Local News ... (Archives)
PRESIDENT’S
THREAT TO VETO GI BILL AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION EXPANSION“The President is asking us to provide $108 billion in additional spending for the war in Iraq this year and almost $70 billion in additional war spending for next year, yet this morning he said that he would veto our efforts to expand the GI Bill for Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans and to extend unemployment benefits for workers who’s benefits have been exhausted. Those two items cost less than one-tenth of what the President wants to spend in Iraq"
"The return of warm, windy weather has led to wildfires across southern and central Michigan already this year," said Paul Kollmeyer, DNR fire prevention specialist. "It only takes a short time after the snow recedes to dry out the dead grass and leaves to the point at which they will easily ignite and burn."
"Hurley junior Hailey Manzanares was solid from the mound, pitching the complete game with six strikeouts. Manzanares gave up seven hits and had one walk."
""Nice to get a home game in. Nice to see the sun shining. Nice to be out here period," Hurley (2-1) coach Aaron Bender said. Hurley's offense shined in the first inning when the Midgets took a 5-1 lead."
"Hurley's Kim Leinon won the 100-meter high hurdles in 17.7. Stephanie Nevala took the 300 hurdles in 54.2. In the boys meet, local schools did well in the field events. Hurley's Mike Leinon set a school record winning the triple jump at 38-1.5. He also won the high jump (5-6)."
Area
Softball-Big inning gets B/G by Hurley"In a battle of Indianhead Conference softball powers, Butternut/Glidden took advantage of a pair of Hurley errors in a five-run third inning, and B/G went on to defeat the Midgettes 5-1 to remain undefeated."
Area
Baseball-Hurley powers way past B/G in IC opener"Daulton Levra and Jeff Aspinwall led an 11-hit attack as the Hurley Midgets launched a big homestand with a 12-4 win over Butternut/Glidden in Indianhead Conference baseball action Tuesday."
1
bill could cover 2 issues"The move would be one way for the Legislature to join Midwestern states and Canadian governments trying to protect the world's largest source of fresh water and to fix - although only temporarily - the unbalanced state budget. Also Tuesday, it was learned that legislative leaders hope to help fix the budget deficit, in part, by raising $247 million in one-time cash by refinancing bonds from tobacco settlement payments. That's about $210 million more than what Gov. Jim Doyle proposed in March."
Motor
records can be disclosed"The federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act restricts access to personal information held by state departments of motor vehicles. The news organizations said law enforcement agencies cited that law when blacking out information from police reports."
UW
officials cancel sex toys seminar planned by law students"A notice of the event said "the lecture will provide tips and tricks as well as information about health, hygiene, satisfaction, and yes, the law, of sex toys." Student organizers had not planned to allow the sale of products. But Davis said they didn't tell administrators that, which led to the cancellation just hours before the event was to take place on April 23. Once administrators learned students did not intend to sell products, they "un-canceled" the event the same day, Davis said."
Beware
of toxins in fish, anglers told "While going fishing is good, eating the fish you catch could be hazardous to your health. Toxins that can be found in locally caught fish include mercury, PCBs, lead, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other poisons.'
Enrollment
rises in BadgerCare Plus program"More than 71,000 children and parents in Wisconsin obtained health insurance during a six-week period early this year as the state consolidated and simplified the health programs that provide coverage for low-income families."
"The Wisconsin Law Students for Reproductive Justice had planned an event called “Sex Toys 101” to promote safe alternatives to sex, educate about sexual health and pleasure, and discuss law concerning sex toys, according to the group. Members of the organization submitted a formal complaint to Law School Dean Ken Davis Friday, requesting a formal apology, refund of event expenses and clarification of student organization event rules."
Local bats free from white-nose syndrome
"Several people investigated the bat caves in the Copper Country recently
after a flock of large birds were spotted circling the Cliff Mine. A search
turned up no evidence of dead bats, said Allan Johnson, a Michigan
Technological University professor emeritus of mining engineering; similar
trips to bat enclosures at the Quincy Mine Hoist or the Seneca No. 3 Mine
also turned up nothing."
Statement
of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on Secret Law and the Threat to Democratic and
Accountable Government"More than any other Administration in recent history, this Administration has a penchant for secrecy. To an unprecedented degree, it has invoked executive privilege to thwart congressional oversight and the state secrets privilege to shut down lawsuits. It has relied increasingly on secret evidence and closed tribunals, not only in Guantanamo but here in the United States."
"U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) is continuing his work to assist American families facing affordable housing challenges by pushing for increased funding for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Feingold and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) were joined by 24 other senators in writing to the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee in support of the increase."
