Local News ... (Archives)
Site
Usage Notification for site myhurley.net" Your site myhurley.net has exceeded its bandwidth quota in the period beginning on 2008-05-01. Your quota is set to 1048576000 bytes ( 1000.0 MB ), and your site has consumed 1089441924 bytes ( 1038.973 MB ) beyond that quota."
[Congratulations! This is the first time we have doubled quota. With a population of 1800 (4K for whole county) you turn 60% of the bandwidth of my similar www.wegoweb.net which serves a town of 28K. I am impressed. - Bob]
Hurley
Students Plant Flowers at Monuments"Once again in what has become an annual tradition, students from the Hurley K-12 School went to Montreal to plant flowers in memory of Montreal's fallen heroes. The group of students split up into four groups and planted flowers along the highway and at the Montreal Monuments honoring the fallen servicemen and miners of the community."
Smart
Car"For that 20-thousand dollars here's what the Weir's got. Leather interior, a one liter engine with about 70 horses under the hood and forty miles to the gallon on the highway. Oh, and it can go pretty fast. Robert says, "It goes very well. She'll do 90. I haven't done that." "
Bears
Looking for Food"There are 13,000 black bears roaming the woods of Wisconsin, most of those are here in the Northern part of the state. And many of those bears are out of hibernation and looking for food, which could be in your backyard. Imagine looking out your back window and see a 350 pound black bear, rolling around in the bird seed from your feeder."
Lafayette
County man arrested twice within 2"Authorities say the man then took the wheel of the responsible party’s vehicle and drove it into the wayside, which caused authorities to once again administer a field sobriety test and arrest him for operating while intoxicated an hour and 20 minutes after his previous arrest."
State
buys land to preserve Ice Age Trail section"The Ice Age Trail Foundation started the project in 1958 with the goal of creating a continuous, 1,200-mile trail in Wisconsin, following the outlines of the last glaciers in Wisconsin. More than 600 miles of the trail have been completed at various points throughout the state. The trail runs through private, state and federal properties."
Audit
faults state health inspections"For example, according to the audit, state Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Department officials waited until June 2007 to confront the owner of a Greendale deli about 111 violations found there over the previous 65 months. Violations included failing to protect food from contamination, the presence of insects or rodents, improper storage of chemicals and inadequate hand-washing facilities, the audit said."
Judge
upholds state's ban on gay marriage"Julaine Appling, chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Family Council, said the two sentences were necessary - one defines marriage and the second protects the institution - and that voters understood the amendment. In the November 2006 election, 59% of voters supported the amendment."
Communities
will lose job assistance programs in consolidation plan"But advocates said the population served under the state's job assistance programs often need personal assistance in reviewing job listings, filling out job applications, writing resumes and preparing for interviews. Many don't have access to a computer, they said. "We're big believers in locally based services," said Lynn Breedlove, executive director of Disability Rights Wisconsin."
McCain
refuses to take Wisconsin seriously"... Thursday, when McCain was in Milwaukee to bag a few hundred thousand dollars' worth of campaign checks. Citizen Action called on the Republican contender, who has yet to propose any serious response to a deep and rapidly deepening health care crisis, to come up with a plan that follows the common-sense standards that have been endorsed by majorities of Wisconsinites in recent surveys and focus group studies."
WHAT’S
NEW Robert L. Park Friday 30 May 08- WHICH NASA? A WEEK OF THE SUBLIME AND THE UGLY.
- ANTISCIENCE: NASA AGAIN REJECTS ANTIMATTER TEST.
- CLIMATE: COURT ORDERS WHITE HOUSE TO RELEASE REPORT.
- CLEAN COAL: ANOTHER TECHNOLOGY THAT DOESN’T EXIST.
- CLEAN COAL: ANOTHER TECHNOLOGY THAT DOESN’T EXIST.
- "Recently claimed he didn't think we were heading into a recession and that people are doing better than they were eight years ago. Oops.
- Has said privatization is necessary to preserve Social Security.
On issue after issue, fact after fact, judgment call after judgment call, McCain has been as wrong as rain."
30 May
Ready
for takeoff "The work pace is hectic at Gogebic-Iron County Airport in preparation for Sunday's return to commercial air service when Great Lakes Airlines begins daily arrivals and departures."
Macks
end Midgettes' year"They have a good pitcher, no doubt, and we had no answer for No. 23 (Freagon)," said Hurley manager Jim Kivisto. "Sometimes you get beat by a better team and that's what happened today.""
Community
Briefing for Mobilization of Local Soldiers"In a few months a local National Guard unit will mobilize 115 soldiers. But what happens to their jobs while they're off defending the country? Right now there are 115 soldiers in the 951st Sapper Company based in Rhinelander and Tomahawk. In November the company will head off to training and possible mobilization overseas. "
New
Cameras at Northwoods Wildlife Center"He says, "We are a rehab facility. We are not a zoo. So we don't allow the public to view our patients. But of course everyone wants to see our patients. So this is one way they can see our patients without disturbing them." Naniot says the center plans to put a link on it's Myspace page so that you can look in on the animals from home."
Tests
results constant for Wis. students"Results showed that reading scores for elementary, middle and high school grades all remained unchanged this year compared to last. Math scores increased one point in the elementary grades, dropped one point in middle grades and dropped two points in 10th grade."
City,
state test score gap grows"The problem is especially vivid when it comes to 10th-graders, the highest grade that is part of Wisconsin's testing system. The gap between sophomores in Milwaukee and those statewide has grown larger over the last two years, and, once again, no more than 40% of 10th-graders in MPS were rated as proficient or better in any of the five areas tested by the state. For math and science, the figure is under 30%."
Ziegler's
dishonor is well deserved"Justice Annette Ziegler deserved a stiffer penalty than her colleagues on the Wisconsin Supreme Court delivered Wednesday. Yet Ziegler now holds the dubious distinction of being the only Wisconsin Supreme Court justice to ever be disciplined by her fellow justices. That is a serious and well-deserved dishonor."
Dave
Zweifel's Plain Talk: Numbers tell story of U.S. decline"In 2001, the year Bush took over, the national debt was $5.7 trillion. In '08 it's $9.2 trillion. The real GDP growth during the eight years prior to 2001 was 4.09 percent annually. In the nearly eight years since, it's been 2.65 percent."
Northwoods
appeal, family
traditions drive start of summer season"We saw quite a bit of traffic - people were here," Hapka said. "I think that's pretty darn positive. The entire Northwoods seemed to have a good number of people. I was very pleased seeing the migration north on Friday. The Northwoods got its share of traffic this past weekend."
-
Feingold
Presses Indian Government to Lower Harley-Davidson Tariffs - America opposed to Pak govt's pact with militants: US Senator - Economic Times - Gurgaon,Haryana,India
-
EDITORIAL:
Congress fails again on US agriculture reform - West Salem Coulee
News - West Salem,WI
MSNBC's
Mitchell did not challenge GOP strategist's false assertion that McCain
called for Rumsfeld's resignation"In fact, as his campaign itself has reportedly admitted, McCain did not call for former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation. While McCain expressed "no confidence" in Rumsfeld in 2004, he reportedly "said his comments were not a call for Rumsfeld's resignation.""
Judge
bans moment of silence in all public schools -The Daily
Herald, Wheaton, IL"Before acting, he gave schools throughout the state several weeks to weigh in before he ruled Thursday. "Not one school district" stepped forward to defend the law, noted Schwartz, whose group opposes the law. The only district that weighed in was Northbrook Elementary District 27, whose superintendent, David Kroeze, wrote, "We oppose the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act because it imposes an unnecessary and unworkable state mandate which serves no educational purpose."
