has been leading a separate effort to come up with a new brand. Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to unveil it at a tourism conference in early March."
Despite
late date, Wisconsin’s presidential primary could matter"For Wisconsin to matter to Democrats, Hillary Clinton has to lose in Iowa and either John Edwards or Barack Obama has to come very close or win in New Hampshire, said Joe Wineke, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party."
"Over the holiday, local tobacco vendors took stock of their inventory and adjusted their prices. By Tuesday, Star Liquor owner Kevin Hunt had changed the prices of cigarette packs in his shop, but he hadn't determined the new cost of products like chewing tobacco."
Houghton:
Snowmobilers
hit local trails"“The 26th, it got real busy, and we’re still busy,” Aho said. However, he said, he hasn’t observed large numbers of snowmobiles riding their sleds. “It sure does look like the traffic is down,” Aho said. “I don’t see a lot of snowmobiles on the trail.” Aho said the Christmas-New Year’s interim, though perhaps not as bustling as it once was, still accounts for a significant amount of business."
Sen
R. Feingold"It is important that Kenya not turn back from the progress it has made since its 2006 election, including a more independent judiciary and a more robust media. The U.S. should support an independent, transparent review of the entire electoral process and its outcomes as a key step towards resolving any irregularities."
Sen
H. Kohl
"Senator Herb Kohl, Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, said: "AARP's research will most assuredly help state courts across the country improve their guardianship systems. I am eager to continue collaborating with my Senate colleagues and with organizations like AARP to ensure that all seniors under guardianship are well-protected.""
Rep
D. Obey"Long-time Democratic Congressman Dave Obey has his opinion. "I believe the role of government is to knock the rough edges off of capitalism, to make capitalism safe for everybody, not just the top dogs."
01 Jan
Smokers
stock up before price hike"Today everybody is coming in and buying," Issa said Monday afternoon. "People are asking for 10 cartons, five cartons. I got a person who bought 20 cartons. Some people say 'give me more' but that's all I had on the shelf."
Boomers
are about to collect"Now, he is on the cusp of turning 62 and reaching another milestone - receiving Social Security. "It's kind of like another step in your life," he says. "It feels kind of good, all these years of working and contributing and I get something back.""
State
plans to survey 44 counties this winter for invasive beetle"Mick Skwarok ... said no reports of the emerald ash borer have been confirmed in Wisconsin so far. But he said it's reasonable to assume the beetle is in Wisconsin, given the state's proximity to known areas of infestation in Illinois. Firewood from infested states has likely come into Wisconsin in the last 10 to 15 years, Skwarok said."
Chief
Justice Abrahamson talks about court image"Meanwhile, Supreme Court races are growing more costly. Ziegler and her opponent this past spring, Linda Clifford, spent nearly $6 million, a new record, raising questions about justices' objectivity and whether conflicts of interests could hamstring the court."
Not
all smokers fume over tax hike"Pat Ryan, 64, of Wausau says the tax increase won't change her behavior and is unfair. "Smokers don't have any rights anymore at all," said Ryan, who emerged from a local tobacco store Monday carrying two cartons of Kools. "It's still my choice whether I want to smoke or not." "
Bird
species makes first known stop in Wausau""It's very unusual. It was a fluke," Raymond-Wood said. "It was probably a storm that blew it in." The Townsend's solitaire is a long-tailed gray bird that has a short, wide and black bill, black legs and white outer tail feathers, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The species feeds on insects, spiders and berries. "
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