SWAT
team begins training "The SWAT team is made up of three members each from the Gogebic and Iron County, Wis., sheriff's departments, and the Ironwood public safety and Hurley police departments. Iron County deputy Chris Voyer is team commander."
Midgets
fall to T-birds"The T-birds scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Hurley got one run back in the top of the sixth inning to make it 2-1, but gave up three runs in the bottom of the sixth. "It was a good, tight game. We just didn't get the key hits when we had chances to score," said Hurley manager Aaron Bender."
"Before joining MSUE, Patritto worked with University of Wisconsin Extension in Iron County as a family development agent and nutrition education coordinator, and as director of DOVE Inc., the local domestic abuse shelter."
DNR
developing plan
to protect wildlife"The Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan is the result of a 2001 authorization by Congress to implement and fund programs designed to assess the protection of not just terrestrial and aquatic species, but to broaden the scope around the habitats and communities where those species reside."
Janesville
to lose 750 GM jobs"The cuts represent the most dramatic impact yet of record-high oil and gasoline prices on Wisconsin's economy. The factory is one of four GM plants that will see jobs cut."
State,
U.K. may deal on climate"In a statement released during his overseas trip, Gov. Jim Doyle said he met with two British environmental policy-makers to discuss a potential memorandum of understanding between the United Kingdom and Wisconsin on climate-change issues. The United Kingdom has similar agreements in place with California - the first state to pass a law requiring reduced greenhouse gas emissions - and Florida."
Voter
ID ruled legal, but state law on hold"The ruling gave Republicans a new argument on an emotional election-year issue. But Democratic leaders, including Gov. Jim Doyle, said the decision didn't change their view that requiring a photo ID would keep minority and older voters from the polls."
Wounded
veterans have fun at BMW driving school""Its a rush!" shouted Lance Cpl. Jeremy Stengel after slipping through a series of left-right slalom turns and bringing his retrofitted 650i coupe to a punching halt on the rain-soaked asphalt Monday. A wide smile broke across the Marine's face at the joy of handling the powerful $85,000 vehicle with a 360 horsepower, V-8 engine. Stengel, of Waterford, Wis., was among about 10 veterans with leg injuries or amputations who drove vehicles outfitted with special controls. The 22-year-old was a quick learner, using a knob on the wheel and a left-hand lever to control the car."
Wis.
governor promises help for GM workers"Doyle promised Monday to send a rapid response team to help the workers expedite unemployment claims and give them access to job training and placement services. The governor says the state will also work to get an extension for unemployment benefits for two years and up to $15,000 for additional education and retraining for eligible workers."
Candidates
poll closely in Wisconsin"... 48 percent currently support Obama to McCain’s 41 percent. If Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., won the nomination, 47 percent of Wisconsinites would choose McCain, and 44 percent would vote for Clinton."
Cell
Phone Contracts Easier For Troops To Get Out Of"Today, the U.S. Senate passed a veterans benefits bill which included an effort by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) to allow service members who are deployed overseas to terminate cell phone contracts without having to pay termination or reactivation fees. Feingold introduced the measure in 2006 after learning of Wisconsin service members being forced to pay early termination fees or pay for a service they cannot use when they are bravely serving our country."
“I hear firsthand from firefighters in Wisconsin how important these grants are in ensuring our first responders are prepared to protect our communities,” Feingold said. “I’ve been pleased to support this program over the years and I will continue to do what I can to ensure our firefighters get the resources they need.”
New
Bill Protects Seniors From Financial Fraud - Senior-Spectrum
- Sacramento,CA"The bill, introduced by Senator Herb Kohl, D-Wis., chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator David Vitter, R-La., offers the resources necessary to protect seniors from unscrupulous financial advisors who prey on the retirement savings of the elderly by touting misleading or fraudulent “senior designations.”"
Conservatives
Increasingly Tuned Out Everything Except Fox News Between 1998-2006"Fox News was also the “most politically divisive TV channel,” with 70 percent of conservatives and just 3 percent of liberals watching it daily. But too much Fox News may be bad news for conservatives. An April 2007 Pew Research Study survey found that viewers of the conservative Fox News channel had the lowest knowledge of national and international affairs."
28 April
Lioness book dancers, musicians for luncheon"The Mercer Lioness spring luncheon on May 17 will feature entertainment by the Von Drake Dancers and Heavenly Strings."
Businesses
brace for Hwy. 2 rebuild"When we are finished we are going to have a brand new four-lane highway with a center left-turn lane that we don't have now, so you won't have to jog out of the way of somebody trying to turn in front of you any more. You are going to have a better-designed highway."