Military confirms a Marine gave Bible verses to Iraqi Muslims
"Multi-National Force-Iraq is investigating a report that U.S. military
personnel in Fallujah handed out material that is religious and evangelical in
nature," Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, a U.S. military spokesman, said in a
statement e-mailed to McClatchy on Wednesday. "Local commanders are
investigating since the military prohibits proselytizing any religion, faith or
practices."
29 May
Collage
of May 2008 ATV RalleyThe Hurley Inn and Haven North reported heavy bookings for the annual Memorial Day ATV ralley in Hurley and Iron County. If mud being power hosed off is a valid measure, some folks were having fun.
Task
force ponders school district options "Superintendent Jeff Ehrhardt told the Mercer School Board Tuesday that the group considered three options at a May 20 meeting:
--A referendum to exceed state caps on school taxes.
--Consolidation with another school district.
--Dissolution of the district."
Students
pitch in to improve community
"High
school art students began the project last week, first painting a logging
scene on the wall on one side of the bridge and then a mining scene on the
opposite side."Midgets
win regional title"The Midgets (12-5) had lost to the Lumberjacks earlier in the season and were excited about avenging the loss, but the focus all season has been on a return trip to state in June. Next up a trip to sectionals on Tuesday at Bruce. Hurley will play the day's first semifinal at 11 a.m. against either Luck or Shell Lake. The second semifinal is at 1:15 p.m., followed by the final at 4 p.m."
Reid
advances to state meet "Hurley junior Jared Reid qualified for the WIAA Division 3 state golf meet with a second place finish at Tuesday's sectional meet at Whispering Pines. Reid shot a 4-over-par 76 to finish runner-up behind Washburn junior Peyton Olsen's 73."
"Seven area athletes qualified for the WIAA State track meet at La Crosse, Wis., on Friday and Saturday. Hurley junior B.J. Wesenberg and sophomore Mike Leinon qualified. Mercer senior Eric Snow and juniors Vinny Ranallo, Matt Klopatek, Joe Lambert and Nici Roeder will also make the trip to the state tournament."
Editorial:
New service at airport cause for celebration "Under the federal government's Essential Air Service program, flights here will be heavily subsidized with federal tax dollars. (The annual subsidy in 2007 for Skyway was $710,000). At the same time, there needs to be sufficient traffic and patronage to justify the service."
Climate
change further threatens Great Lakes"The report, "Great Lakes Restoration & the Threat of Global Warming," synthesizes the most recent science on the impact of climate change to the Great Lakes region, and calls on the federal government to authorize funding for a range of projects that could "mitigate the impacts of global warming," Skelding said in a conference call with reporters. "On the other hand, left unabated, global warming threatens to exacerbate existing threats to the lakes," he said."
AIS
& Fishing Tournaments"Last night in Rhinelander, Oneida County AIS directors gathered with tournament coordinators to talk about the new ordinance. Some tournament organizers agree with the new rule. They say if they allow out-of-town anglers to transport invasives, we're only hurting ourselves."
Gas
Prices Hurt Job Hunters"People don't want to drive a long distance to work, so Edington says job hunters are more interested in positions closer to home. She tells Newswatch 12, "People who had been driving to the paper mill in Tomahawk for instance are now wanting to see if we can get them into the paper mill here in Rhinelander, or is there something they would be suited for in this area.""
"Prairie du Chien police Chief Mike King says most of what has turned up in his Crawford County community are lightweight materials, such as photographs, personal papers and check stubs."
Assembly
fails in override bid"When they passed their budget-repair bill, legislators added provisions intended to prevent the governor from using money for those three programs to rebalance the current budget. But Doyle vetoed those restrictions, and the Republican-controlled Assembly failed to override three vetoes."
Court
reprimands justice"Ziegler, 44, has admitted to violating the state's judicial ethics code by presiding over 11 cases involving West Bend Savings Bank, where her husband, J.J. Ziegler, earns $20,000 a year as a director. The court called her handling of those cases a "serious failing.""
Conflict
of interest concerns don't stop DNR donations"The nonprofit group also outlined preliminary plans to raise up to $100 million over 10 years to protect public lands in Wisconsin. On Wednesday, Charlie Luthin, executive director of the foundation, provided a $221,000 donation to the endangered resources program of the DNR."
Supreme
Court's newest member reprimanded over conflicts of interest"What is clear is that the judge never unambiguously admitted before the election that her conduct violated the code," the court said. While the decision called Ziegler's violations of the rules "inexcusable," it concluded that they "do not rise to the level of knowing violations made in brazen contempt ... of the code."
Outlook
for state job prospects is sunny "Welders, registered nurses, elementary school teachers and carpenters have one very good thing in common in Wisconsin the next eight years: Jobs will be plentiful. Those four higher-than-average-pay occupations are on the list of 25 high-paying jobs expected to have thousands of openings through 2016, according to long-term employment figures released Thursday by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development."
McCain's
Pastor Problem Foreshadows Conflict - People for the American
Way"McCain’s decision to dump Parsley and Hagee has prompted some warning shots from the Right. “This move may cost him the mainstream evangelical vote. At the very least it will make the Senator suspect to other pastors and millions of unconvinced believers,” wrote Bishop Harry Jackson, who added that the two televangelists have “10 times the outreach muscle” of Barack Obama’s controversial ex-pastor Jeremiah Wright."
Texas
AG Abbott Settles Vote Suppression Case - Lone Star
Project- "By agreeing to this settlement, the Texas Attorney General has essentially acknowledged that those who have been prosecuted to date for hypertechnical violations of failing to sign a mail ballot envelope did not commit any fraud, as he has falsely claimed for years.
- The Attorney General's filings in the case also revealed that two of the plaintiffs, Gloria Meeks and Rebecca Minneweather, were no longer under investigation, a point the Attorney General had failed to tell these voters."
28 May
GOVERNOR
DOYLE SIGNS GREAT LAKES WATER COMPACT"Calling it “the most important piece of environmental legislation since the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts,” State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) praised today’s bill signing of the Great Lakes Water Compact. “The legislation Governor Doyle signed into law affirms our commitment to protecting our natural resources and restores Wisconsin's mantle of environmental leadership,” Jauch said."
Gypsy
moth trapping, no aerial spraying, planned"According to the DNR, the program that is designed to estimate moth numbers will continue in Iron County through November. Iron County has been sprayed for the moths from airplanes in the past, but the DNR has not indicated any aerial spraying will take place this year."
"Hurley opened WIAA Division 4 regional play with an 8-4 win over Bayfield Tuesday at the Hurley K-12 School. The Midgets (11-5) will host Drummond in the region final today at 4:30. The Lumberjacks, who defeated Hurley earlier in the season, beat Mellen 9-6 Tuesday in their semifinal."
"Sponsored by the chamber, the popular summertime event has been supported by the city in the past, said Mayor Dick Bolin. The ride begins and ends at the Eddy Park Pavilion on the north shore of Sunday Lake, Three tours are available to riders, a 100-mile, 100-kilometer and a 25- mile ride."
[More information can be found at Mountain Biking, Upper Peninsula of Michigan - Bob]
Sportsmen
offer wolf hunt regulations"A group of outdoorsmen has offered wolf hunt regulations to state wildlife officials. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress suggests the hunt be restricted to state residents and charging a $10 license application fee and a $100 license fee. A license would be granted only once in a hunter’s lifetime."
Northwoods
Teens Helping
Haitians"The idea started when 7th and 8th grade students from Three Lakes learned about the way of life in Haiti during World Hunger Day. Students then decided they wanted to help. Tonight, they held a spaghetti dinner with a goal of $3,300 to send 10 students to school and feed them for a year."
"Two analyses of recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows Wisconsin's taxes increased in the fiscal year ending June 2006, the latest figures available _ but that other states rose more."
"The Republican represented the 8th Congressional District in Northeast Wisconsin until 2006, when he made an unsuccessful bid to unseat Governor Doyle. He became U.S. ambassador to Tanzania last year. Organizers say the summit is aimed at creating economic and cultural ties that strengthen relations between the U.S. and the nations of Africa."
Assembly
targets Doyle vetoes"As a result of Doyle's vetoes of the Legislature's budget-repair bill, state agencies must cut spending by $270 million by mid-2009. He vetoed the Legislature's attempt to exempt transportation, aid to public schools and health care from those cuts - vetoes that the Assembly will try and overturn today."
Feingold
urges Pakistan to bring back judges"Feingold, one of several American lawmakers visiting Pakistan this week, also said it was important for the United States to engage the country's various political parties to make up for the past "mistake" of relying solely on Musharraf."
""The trend is there," UW-Madison economist Andrew Reschovsky said of the rankings. "And that shouldn't be a big surprise to anyone when we haven't increased taxes" and instituted some limited tax cuts. The state's taxes and its ranking have long been a rallying point for conservatives and played a role in last fall's budget standoff."
Family
planning providers fear gag order"She says staff at the national offices of Planned Parenthood have been told by Republican lawmakers to expect the rules. The Wall Street Journal also reported Friday that a coalition of some 70 conservative organizations, including the Family Research Council and the Eagle Forum, are about to present a petition to President Bush urging him to deny federal subsidies to clinics that provide abortions or counsel women about abortions."
"To complete this 260-page paperback book, published by The Globe Pequot Press, Hintz and Percy traveled around the state, visiting farms, factories and restaurants and also tested all of the recipes in the book."
Pre-Trial
Continues for Priests Who Denounce Torture - TruthOUt"The priests were at the base in Sierra Vista, Arizona as part of a demonstration of over 120 people that gathered on Sunday, November 19, 2006, to protest military training that fosters torture. Frs. Vitale and Kelly were stopped as they approached the military gates. When they were not allowed to go inside to speak with the service men and women being trained, the two men knelt in prayer and were arrested."
27 May
Annual senior picnic set"The Aging Unit of Iron County will hold the 75th Annual Senior Picnic on Tuesday, June 17, at 11 a.m. at the Hurley Senior Center. On the menu are hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, seasoned wedge fries, strawberry shortcake and wine coolers."
"In southern Iron County, lightning struck a cabin at Springstead Lake Lodge, according to a report received by the Iron County Sheriff's Department from Gail Sprangers."
Gov.
Doyle to Sign Great Lakes Compact"Governor Jim Doyle will finally sign the Great Lakes Compact Tuesday. He plans separate ceremonies on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee and Green Bay to approve the treaty. State lawmakers have been toiling away on the compact since September 2006."
Residents
Dealing With Hail Damage"Yesterday's storms produced some very large hail that fell across the Northwoods. The Vilas County area seemed to be the hardest hit. Some area residents were surprised not only by the timing of the storm but also the damage it caused."
Marathon
County Republicans endorse Obey challenger"“We need strength and stability here in Marathon County,” Mielke said is a party news release. “The real estate market, unpredictable energy supplies and an uncertain future for many are not why we put Dave in office.”"
"McDonald's said Thursday its french fries are now trans-fat-free in all its restaurants in the United States and Canada, catching it up with its fast-food rivals in that category."
Wisconsin
Drivers Slow Down to Save Money"The Governor Highway Safety Associaton said that Wisconsin officials reported a decrease in traffic volume and speed as a result of high gas prices during a survey conducted in May. According to the Department of Energy, if you drive 60 miles per hour instead of 65, you can save 20 cents a gallon of gas."
Employers
to feel state's largest Guard mobilization in decades"Gatlin's not alone - he's one of roughly 3,400 Wisconsin Army National Guard members leaving in the state's largest single mobilization to a war zone since World War II. That's a lot of employees getting pulled out of Wisconsin's civilian work force at one time - teachers, firefighters, office workers and tradesmen."
Watchdog
lacks bite"The accountability board reached its conclusion in secret this month, when it determined it didn't have the authority to investigate Supreme Court Justice-elect Michael Gableman. At issue are calls Gableman made to political operatives from government phones while he was Ashland County district attorney in 2002."
Food
pantries seeing more nontraditional clients as food prices rise"Like nearly a third of the first 50 customers to arrive at the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton that morning, Hoffman was new to the pantry. But since she lost her sales job at a local newspaper in December, she has not found work in Stockton, which has the highest foreclosure rate in the country and a weak job market."
Veterans
urge action in quest for peace"The rally is a way to remember those who have died without glorifying war, according to organizers. "The best way to honor the dead is to end the war," said Richard Chamberlin, a Vietnam War veteran and chapter member."
Court
ruling gives police broad authority to check plates""A tenet of constitutional jurisprudence is that the Fourth Amendment protects only what an individual seeks to keep private," Gibbons wrote for the majority. "What a person knowingly exposes to the public . . . is not a subject of Fourth Amendment protection." And a license plate is knowingly exposed, she observed."
|
Chicago Tribune |
You
can't help but fall for Midwestern waterfalls"Waterfalls vary in size, strength, accessibility and dramatic effect, from the textbook river's free fall over a sharp edge to gradual laughing rapids. At Superior Falls, about 15 miles northwest of Hurley in Iron County on the Wisconsin-Michigan border, the Montreal River drops about 90 feet over several stages as it flows into Lake Superior."
message
force multipliers - TPM Muckraker"The Department of Defense inspector general announced last Friday that it was undertaking a investigation of the program, and the Congress' own General Accountability Office has "already begun looking into the program and would give a legal opinion on whether it violated longstanding prohibitions against spending government money to spread propaganda to audiences in the United States.""
-
USA.
Senator Herb Kohl presented SOBA Congressional Award - BYM
New - Gibraltar,Spain - Congress May Make Move On FDA Funding This Week - Medical News Today - UK
- Sen. Kohl sets local office hours May 28 - Sawyer County Record - Hayward,WI
"LIBERALS ARE AFRAID to criticize big government because they think it makes them sound like Republicans. In fact, the idea of devolution -- having government carried out at the lowest practical level -- dates back at least to that good Democrat, Thomas Jefferson."
26 May
Mosquitoes
Running Rampant Thus Summer"Some are predicting this could be the worst mosquito season on five years. That's because of all the flooding problems left after all the snow this winter, which became a breeding ground for mosquitoes. "The eggs are laid in the water," says Suzy Orth of the UW-Extension in Milwaukee. "They hatch in larvae. Then they hatch out into the adults and the water is what's needed.""
EAA
Expansion"The Experimental Aircraft Association is asking Oshkosh for nearly $2 million to help with building two new exhibit halls. EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski says one of the two 72,000-square foot buildings would be built without the help."
Summer
jobs hard to find"Layoffs at area factories are one contributing factor to a shortage of openings for students after school lets out, said Linda Larson Schlitz, an employment and training counselor at the Marathon County Job Center in Wausau. "The people who (were laid off), there aren't 20-dollar-an-hour factory jobs to step into," Larson Schlitz said. "There aren't 10-dollar-an-hour jobs. ... They're to the point where (they think), 'I've got to feed my family. I've got to do something.'""