"According to an April 23 intelligence assessment obtained by The Associated Press, ‘‘The use of a small boat as a weapon is likely to remain al-Qaida’s weapon of choice in the maritime environment, given its ease in arming and deploying, low cost, and record of success.’’"
Older
cars to get a pass on state emissions tests"The decision to give older cars a pass will also send more pollutants into the air until 2018. But other factors such as the use of reformulated gas will lessen the effects, officials say. These and other features are part of a revamping of the state's emissions inspection program for cars and trucks in seven counties, including all of metro Milwaukee."
Few
reforms find a home in farm bill"They wanted to reduce subsidies for wealthy farmers, encourage healthier foods and boost conservation and hunger programs. But major reform proposals pushed by Rep. Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) and others largely fell flat amid fierce opposition by groups representing corn, wheat, sugar and other commodity-crop growers."
400
diverted into treatment, freeing courts, jail space"The Treatment Alternatives and Diversion or TAD program, which began in March of last year using nearly $400,000 in state money, has been an alternative and successful option to address the overwhelming need for substance abuse treatment in communities and in the state prison system, said Ryan Sugden, speaking for the state Office of Justice Assistance."
School
districts look at consolidating"Twenty-seven percent of Wisconsin's school superintendents said their school boards have held discussions during the past few years about the possibility of dissolving or consolidating their districts, according to a statewide survey released last year ... Among districts considering dissolving or consolidating, more than 90 percent said the talks were prompted by financial problems."
"Public
Enemies" crew makes way around Wis."Last week, the crew was in Manitowish Waters in northern Wisconsin at Little Bohemia Lodge, the site of a famous 1930s shooting in the federal government's chase for Dillinger and his gang. Producers also have filmed in Oshkosh, Columbus and Darlington in Wisconsin, and Crown Point, Ind., Chicago and Aurora, Ill."
Local
Fair Trade startups hit hard by economy"The plea to customers helped generate immediate record sales that day and e-mail responses from more than 100 customers who pledged their support ... Fair Indigo, launched in 2006 by several former Lands' End executives and employees, had seen robust sales prior to this period from its Web site, fairindigo.com, from its catalog, and from its retail store at the Hilldale Shopping Center."
Obey
talks Iraq war, budget woes"The President is saying that he will not sign any bill that exceeds his numbers," Obey said. "Well, we are not going to cut rural health by 60 percent. We are not going to eliminate vocational education. ... And we are going to expand the GI bill, and we are going to expand veterans' health care, whether the administration likes it or not."
Cover
the Uninsured Week"Despite the outcry from businesses and health care providers, and the fact that the number of Americans uninsured continues to grow in our tough economy, the government has failed to adequately address the problem."
26&27 April
Entries
sought for annual Bessemer Blast parade"The Fourth of July Committee and Kalan encourages area businesses, clubs, youth groups, churches and organizations to consider constructing a float unit for this year. With the Vietnam Moving Wall in town and with the additional advertising being done to invite many surrounding communities and veterans to come visit the wall, the committee hopes they will experience an increase in the crowd viewing their giant parade on Friday, July 4."
Illinois
questions water pact"Under the compact, communities in Waukesha County receiving lake water would have to return treated wastewater to the lake instead of the Fox River. That has Illinois water officials combing Waukesha Water Utility records to determine the possible effect on the river's flow if Waukesha stopped sending its treated wastewater to the river."
"The Portage Daily Register reported online that the tornado struck a horse barn, and that three horses were trapped and had to be dug out of the debris. Work crews from the county's highway department were clearing roads of downed trees and other debris Friday night, Johnson said. Elsewhere in southern Wisconsin, zero visibility from heavy downpours was reported in Sauk County, where vehicles were left stranded on rain-flooded roads."
[My friends in Hurley will be happy to know that I was a good 10 miles south of where the radio was announcing the tornado was crossing I90-I94.
Prices
eat away at grocery budgets"More than half of those surveyed in March, 56%, said they were using up leftovers. Almost as many said they were preparing more meals at home compared with a year ago, and 54% said they were stocking up when items go on sale."
Capital
Times expands on Web"National media have focused on the move because The Capital Times is a prominent newspaper making the move to publish primarily online. The afternoon newspaper, which began publishing on Dec. 13, 1917, faced, like other papers around the country, the challenge of declining circulation that had dipped to 16,500 from a height of about 47,000 four decades ago."
Male
Wisconsin prairie chickens mated with Minnesota females"David Drake, a University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor of forest and wildlife ecology, has been spending considerable time with the birds in recent weeks during their mating season, and says the effort seems to be succeeding. "They have no problem," he said. "They're not asking for ID. We found that out.""