Need
for food stamps rising"The number of households in the food stamp program, called FoodShare, has increased nearly 10% since a year ago, higher than the 6.5% increase seen nationally. "What's happening at the gas pump is happening at the grocery store checkout counter," said Sherrie Tussler, executive director of the Hunger Task Force. "Anyone who's shopping knows it.""
"Wisconsin emergency officials tracked the storms all night as the nasty weather moved into the state. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch about 6 p.m. for 45 of the state's 72 counties but canceled the alert five hours later as the storms began to ease."
"Virtual Digital Cable (VDC), a startup launched in April 2006, shut down in early March after signing up just 10,000 subscribers to its $11.95-a-month, pay-TV streaming service aimed at computer-using office workers without access to TV sets."
I'm sure Faux News will not be playing this repeatedly like a Rev Wright clip, but somebody should notice this... it is worse than anything Hillary ever said. - Bob
Tax
Exemptions of Charities Face New Challenges - NY Times"In a ruling last December that sent tremors through the not-for-profit world, the Minnesota Supreme Court said a small nonprofit day care agency here had to pay property taxes because, in essence, it gave nothing away."
24&25 May
Riders look forward to muddy weekend"Although Iron County does not hold the current record for the longest ATV parade, many people say they will continue to participate in the event with hopes of breaking the record, as long as there are good trails to ride, with a lot of mud."
Ofstad
new Iron County emergency government director"Stacy Ofstad of Saxon, Wis., will take over duties as Iron County's emergency government director on Tuesday. Ofstad accepted the $32,000 contracted position on Friday, after Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation warden Stuart Pfeiffer, of Mercer, turned it down."
Races set for 7"Rainy, cool conditions kept the fans and drivers from enjoying racing action at the ABC Raceway last weekend, but the promise of better weather for the Memorial Day weekend should bring them back Saturday night. The track will host six divisions of stock-car racing action on the 3/8th-mile red clay oval beginning with hot laps at 6:15 p.m., followed by green-flag racing at 7."
Midgets finish regular season 10-5"Lakeland of Minocqua gave up just one hit in a 4-0 win over Hurley Friday night. "On our end, it was a poor performance," Hurley manager Aaron Bender said. "Five errors, that's becoming a bad habit for us.""
People
Hit the Campgrounds for Memorial Weekend"People are piling in to the Indian Shores Campsite in Woodruff to get some r and r over Memorial weekend. George Denis, the co-owner, says "It's exciting to have everybody up now. And the smell of the campfire and bacon and eggs frying in the morning. That's all good stuff." The campground's co-owner says as many as 1,000 people could be camping here this weekend."
Firewood
Ban"They're worried about what some campers might bring with them in their firewood. In an effort to help stop the spread of invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer forestry officials are maintaining the ban on out of state firewood."
Electric
Bikes"Scholten says he just started selling the bikes that are electrically energized. Scholten says he's trying to provide a good alternative to gas-powered rides. According to Scholten, "I think we've all come to the sad, slow realization that we're very dependent on fossil fuels and we need to do something to decrease that.""
[These suffer from the same problem as my scooter... they aren't legal. - Bob]
Rep.
Suder calls restraining order retaliation"Suder, R-Abbotsford, who also called the order an "act of a disturbed woman," kicked Brabazon out of his home after they lived together for about nine months. A Clark County judge had granted Suder, 39, a restraining order against Brabazon in October."
"A semitrailer truck smashed into the back of a school bus that was stopped and letting children off in western Kenosha County on Friday afternoon, injuring 14 children and the drivers of both vehicles."
Court
ruling on annexation raises alarm"This decision will allow the creation of islands within the town," McCumber said. "It will allow the village to cherry-pick prime real estate - we have a $7.5 million resort that the village could take, and we couldn't do anything about it."
"The DNR said that Enbridge workers illegally cleared and disrupted wooded wetlands, and were responsible for other lax practices that resulted in discharging sediment into waterways. There were no oil spills, although the company was responsible for major spills on a companion pipeline in 2007."
Men
charged in thrill killing"Krueger said each man received 82 citations, but there could have been as many as 200 citations for a multitude of violations of hunting rules. After a certain number is reached, it's not feasible to continue to cite them, he said. He said each man will face two misdemeanor charges: hunting deer during closed season and hunting a deer at night with a spotlight. Each charge carries a $2,100 fine, the possibility of 60 to 90 days in jail and a three-year revocation of hunting licenses."
"Arcadia Police Chief Pat Grzadzielewski (grad-jah-LUS'-kee) says someone scratched words in English and Spanish in two large granite slabs that signify the fallen Twin Towers. The damage was found Wednesday night."
"Called black flies, the critters normally flourish in northern Wisconsin. But they can get blown great distances, which is why for the last three weeks UW entomologist Phil Pellitteri has been getting calls and e-mails from bite victims and worried parents around Dane County, including Madison, Monona and DeForest."
"The proposal would give UW, nonunion employees and state elected officials only a 1 percent raise, instead of the 2 percent expected, on July 6. It would eliminate the raise in April and replace that with a 2 percent increase in June 2009."
Report:
Buffet sees U.S. in recession "Asked by Germany's Der Spiegel weekly whether he thinks the U.S. could still avoid a recession, he said that as far as the average person is concerned, it's already here. "I believe that we are already in a recession," Buffet was quoted by Spiegel as saying. "Perhaps not in the sense as defined by economists. ... But people are already feeling the effects of a recession.""
-
Feingold:
A bipartisan proposal to take a state-based pilot program approach
- Milwaukee Small Business Times
-
USA.
Senator
Herb Kohl presented SOBA Congressional Award - BYM
News - Gibraltar,Spain
McCain
Courts the Council for National Policy - March 7, 2008"Fresh off his endorsements from John Hagee and his stumping around Iowa with Rod Parsley, John McCain’s outreach to the Right appears to be picking up steam:
FOX NEWS HAS LEARNED that in New Orleans on Friday John McCain makes a major speech to the influential and little known Council for National Policy. The CNP is an umbrella organization of influential social and religious conservative groups."
23 May
ATV
rally aids area economy"Also the general manager of Haven North Condominiums in Hurley, Richards said area lodging facilities benefit from the rally. "We are 95 percent full," Richards said Thursday morning. With 55 rental units available, "53 are rented for the weekend for the rally," he said."
Mercer
to award 16 diplomas Sunday "Valedictorian Chris Weinkauf and salutatorian Ashley Minnis are among commencement speakers. Both are headed away from Mercer. Weinkauf plans to enroll in the engineering program at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. Minnis is headed to the University of New England in Maine, where she plans a medical biology/medical sciences major."
Public
warned of stomach disease outbreak ""The best way to stop spreading the virus is to practice good hygiene. Good hand washing is very important. Ill persons may shed the virus not only when they are sick, but up to two weeks afterwards," she said."
Midgettes
win regional title"Hurley may have lost to Butternut-Glidden in the regular season, but the Midgettes always come alive in the postseason. A quick start offensively, a pitching gem and a tournament instinct helped Hurley to a 4-1 WIAA Division 4 regional final victory on the road over B-G Thursday."
"Michael Leinon took third in the high jump (5-8). B.J. Wesenberg was fourth in the 200-meter dash at 24.09. Mike Sejbl finished fourth in the long jump at 18-6.5."
"The Park Falls Cardinals defeated the error-prone Hurley Midgets 4-3 in eight innings at the Hurley K-12 School Thursday in non-Indianhead Conference action."
Area
Baseball-Cardinals edge past Hurley"The two teams gave ground grudgingly, with the Cardinals scratching out a few runs to take a 3-1 lead. But the Midgets broke through in the bottom of the seventh with a clutch, two-out, two-run double by Cody Kivisto. That sent things into extra innings, where it was Park Falls that came through."
Area
Softball-Hurley cashes in to topple Butternut/Glidden"Marie Thomas went 3-for-4 and scored three runs for Hurley, now 10-4. Hailey Manzanares also backed her own three-hit pitching with two more hits and Brittany Czerneski also finished up 2-for-3 with a double and a run batted in."
Mayors
hear ideas on saving energy, reducing waste"One idea that emerged out of both energy conservation and transportation was to establish a local ride-share system for those traveling throughout Chequamegon Bay for work or other reasons, and to establish a Web site or some other means of communicating with other residents in the area."
Rapids
Daily Tribune
"Since 1990, the U.S. paper industry has lost almost 950 mills, yet in the past three years, 224 new mills have been opened, according to the Pulp & Paperworkers' Resource Council. "We need to have fair trade. ... We need to have laws in place," said Tom Peplinski, a NewPage employee and member of the United Steelworkers Local No. 1306. "If we have those laws in place and we (still) lose to companies in China or Indonesia, so be it.""
Wausau
company to pay workers for commute“I’m concerned about the financial impact the rising price of gasoline is having on all Clover workers and their families," Priebe said in the letter. "As a result, Clover will be implementing a new Company gas benefit program that will help address the rising price of gasoline. Hopefully this new program will help ease some of the financial costs of commuting to and from work.”
Former
DOJ Chief Finally Speaking Publicly"Warren tells Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Jeff Wagner that his superiors basically forced him out of the job. In an interview on Jeff Wagner's show Friday afternoon, Warren tells Wagner that morale is low at the Department of Justice under the leadership of JB Van Hollen. He says a number of people are concerned about their jobs."
Van
Hollen security debated"Asked Thursday if she felt that questioning the use of state agents to protect Van Hollen was a factor in her reassignment, Schigur said the e-mails speak for themselves. The timing was "awfully coincidental," she said. She said she would be seeking legal advice to see whether she qualified under whistleblower laws."
Retailers
promote 'staycation' sales"Jenny Schwarz's shopping cart was loaded - a plug-in cooler, new cushions for her outdoor furniture, toys for the backyard pool. All things good to have for a "staycation." That's what you call a vacation spent at or near home, and with gas prices still climbing in a belt-tightening economy, the Schwarzes are among the many Americans expecting to be in their backyards a lot this summer.
Today's
Must Read - TPM Muckraker- "Unless Congress made a clear statement in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that it sought to restrict presidential authority to conduct warrantless searches in the national security area -- which it has not -- then the statute must be construed to avoid [such] a reading."
Poof! Just like that, exclusivity disappeared and the Bush Administration was free to pursue warrantless wiretaping with the official blessing of the OLC. (Former OLC attorney Jack Goldsmith has described his office's memos as "advance pardons")."
McCain Pastor: Islam Is a
'Conspiracy of Spiritual Evil' - ABC News
"At a campaign appearance in Cincinnati, McCain introduced Parsley as "one
of the truly great leaders in America, a moral compass, a spiritual guide."
Campaign aides positioned Parsley right behind McCain for photographers,
apparently unconcerned about Parsley's well-established denunciations of the
Islamic faith in a book "Silent No More" and on DVDs of sermons about Islam.
"
22 May
MERCER
CENTENNIAL PHOTOS WANTED"A photo DVD for the reunion is being produced featuring your old high school photos. Please e-mail reduced size pictures to : tiffany_hiller@comcast.net or send them by mail to 1016 Welbeck Cove, Collierville, TN 38017... DEADLINE for submission is May 30th- so start digging through your old photos."
[You are reminded that Lupine Junefest 2008 is on June 7th. - Bob]
SENATE
FOLLOWS OBEY’S LEAD - INCLUDES NEW GI BILL IN SUPPLEMENTAL“Our service members and their families have been the only ones asked to sacrifice for this war, and they’ve been asked to sacrifice again and again and again. They deserve more than just a salute for their service,” said Obey. “So I’m glad to see that the Senate agrees that investing in the future of our veterans is not just the right thing to do for them, it’s the right thing to do for our economy too.”
Group:
Faith-based prosecution is first for state"The parents charged with reckless homicide for praying while their 11-year-old daughter died of diabetes are the first people in Wisconsin accused of such a crime, according to a national group that monitors faith-based abuse and neglect of children."
Pence
man sentenced to prison"A 39-year-old Pence, Wis., man was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison following a Feb. 12 jury conviction for felony bail jumping and misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct. Christopher A. Thomas was also sentenced for three offenses he had earlier pleaded guilty to."
Oma man charged with burglary, identity theft
"A 23-year-old Oma, Wis., man was charged Tuesday with two felony counts of
burglary and one felony of identity theft stemming from two thefts from a
home in the Oma area earlier this month. Cory J. Volkening also faces
two theft misdemeanors resulting from the same incident in which cash and a
credit card were stolen from the home."
County C closed until June 30 for repair
"Iron County Trunk C from Odanah Road to Hakala Road will be closed
beginning Tuesday for road construction. The anticipated re-opening of
County C is June 30."
A
done deal"Great Lakes Airlines' essential air service contract with the U.S. Department of Transportation will become official on June 1 as Great Lakes' first flight out of Ironwood leaves at 10:21 a.m."
Fish
hatchery to get a new roof"Salmon, trout and splake production at the hatchery didn’t decrease, as the roof was covered with tarps last summer. However, the facility, built in 1974, needs a permanent roof before next winter to accommodate snowfall or prevent it from being blown off again, said John Hagman, the DNR’s facilities manager."
Chequamegon
mayors hosting climate change discussion"As part of their resolutions to become eco-municipalities, the cities of Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn emphasized the "Natural Step" movement. More than two years on, the mayors of those cities want to hear from their residents about the next steps in dealing with climate change."
Myths
and Tips About Getting the Best Gas Mileage"I spent the day with professionals and people in the area, and realized it's pretty easy to get the most for your money... The professionals I spoke with say keeping up with your car maintenance is the best way to increase your gas mileage. If you do that, along with these other tips, you should notice a difference in how often you're filling up."
Conservatives
cheer Ryan's 'road map' bill"But Republican Rep. Paul Ryan is generating excitement in conservative circles for a bill he introduced Wednesday that would reform Social Security, Medicare, the health care system and the tax code. It's an ambitious plan that even Ryan admits won't go anywhere during this session of Congress."
Unemployment
claims drop here, nationally "The national employment outlook, according to AP, shows stress in the labor market due to the sluggish economy. The Labor Department said applications for jobless benefits totaled 365,000 last week, down 9,000 from the week before. The total number of people getting unemployment benefits stayed above 3 million for the fourth straight week, a level of claims not seen in four years."
EXECUTIVE
ORDER # 255"Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff on Memorial Day"
"They visited eight agencies, including the local homeless shelter, the food bank, a day-care facility, a women's safe house, a home for runaway youth, and the AIDS project. Though initially met with skepticism, this was the beginning of bridge-building relationships between the churches and the city In the spirit of Jeremiah 29:7 ("Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper"), new openness, healing, and friendships have begun. Like Nehemiah who was changed when he came face to face with the needs of Jerusalem, our pastors were changed."
"The anti-Obama e-mails now bouncing around the Internet have multiplied and are difficult to track, though the website Snopes.com has catalogued and debunked many of them. But the themes are similar: Elements of his biography make him too exotic, or unknown, to be president."