"As The Capital Times enters its new era with a strong presence on the Internet and our two weekly magazines, many people will be taking on new roles at the paper. Here is a guide to who will be doing what as we head into our new world."
With
flooding, be on alert for contaminated well water ""If there has been any flooding around the well, there is a high risk that your water supply will be contaminated," health system spokesman Jeff Golden said... Even if water from a flooded well looks clear, the safest approach is to assume it's contaminated."
UW’s
search for diversity"The current number of all ethnic minorities combined represents 12.6 percent of the approximately 29,000 undergraduates compared to 8.8 percent in 1998. The number of non-white graduate students has increased from 768 in 1998 to 861 in 2007, increasing from 9 to 9.7 percent of the grad school student body. The data excludes foreign students."
Dog
breeder faces five counts"According to a complaint filed at the Wood County Courthouse, Humane Officer Nancy Powell found 77 dogs in a 23-by-17 room on March 5 that were covered in feces and urine that had not been removed for an extended period of time. The negligence and cruel treatment by Reno created the risk of death and great bodily harm to the animals, the complaint said."
Lake
Superior levels higher than last year
"“As of the 21st, Lake Superior was at 600.5 feet,” said Keith Kompoltowicz,
a meteorologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit. “That is
below average by about 10, 11 inches but it’s six or seven inches higher
than it was last year.” The long-term average water level for the
month of April is 601.3 feet. Last year’s average Lake Superior water level
for the month of April was 599.9 feet."
Former
Lac du Flambeau Officer Sentenced "A former Lac du Flambeau police officer has been sentenced on charges of battery, bail jumping and posession of a firearm while intoxicated. According to the Forest County District Attorney, who handled the case, the felony charge of substantial battery against 46 year old Daryl Poupart, was reduced to a misdeameanor."
Senator:
Veterans Affairs lied about suicide tries - Detroit Free
Press"Another e-mail said an average of 18 war veterans kill themselves each day -- and five of them are under VA care when they commit suicide. Legislation introduced Tuesday by Murray, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa., and Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., would call on the VA to track how many veterans commit suicide each year."
Bill
to help troops avoid unfair cell fees - WKOW-TV.com -
Madison,WI"Today, the U.S. Senate passed a veterans benefits bill which included an effort by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) to allow servicemembers who are deployed overseas to terminate cell phone contracts without having to pay termination or reactivation fees. Feingold introduced the measure in 2006 after learning of Wisconsin service members being forced to pay early termination fees or pay for a service they cannot use when they are bravely serving our country."
KOHL
BILL TO ESTABLISH COURT INTERPRETERS GRANT PROGRAM APPROVED BY SENATE PANEL""The shortage of qualified interpreters has become a national problem, and it has serious consequences that can unfairly alter legal decisions and affect lives," Kohl said. "My legislation would help to ensure fair trials for individuals with limited English proficiency by creating a modest grant program for state courts to hire certified court interpreters."
America’s
Future Economic Vitality Depends on Older Workers -
Senior-Spectrum - Sacramento,CA"The Taskforce report led Senator Herb Kohl, D-Wis., chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging to comment: “What we really need to focus on is creating innovative workplace practices and providing attractive employer benefits to facilitate the hiring and retention of older workers.”"
Research
Advocates Sink Tap on Budgets - Science Now"There he was joined by a last-minute plea from a Democratic heavyweight, Representative David Obey of Wisconsin, the chair of the House spending panel. Obey pointed out that growing SBIR "does no harm for a large agency whose budget has been rising, such as the Department of Defense, but it can do immeasurable harm to the crown jewel of our research agencies in this country, the National Institutes of Health.""
"“The evolution of politics on the internet has allowed people to engage, affect, analyze, discuss, applaud and dissent from their government in ways that were unimaginable 10 years ago,” Lee said. “After decades of citizens feeling more and more detached from their government, the Internet is allowing that trend to reverse, and nowhere with more passion and brilliance than the blogosphere,” he said."
[Incidentally, MyHurley.net is on the press distribution lists for Obey, Jauch, and Sherman. Their cooperation is appreciated. We also receive agendas and/or minutes from Iron County, the City of Hurley, and the Hurley K-12 School District. Hurley is near the forefront of this phenomenon. - Bob]
Hurley
schools to receive library aid funds"The school districts will be able to use the first-time aid to purchase computers and related software, in addition to books and media materials. The Common School Fund is derived from civil and criminal fees, fines and forfeitures, timber revenues from public trust lands and revenues from the state's unclaimed property program, Burmaster said."
Hurley
P.D. becomes vehicle registration agent"The department will be able to process most of the motor vehicle titles and registration, and registration renewal transactions that are available at DMV offices."
House
passes bill to treat ballast water on ships"The free ride might be coming to an end for oceangoing vessels blamed for flooding the Great Lakes with invasive species that have ravaged native fish populations, fouled untold miles of shoreline and spawned botulism outbreaks that have recently killed thousands of Lake Michigan birds."
Health
care company, state deny personal data was at risk"A top official with the state Department of Health and Family Services also sought to assure the state's senior citizens, saying their personal information was never in jeopardy. The statements came in spite of an e-mail from a state official who said he had identified a "significant security hole" with the database..."
Doyle
urges Commerce Department to stop unfair paper imports"The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to make a preliminary determination next month on whether German and Chinese manufacturers dumped artificially cheap lightweight paper into the market. Doyle has sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez urging him to stop such imports."
Deer
with arrow protruding out of its side best left alone"It isn't until the first deer turns broadside that you see the shocking picture: Just beyond the deer's left hip, along the backbone, an arrow is sticking out of the animal's hide, buried in the flesh of the deer almost all the way to the bright yellow fletching."
LdF
tribe will maintain
three walleye bag this spearing season"Lac du Flambeau is going to a three walleye bag this year," Edwards said. "I called and spoke to 10 of the 12 people on the tribal council - Brooks [Jerome Big John] and Tom [Maulson], I left a message with, but they never called me back - and what we're probably going to have to do is stay with [the agreement] this year."
Tribal
leaders take on dissidents' allegations"Leaders of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians have endured in recent months an incessant barrage of allegations from tribal dissidents, who have accused them of mismanagement and corruption, but this month the administration of president Victoria Doud battled back, saying its opponents have used a variety of unsavory and dishonest tactics to twist the truth and create political instability."
DNR
docks boat
patrol funds"To determine how much it will reimburse counties and municipalities for their boat patrols, the DNR uses a ratio based on total patrol hours and the number of citations. Marathon County was docked $687 in 2007 and $1,543 in 2006 from its reimbursement because it failed to meet the expected ratio, according to DNR records."
ATV
Trails Opening Postponed"Due to wet ground conditions, the Lincoln County Summer ATV trails and the Underdown recreational trails will not open May 1, 2008. Check www.co.lincoln.wi.us for updates or call 536-0327."
On
First Ever World Malaria Day, Feingold Calls for Action"Malaria is no longer perceived as a threat to us – particularly when compared with the devastation wrought by HIV or cancer -- but in sub-Saharan Africa or Asia, malaria is anything but invisible. In these parts of the world, a child dies of malaria every thirty seconds."
24 April
Silver
Street Shootout 8-Ball Pool Tournament Date Set"The 9th Annual Silver Street Shootout is scheduled to take place on Friday-Sunday, May 16-18, 2008. A singles 9-ball tournament will start off the competition on Friday, May 16, 2008. Play will begin at 7:00 PM."
Wind
farms proposed on water"The projects are being discussed as several state agencies have launched a study to determine the feasibility of erecting wind turbines on the two Great Lakes that border the state - Superior and Michigan."
Doyle
looks to spare road work"Doyle said this week he is worried that the lack of a budget-repair deal could force the Department of Transportation to reduce $261 million in construction contracts it plans to award in May and June. "I think we're going to have to make some decisions and get something done," said Doyle..."
Natural
Resources Board approves fall deer hunt rules"The annual revisions to the state's fall hunting rules set up 35 earn-a-buck zones. They generally fall along the state's Minnesota border from St. Croix County south to Grant County and in the eastern quarter of the state, from Shawano County south to Waukesha County. Most of the southern half of the state remains classified as a chronic wasting disease area. That region will have 18 zones where earn-a-buck will be in effect."
Feingold:
Track suicides of veterans""The fact that the VA has no real data on the suicide rate among veterans shows how much needs to be done to address the mental health needs of veterans, " Feingold said in a statement. VA data provided last year show the number of attempts and suicides by military veterans at VA facilities increased from 492 in 2000 to 790 in 2007, according to the senators."
Woman's
body recovered from Lake Superior"A search of the area had failed to find her until a search dog pointed to a location in the lake and divers found the body about 6 p.m. Wednesday. Bayfield County Sheriff Robert Follis says foul play is not suspected and the death remains under investigation."