[Anybody reading those fwd fwd fwd messages and not checking www.snopes.com is willfully ignorant. A complete list of Snopes' Obama items can be seen by clicking HERE. - Bob]
21 May
DNR:
Wolf population
could be leveling off"The estimate a year earlier was between 540 and 577 wolves. DNR wolf specialist Adrian Wydeven said the growth in wolf numbers appears to be slowing down or leveling off as the population approaches the maximum number of wolves that the heavily forested areas of the state can support comfortably."
Area
Baseball-Hurley knocks off Tomahawk"Cody Bjork and Daulton Levra delivered two-run doubles in the first and second innings, giving Hurley a 4-0 lead. From there, the Midgets held the course for the win."
"Elderly's Council Member, Peter Mcgeshick Jr., says, "We need to remember that he was here and the one that got us this area." Once this statue is standing on its platform, the tribe will begin restoring Chief Ackley's old home. The overall project should be complete in two to three years."
Anchor
reported stolen was actually reclaimed by US Navy"Before the center was turned over in December I was instructed to dispose of all Navy property, and that's what we did," Hedberg said. No one ever asked him for the anchor, which he said is now somewhere in storage. He also said the anchor was nowhere near the size that police estimated. "It might be about 500 pounds, 5 feet tall," he said. "When the movers came in they just backed up a flatbed truck and loaded it on."
"Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter says the Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse 75 percent of those expenses. The state will pick up 12.5 percent. Local governments will have to cover the remainder themselves."
Wisconsin
Public Radio cuts volunteers from phone banks"Ending a long tradition, Wisconsin Public Radio did not use volunteers to staff its phone banks during its pledge drive this month, hiring a call center instead. The decision, which has saddened volunteers and station officials alike, grew out of concern over a rise in identity theft cases nationally, said Jennifer Dargan, manager of on-air fundraising and volunteers."
Rep.
Musser 'fed up,' will not seek re-election"Musser told John Colbert of WIBA radio that he is "fed up" with Capitol politics, which Musser said have become more "nasty, vicious and petty." But the main reason for not seeking re-election, he said, was the rough reception he received earlier this year from fellow Republicans for co-sponsoring the bill to require hospitals to provide the "morning-after pill" to rape victims."
JOHN
NICHOLS: Feingold on Kennedy"My thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and his entire family today," said Feingold this evening. "His fighting spirit is legendary, and I know that he will meet this difficult moment as he has met so many others, with the tremendous strength that I and so many others admire."
From the Pols
-
US
Sen. Kohl: Statement regarding Sen. Kennedy - WisPolitics.com
GOP
exits to cost party millions"Of the 32 Republicans who have resigned or announced plans to retire, 26 have political action committees known as leadership PACs — which members of Congress typically use to make donations to colleagues facing tough campaigns. Those 26 PACs raised $17 million in the last campaign cycle, but only $5.3 million for this election, a USA TODAY analysis of the latest campaign reports filed in March and April shows."
"A number of faith communities and individuals are looking at ways to turn this bit of tax windfall into an act of charity or into a way to support organizations seeking a more just society. As Patrick K. McDonald of Janesville wrote in the May 8 issue of the Catholic Herald-Citizen, which goes to all Catholic households in the Diocese of Madison: "Because this is not money any of us had taken into account when planning our budgets for this year, this is a prime opportunity for each of us to use this money to help those in our society who are most in need.""
"No one in the United States Senate is more beloved than is Senator Ted Kennedy because he cares so deeply for the well being of his fellow human beings. That is why the news of his illness is a body blow to all of us."
Roaring
into summer"ATV riders can stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at just about anywhere in the county during the four-day rally. Eating establishments throughout will be offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials. Music and dancing will also be featured at many taverns and lodges throughout the county."
Feeling
like 25 million bucks "The plant's output will be 200,000 tons per year, producing a switchgrass and wood fiber briquette used as fuel in the bio-mass industry. According to Reid, about 12 jobs will be created at the pellet plant and 35 to 40 spin-off jobs will be created by the aggregation of wood product and farming of switchgrass."
Hurley School Board sticks with Edward Jones for fund"Board members had met with representatives of six or seven financial firms in two rounds of discussions about how the $1 million trust fund left by the late Joseph Lalich should be handled. In the end, board members agreed to make some more aggressive financial moves in the investments through the Edward Jones company."
Area
Baseball-Hurley pulls away from Bayfield"Dylan Laurin's three-run home run launched an eight-run sixth for Hurley. That outburst allowed the Midgets to snap a tight game and cruise to a 19-8 victory in this non-conference game."
Prayer
Death"The parents are accused of praying for their daughter while she got progressively ill from undiagnosed diabetes instead of taking her to a doctor, which prosecutors contend was criminally reckless behavior."
State
Parks Director: High Gas Prices, No Problem"The director of state parks in Wisconsin says gasoline prices nearing $4 a gallon are not scaring campers and their big rigs from state parks. Bill Smith of the state Department of Natural Resources says advance reservations for camping are up 7 percent from a year ago."
Region
stays on polluted list"Southeastern Wisconsin will continue to remain in violation of federal ozone pollution standards, the Environmental Protection Agency said Monday. The reason: A single air monitor in Kenosha County, less than a mile from the Illinois border, narrowly violated ozone limits between 2005 and 2007."
Soft
economy has tourist attractions working harder for visitors"A new Rand McNally survey says two-thirds of Americans planning road trips this summer are either altering their plans to shorten their trips or canceling altogether. AAA predicted the number of Americans planning to drive more than 50 miles over Memorial Day weekend is down by 1 percent. Air travel will decline slightly as well, AAA said."
Menomonie
joins Madison, 16 other
state cities in global warming fight""This survey clearly shows that mayors are acting decisively to curb global warming, helping fill the void left by federal inaction," conference President Douglas Palmer, the mayor of Trenton, N.J., said when survey results were released. Other Wisconsin municipalities that have signed the Climate Protection Agreement are: Ashland, Bayfield, Greenfield, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, New Berlin, Oshkosh, Racine, River Falls, Stevens Point, Superior, Washburn, Waukesha, Wauwatosa and West Allis."
DOJ
Audit: FBI Refused to Participate in Torture"Over 1,000 FBI agents were surveyed for the report, which looks at interrogations in the three years after the 9/11 attacks. Among the claims investigated were whether FBI agents saw interrogators waterboard suspected terrorists, frighten them with military dogs or mistreat the Koran. The department's inspector general found agents left interviews where harsh tactics were used, and raised concerns with superiors about whether such actions were legal."
"American culture presents women as sexually available anywhere, anytime," Lisa explains. "If you look at fashion, literature, advertising, and entertainment, you see what some experts call the 'pornification' of culture."
[I have included, to the right, what I consider to be one of the most heinous examples... one that bemoans porn while using it to boost its ratings. You are cautioned that the clip is unacceptable for younger or more sensitive viewers. - Bob]
- The authorization of the use of torture by top Bush administration officials,
- The fight for due process at Guantánamo Bay,
- Warrantless wiretapping and domestic surveillance,
- The continued struggle to ensure equality and civil rights for all Americans.
19 May
Pfeiffer offered emergency government job"Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Stuart Pfeiffer of Mercer, Wis., has been offered the Iron County Emergency Government director's position."
Midgettes
begin regional play
Tuesday""We're excited to get started in the playoffs," said Hurley manager Jim Kivisto. "We've had a couple good days of practice and now we look forward to playing." The Midgettes (8-4) are the No. 2 seed in the tournament and had a first round bye."