Bankruptcy
filings increase nearly 30 percent in WI"Court records show there were 4,570 bankruptcy petitions filed in Wisconsin through March, up from 3,530 during the same period a year ago. The state figures are similar to what’s happening nationally. The American Bankruptcy Institute says bankruptcy filings are up about 27% across the country from January through March compared with the same period in 2007."
"When a search of the area by family members failed to turn up any trace of the missing woman Monday evening, the Bayfield County Sheriff's Department was notified, initiating a search, which was later extended to the Bayview/Bayfield area and the adjacent waters of Lake Superior."
Youth
open house puts spotlight on tribe-school relations"The event was a result of efforts that have been taking place since May of last year, aimed at ending decades of often-strained relationships between tribal members and the school district, said organizers of the event. The outcome of those efforts is a Relationship Task Force composed of teachers and counselors from the district and Bad River community members."
Cleaning
up the Environment"Within the Holmboe Natural Resources area, in Rhinelander, lies tons of Terrestrial Invasive Species. So that's where these students from the Northwoods Community Secondary School come in handy. Student, Emily Kriesel, says, "Some of us are here for Community Service, some of us are here because we like to do this fun stuff and for me, I'm here to help out.""
Feingold
Works to Reform Outdated Mining Law“Our country’s mining laws have not even been brought into the 20th century, let alone the 21st,” Feingold said. “These antiquated laws are skewed in favor of mining interests at the expense of U.S. taxpayers and the environment."
"As he begins the confirmation process to become the next commander of CENTCOM, General Petraeus must answer the most important question we face, which is not whether we are winning in Iraq, but why we are not defeating al Qaeda.”"
Governor
Doyle Meets with Stem Cell Expert Dr. Stephen Minger“Wisconsin is a worldwide leader in stem cell research. By reaching out to international leaders and biotechnology companies, we will expand this status, as well as bring investments and jobs to Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “In September our progress will be on display when visionaries like Dr. Minger will visit Madison from across the globe for the 2008 World Stem Cell Summit.”
House
GOP Candidate Spoke At Hitler Event - CBS News"Tony Zirkle, who is seeking the Republican nomination in northern Indiana's 2nd District, stood in front of a painting of Hitler, next to people wearing swastika armbands and with a swastika flag in the background for the speech to the American National Socialist Workers Party in Chicago on Sunday."
[I promise to post, in a timely fashion, names of local Republicans who wish to condemn and repute the comments of this Republican candidate. - Bob]
23 April
Teenager
suspected of making bomb threat at Mercer School"A 15-year-old is responsible for Monday's bomb threat at Mercer K-12 School, according to Iron County Sheriff Bob Bruneau. Separate bomb threats made a week earlier remain under investigation, the sheriff said in a news release Tuesday morning."
Poplar
Street bridge to be replaced in 2009"The Poplar Street bridge over the Montreal River from Ironwood to Hurley will be replaced in the summer of 2009 at minimal cost to three area entities. In September, construction of the new bridge was estimated to cost about $360,000, according to Ironwood City Manager Scott Erickson."
Natural
Resources Board to consider new CWD rules"The board is expected to vote Wednesday on the package. A citizens group recommended the changes after reviewing the state's plan for fighting the deadly deer brain disease."
Midgettes
win home opener"The Midgettes (3-2) hadn't even practiced on the field this season, instead using the snow-free parking lot. And Lakeland wasn't on the schedule either, for that matter. "There was snow in the outfield on Saturday," said Hurley athletics director Dean Kolpin. "Spring really came fast.""
Admitted
drunken driving leads nation"More than 26% of Wisconsin adults 18 and older told government researchers in massive nationwide surveys that they had driven under the influence in the previous year. Not only was that the highest percentage of any state, it was more than 70% above the national average, 15.1%.
DNR
reduces bag limits for walleye on over 400 northern lakes"The tribes declared plans to spear on up to 412 lakes across the northern third of the state. That compares with 279 northern lakes in 2007. The declarations to spear on more lakes prompted the DNR to lower bag limits on 324 lakes to two walleye a day and on 88 lakes to three walleye."
Small
fire breaks out at Wis. resort where Depp is filming"The electrical fire caused smoke damage to the second floor of the Little Bohemia Resort, where Universal Studios is shooting scenes for the 1930s-era gangster film, fire officials said Wednesday... No one was in the building when the fire started, Manitowish Waters Fire Chief Skip Skrobot said."
Ramsey
County judge rules MPCA must regulate ballast water"Gearin's ruling acknowledges that other states and Canada have territory along Lake Superior and have ships that could discharge ballast water into the lake. However, she say's that's no excuse for MPCA not to act. She also says the MPCA has not handled the issued with the urgency demanded by dangers poised by the virus."