"The Midgets advanced to the state tournament last year, but lost in the semfinals to eventual champion Johnson Creek 6-4. Hurley will warm up for the region tournament with a busy week: at Bayfield today, at Tomahawk on Tuesday; at home with Park Falls on Thursday at 4:30 p.m., and at Lakeland on Friday."
Aquaculture
Facility conducts industry, VHS research"The Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (NADF), located in Red Cliff, is a result of the hard work by many state, tribal, industry and community leaders with outcomes highlighted from that original ADD grant."
"According to a spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Department, the group appears to consist of three people, a two men and a woman in a green van... Anyone encountering these persons are advised to contact the Sheriff's Department of the Ashland Police Department immediately."
Golf-Olson
fires 68 to take medalist honors"Washburn’s Peyton Olson and Shawn Stephenson had the low scores at the Hurley Invitational golf meet at Eagle Bluff Friday, but the host Midgets pulled off the team victory, 362-378. Watersmeet finished third in the seven-team meet with a 386, followed by Hurley JV 434; Ironwood 454; Mellen 474; and Bessemer 486."
"The Ashland JV soccer team finished their season on a high note with an 11-0 victory over the Hurley varsity Friday. The Oredockers complete their season at 7-1-2."
Justice
denies wrongdoing in abuse case"Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser said he did nothing wrong when, as a district attorney, he talked with a bishop about Father John Patrick Feeney's inappropriate conduct with two boys in the 1970s."
Feingold
presses Army on cleanliness"Feingold, who has written numerous letters to military officials and met with Army Secretary Pete Geren to talk about conditions at the barracks, said he continues to be troubled about the living standards at the military installation."
Employment
down on farms due to late start in planting"The National Agricultural Statistics Service says farmers in the lake region of Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota employed 52,000 workers during the week of April 6 to 12. That was down 7 percent from the same time the year before. The agricultural statistics service says that's partly due to planting being delayed."
Dave
Zweifel's Plain Talk: GOP's voter ID an attack on democracy"It's not surprising that the states taking the lead on requiring everything from picture identification cards to proof that the voter is a U.S. citizen are controlled by Republicans. They know that the people most likely to be discouraged from voting are the poor and the elderly, who tend to vote for Democrats."
The
GOP War on (Democrats) Voting - TPM"Of the 26, 8 appear to have been genuine cases of fraud, two of which were cases of people actually casting fraudulent ballots, as opposed to bogus registrations. The remaining 18 cases all involved eligible voters casting legitimate mail-in ballots. The 'fraud' was that others collected the ballots and deposited them in mailboxes without putting their own name and address on the envelope in which the mail-in ballot was sent."
From the Pols
17&18 May
Gile
man lives to recycle"On Tuesday, she hung a gigantic "wind chime" that she had constructed on a tree in Gerry's front yard. The wind chime is made of various recyclable materials and pays tribute to Gerry's service time in the Navy. "It's a hobby," Gerry said as he talked about recycling that he's been doing for about 10 years."
Applicants
sought for leadership academy"The leadership academy provides an opportunity for residents of Gogebic County, Mich., and Iron County, Wis., who would like to be more active and effective leaders in the community. Participants can gain confidence, skills and knowledge. This year, the academy will focus on leadership skills. It will consist of six sessions from September through November."
Osterman
Memorial softball tourney set "The second annual Ryan Osterman Memorial softball tournament will be played May 30-June 1 at Cary Field in Hurley. The cost for the 12-team, double-elimination tournament is $100 per team with 100 percent payback."
Midgets
edge Guards at Hurley Invitational"Washburn's Peyton Olson and Shawn Stephenson had the low scores at the Hurley Invitational golf meet Friday at Eagle Bluff Golf Course, but the host Midgets pulled off the team victory, 362-378, over the runner-up Castle Guards. Hurley junior Jared Reid paced the Midgets with an 8-over-par 78 for third place individually."
Wildfire
conditions moderate around region"Current wildfire conditions are moderate around the state. This week, 29 wildfires burned 10 acres, including the loss of two buildings. The main causes were debris burning, improper ash disposal, and equipment."
Auxiliary
installation "Officers for 2009, who take office this July, are: Dorothy Soltis, president; Bernice Miles, senior vice president; Phyllis Morzenti, junior vice president; Geri Vukusich, secretary; Elizabeth Miles, treasurer; Lucy Gustafson, chaplain; Adeline Kovales, first trustee; Corinne Dituri, second trustee; Diana Swanson, third trustee; Marion Alleva, conductress."
Geothermal
Savings"There's an earth friendly heating and cooling system that may be the right one for your home during this economic crisis... At the Frasier's Plumbing showroom, in Eagle River, employees are installing this form of technology to show people throughout the Northwoods Geothermal saves money and the environment at the same time."
"FEMA says the money is part of a nationwide investment to make sure emergency personnel at the local, state and federal levels have an organized plan for prompt action. The funds will be directed toward long-term planning for evacuations and recoveries, as well as for equipment and training."
GOP
elders listen to youths"Look around the Republican Party of Wisconsin's 2008 State Convention in Stevens Point and you're likely to see, well, older people. It's a fact party members are aware of and hope to change. A "farm team" of young Republicans schooled the elder party members Friday at the convention, advising them how to encourage youth participation, including how to harness the power of the Internet."
Crude
Reality: Auto dealers see changes in consumer preferences"There are a lot of people looking to swap out cars that are not as economical," he said. "Business has been decent, but it's definitely been a topic on everybody's mind." In fact, many dealers agreed gas mileage has become the biggest factor for many customers -- even surpassing the year and number of miles. "
GOP
losses bode well for Kagen, party says""There is no district that is safe for Republican candidates because President Bush's failed policies have hurt every community in America," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who serves as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee."
Congressman
attacks fellow Republican"Sensenbrenner is smarting over a state budget agreement Huebsch voted for that stripped $22 million for a federal identification program the congressman sponsored. Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle restored nearly all the money through his veto. Sensenbrenner said at a speech during Saturday's state GOP convention that it is unfortunate Huebsch supported the budget bill."
Charter
to track customer browsing; pilot program outside Wisconsin"Charter Communications is preparing to begin testing a program under which it will track the browsing habits of its high-speed Internet customers in order to send them targeted ads, providing a new revenue stream for the company but raising privacy and legality concerns."
Most
of Wisconsin House delegation says no to farm bill - New
Richmond News - New Richmond,WI"U.S. Rep. David Obey, D-Wausau, said he had to swallow hard to support the five-year farm bill, but he said it will give Wisconsin farmers higher milk subsidies as part of their safety net when market prices fall below certain levels. “I reluctantly voted for it because it is better than existing law for farmers and better than existing law for taxpayers," said Obey."
- BIG QUESTION: DOES SCIENCE MAKE BELIEF IN GOD OBSOLETE?
- EINSTEIN’S GOD: PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT.
- CASUALTIES OF WAR: THE FIRST CASUALTY IS COMMON SENSE.
- MIRACLE STUDY: IS THE LEGAL NIGHTMARE OVER?
- DSCOVR: WHITEHOUSE WITHHOLDS RELEVANT DOCUMENTS.
Political
motives suspected in Hagee's retractions - San Antonio
Express-News" This week he made amends with Catholics. He's also reversed harsh comments about gays and revised his writings about Jesus' role as the Messiah. These remedial efforts followed intense criticism that multiplied once Hagee, pastor of Cornerstone Church, re-entered the national political stage in February with his endorsement of presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain. McCain distanced himself from some of Hagee's statements but never rejected the pastor's endorsement."