Microsoft
to partner with UW on database lab in Madison"The lab is expected to open with six full-time employees, but Dewitt said he would like it to grow to 10 or 20 scientists in coming years. Microsoft will pay graduate students to do research at the lab, which is also expected to provide internships for students and consulting opportunities for faculty."
Second
Story Resale"Groskopf manages Second Story. She says the programs goal is to take materials that would probably end up in the dump and find them a new home. This is their first sale ever and so far it's going well. She says, "There's been a lot of customers coming and asking questions about the program and showing support so we're real happy about that." "
Feingold
Welcomes Senate's Focus on Veterans Bill“I’ve even heard of veterans who are receiving care for a service-connected condition but are not informed that they are also entitled to benefits for that condition."
National
Security Letters“The Justice Department’s Inspector General documented serious misuse and abuse of National Security Letters from 2003 to 2006. A follow-up audit conducted by the FBI itself not only confirmed the Inspector General’s findings, it documented even more violations. These widespread problems are directly attributable to the Patriot ..."
KOHL
COLUMN ON EARTH DAY"Recently, my colleagues and I in Congress took an important step towards protecting our environment, as well as our economy and national security, by passing into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This legislation raises the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020..."
There
is a crisis in Florida - True Majority"There is a human rights crisis in Florida's fields. Farm laborers are being paid poverty wages while working long hours without overtime pay. There is even physical abuse and wage fraud by crew leaders, supervisors, and growers."
22 Spril
Range
Master Gardeners Helping To Keep Our World Green!"The participants received 36 hours of horticultural training with UW-Extension specialists and faculty. In order for the trainees to become certified and maintain their certification, the Master Gardener Volunteers must volunteer 24 hours in approved community gardening activities and receive ten hours of additional training every year."
[Unfortunately, lacking a direct link to the article, you have to scroll down to it. - Bob]
Proudly
green"Designed by Cedarburg-based Kubala Washatko Architects and named for the Wisconsin conservationist Aldo Leopold, the study center was awarded 61 of 69 possible points by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, more than any other building yet rated in the world."
"The company also reports in its first quarter earnings Tuesday that it saw continued publishing and broadcasting revenue declines because of slumping ad sales. But results from continuing operations met Wall Street's expectations."
"After subtracting the commissions paid to the company's advertising partners, Google's revenue stood at $3.7 billion -- about $100 million above analyst estimates. "It's clear we are well positioned for 2008 and beyond, regardless of the business environment we are surrounded by," Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt told analysts..."
Northwoods
welcomes film's economic stimulus""I don't expect a star to walk in, but maybe some of the people from Minocqua who come up to see what they can see," Hutton said. Tourism is a major driver of the economy in the Northwoods. In Oneida County, where Minocqua is located, the number of jobs peaks between June and August. Seasonal businesses add roughly 2,000 jobs, an increase of more than 10 percent above the county's year-round employment, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. "Public Enemies," slated for release July 1, 2009, could give the area another boost during next year's tourism season.
DNR
recommends no ATV trails in NHAL state forest"That was something we heard after our February meeting, 'holy cow, you guys really over-engineered this thing,'" he said. "So we reacted to that by giving a better explanation of why it is that boardwalks cost $1,000 per foot. We explained that the places that we're talking about building boardwalks, there might be open water or there might be eight feet of muck."
Cost
of Food on the Rise"While Carrie's doing all she can to manage the soaring cost of food, local schools are finding it hard to keep up. The Northland Pines Food Service Director says it's getting extremely difficult just to break even on school lunches, and he's never seen prices this high."
"The site allows people to click on their county to see what utility companies in their area offer in terms of renewable energy. The information includes renewable energy options, how much they cost and directions about how to contact the companies."
Statement
of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on Earth Day 2008"Much has been accomplished since Senator Nelson began his groundbreaking work to protect our environment, but there is still much to be done."
Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on Equal Pay Day 2008
"Even in the 21st century, unfair wage disparities based on sex, race and
national origin still stifle the potential of far too many Americans. The
economic downturn our country is facing has also been tougher on women."
"Despite this, our democracy still falls far short of its promise to be a government that truly represents the will of its citizens. Across the country there are 5.3 million Americans who are denied the right to vote because of a felony conviction in their past. Nearly 4 million of these people are not in prison; they live, work, pay taxes, and raise families in our communities, but remain disenfranchised for years, often for decades, and sometimes for life."
FORECLOSURE
RESCUE SCAM BILL"The time is now for Congress to attack this growing problem, which is a direct consequence of the mortgage crisis plaguing this country. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support our bipartisan legislation that would end these cruel acts of fraud against struggling homeowners."
EXECUTIVE
ORDER # 247"Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Lance Corporal Dean Opicka of the United States Marine Corps Reserve Who Lost His Life During Operation Iraqi Freedom"
EXECUTIVE
ORDER # 248"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 Corporal Richard Nelson of the United States Marine Corps Reserve Who Lost His Life During Operation Iraqi Freedom"
21 April
Area
Softball-Hurley goes 1-2 at Escanaba"Hurley picked up a 6-4 victory over Gladstone, Mich., in its first game, breaking away with a big fifth inning. While the Midgettes then fell to Marquette, Mich., and Escanaba, Mich., by respective scores of 8-0 and 5-0, those games were closer than the score indicated."
School
lunch costs rise"The hope is that slightly raising the price of lunches will help cover anticipated deficits caused by rising food costs, inflation and the inability of federal and state reimbursements to keep up with the cost of producing meals in schools. It's unclear whether lunch prices will be bumped up again for the 2009-'10 year, or if taxpayers will be asked to shoulder some of the costs."
Court
rules anti-bias laws apply to religious schools"She said she taught religion in four half-hour sessions each week, led brief prayers twice a day and supervised children during weekly Mass attendance. The appellate court said previous cases had determined that the state could not intervene in a church decision involving an employee whose job was ministerial. Ostlund's job was not ministerial, the court found."
"Public
Enemies" filming this week in northern Wisconsin"Universal Studios plans to film scenes this week for "Public Enemies" at the exact spot in northern Wisconsin that bank robber John Dillinger tried to hide from the FBI. Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters is also the site of a famous 1930s shooting in the federal government's chase for Dillinger and his gang of thieves."
Many
state government employees earn more than Gov. Doyle"The state Department of Administration provided a database of 15,300 employees’ earnings and overtime pay to the newspaper and it shows that Gov. Jim Doyle earned $136,263 last year. At least 119 state employees made more than Doyle, including psychiatrists, physicians and state pension investors. All of the senior management staff at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board earned more. The state’s top earner listed in the database, the investment board’s deputy executive director, Gail Hanson, was paid almost $397,000 last year."
“Madison has long been considered one of the most bike friendly cities in the country,” Governor Doyle said. “It’s great to see the opening of a store like DreamBikes that will not only introduce biking to a new audience, but provide jobs and important skills to area teenagers in need.”
19&20 April
WDNR
recommends no ATV trails be developed in Northern Highland
"This recommendation should not be interpreted as a lack of support by the agency for the development of sustainable ATV trails on state properties," said Chief State Forester Paul DeLong. "The department currently manages extensive ATV trails on the Black River and Flambeau River state forests, but in our analysis of the NHAL, these trail alternatives don't provide a cost-effective trail development plan that is both sustainable and meets rider expectations."
Midgettes
win first meet by a hair ""I was extremely happy with the way our girls performed," Midgettes coach Melissa Oja said. "I'm very pleased with the effort from the new girls." Thursday should give Hurley some confidence."
Midgets
take second in IC meet ""It's a great start to our season," Hurley assistant coach Greg Rigoni said. "It was great to get some competition under our belt." The Midgets have run a lot in the hallways, with the weather preventing them from practicing on their track."
Ashland
to host first statewide sustainable business conference"The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Conference is slated to take place at Northland College April 24-25. It is to be followed by a post-conference event on April 26 designed to explore the growing eco-municipality movement taking place in Wisconsin."
"The program -- "Real Work, Real Pay" -- will place W-2 participants in jobs where they can earn a regular paycheck, instead of payments from the government. It still depends on a government subsidy, and it costs the state more per person than a typical W-2 placement. But the state expects more employers will participate because the government will cover their costs."
DNR
against new ATV trails in Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest"After hundreds of hours of research and thousands of letters from area residents, DNR officials say the plan doesn't provide a cost-effective trail development plan that is sustainable and meets rider expectations. Researchers say they also faced opposition from residents and many ecological concerns."
Congressional
panel hears of Great Lakes needs"We're still approaching it piecemeal," Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank said. He said a stronger federal partnership would speed the process of protecting and healing the lakes from environmental damage. "We need some federal policies in this area, and it's really time to act. The best solution here is prevention. When we know what the problem is, let's stop doing it."
Feingold
leads on Zimbabwe"Feingold, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, has taken the lead in pressing for a democratic and peaceful result to the increasingly tense standoff between reformers -- who appear to have the support of the vast majority of Zimbabweans -- and the corrupt and thuggish government of President Robert Mugabe."
"About 125 soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Troop E, 105th Cavalry, ba