[I believe there is a name for religious leaders who amend their beliefs to court favor with a political leader. - Bob]
222
at Furman decry Bush invitation - The Charlotte Observer"Earlier this month, 222 students and faculty members signed and posted on the school's Web site a statement titled "We Object," which outlines objections to the president's visit. The statement cites the war in Iraq and the administration's "obstructing progress on reducing greenhouse gases while favoring billions in tax breaks and subsidies to oil companies that are earning record profits.""
ProPublica"ProPublica is an independent, non-profit newsroom that will produce investigative journalism in the public interest. Our work will focus exclusively on truly important stories, stories with "moral force." We will do this by producing journalism that shines a light on exploitation of the weak by the strong and on the failures of those with power to vindicate the trust placed in them."
[The funding and personnel makes me suspect that this will be an interesting and possibly trend setting direction for journalism and blogging. - Bob]
McCain
courts NRA, makes gun shop visit - Yahoo News"He [McCain] added that, as president, he would sign a law that prohibited individuals from buying guns at a gun show without going through the same checks as those buying guns at regular stores."
16 May
SUPPLEMENTAL
Honors Troops, helps UNEMPLOYED“This war has not only asked unfair sacrifice from our military personal, it’s also helped mess up our economy and we have an obligation to help folks affected by both,” Obey said. “That’s why we’re pushing to extend unemployment benefits and why I’ve insisted that we return educational benefits for GIs to where they were for the World War II generation.”
Ready
to roll"ATV riders are asked to obey all town route restrictions. Many towns and city officials are currently signing the routes through their municipalities. Routes have been designated so that residents can access the ATV trails."
Area
drivers better buckle up "Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement mobilization will continue through June 1, according to HPD Chief Dan Erspamer. "No matter what you drive or where you're going, you are required by law to buckle up every time you get behind the wheel or ride in a vehicle," Erspamer said."
Iron
County third graders learn bicycle safety"With the bicycle season in full swing, the Iron County Health Department, Iron County Sheriff's Department, Hurley Police Department, and the Hurley Dairy Queen got together on Thursday, as the annual bicycle safety program was presented to third graders in both Hurley and Mercer."
Midgets
hold off Ashland "Hurley completed a season sweep of Division 2 Ashland Thursday with a 12-9 win. The Midget offense shined early as it built a 10-2 lead after three innings, but Ashland battled back late."
Residents
object to mandatory water hookups" "I thought we had an agreement with the city, and a contract with the city, at the time we were grandfathered," said Golf Course Road resident Richard Mercier, "and if we didn't, somebody really fooled us." The reason for the change would be to create consistency within the city ordinance, in light of several developments and water main extensions that were each handled differently, Public Works Director Ray Hyde said."
Midgets
strike early, then hold off AHS"Hurley made the most of the opportunities and extra chances the Oredockers presented them with iearly on, scoring 10 runs in the first three innings. That put Ashland in too big of a hole to claw out from as the Midgets held on for a 12-9 win Thursday afternoon."
Roll
out the barrels – orange, that is"The second phase of the project, slated for late summer or fall, will address 90 feet of pavement, curb and gutter in the northbound lanes of Hwy. 51, north of the bridge. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed shortly after the Memorial Day holiday."
[Is there something intrinsically stoooopid in a tourist area repairing roads preparatory to a holiday weekend? - Bob]
"Because traveling to the Northwoods has been a family tradition for generations, people look forward to vacationing in the Northwoods," she [Minocqua-Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Area Chamber of Commerce, executive director Diane Geis Hapka] said. "They'd rather skimp somewhere else and continue that tradition of vacationing in the Northwoods. People with deep roots in the Northwoods ... will still continue to come."
Stevens
Point ranked sixth-best place to live"Stevens Point was sixth in Relocate America’s 11th annual list. The list is determined by statistics and feedback of the people who live, work and play in these communities, according to the company’s web site. The organization described Stevens Point as “a family friendly city, and one that plans on keeping families happy, no matter the age of the person.”"
Miller
CEO: Drinkers Trading Down to Economy Beers"Tom Long says the Milwaukee-based brewer saw some shift between higher-priced, premium beers and economy beers starting in January. He says this shift to beers like Miller High Life and Milwaukee's Best is being driven by Americans dealing with high gas prices and other soaring costs. But he says volumes of beers sold remain stable."
State
Guard may be up to 40% deployed""The other 60% will be standing by in case Gov. (Jim) Doyle needs us here in the state," he said. "That is the power of your National Guard." About 300 Guard members are currently deployed - a low-water mark for the Wisconsin Guard, said Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Tim Donovan."
Doyle
snags $100 million from road fund, rejects school aid delay"Gov. Jim Doyle used his veto pen to rework a bill to repair a $527 million hole in the state's two-year budget, taking $100 million from the state's road fund, overruling legislators' attempt to delay payments to schools and scaling back a proposal to borrow against tobacco company."
"The Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council will make recommendations to the state Legislature on the state's unemployment insurance law after hearing testimony at the public hearings."
Kohl,
Feingold must oppose media consolidation"The
chief sponsor of the move, North Dakota Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan, says
the FCC "has come out in favor of more concentration in the media" at
precisely the time when more diversity and localism are needed.
Dorgan's right. His resolution, which has already been approved by the
Commerce Committee, will be considered in short order by the full Senate.
Kohl and Feingold should cast enthusiastic votes in favor of this necessary
move."
"McCain answered: "They're the government; sooner or later we are going to have to deal with them, one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas because of their dedication to violence and the things that they not only espouse but practice, so . . . but it's a new reality in the Middle East."
[The title/link came from Buzz Flash - Bob]
Faith-Based
Healing - WJFW -
Rhinelander"Dr. Michelle Bensen, a specialist in Internal Medicine at Marshfield Clinic in Minocqua, says, "We give recommendations, we tell them what we think they need but ultimately if there are things that their culture or religion don't allow them to accept then we do the best we can for them.""
15 May
"Picture the northwoods with perfect spring weather and festooned with glorious full blooming wild flowers, including the unforgettable lupines. Now put yourself in this scenario either biking, hiking, or simply enjoying the perfect spring day in a pristine setting. All this and more is calling you to the 2nd Annual Lupine Junefest that will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2008, beginning in W.S. Carow Park, Mercer."
Obey
RELUCTANTLY SUPPORTS PASSAGE OF NEW FARM BILL"Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) said today that he reluctantly voted for the new Farm Bill. “The bill the House passed today is not a good bill,” Obey said. “But I reluctantly voted for it because it is better than existing law for farmers and better than existing law for taxpayers.”"
GREAT
LAKES COMPACT PASSES STATE SENATE"The citizens of Wisconsin who love these water resources will welcome this long overdue vote as an affirmation of our commitment to safeguard the health and integrity of the resource that sustains our lives. The compact represents the will of the people, who have expressed strong support for this legislation from its inception."
Sherman
Hails Passage of Great Lakes Compact"Rep. Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing) applauded the passage of the Great Lakes Compact which passed the Senate Wednesday 31-1 and the Assembly 96-1. “I was very pleased that we were able to get the compact passed in Special Session,” Sherman said. “The Great Lakes are Wisconsin’s most valuable resource and I can’t think of a single issue that we worked on this session that was more important than protecting them.”"
Firm
to reassess Kimball properties "Properties in the town of Kimball will be reassessed before Sept. 30, and the town board has selected Associated Appraisal Consultants Inc. of Hurley to do the job. The reassessment is the result of a review conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue in February after some property owners complained about unfair property assessments in the town."
Hurley
council approves permit for warehouse "The building will be built across Odanah Road from the Cary Mine Convenience store, said Kelly Klein of the Iron County Development Zone. Bob Rupprecht, of Jefferson, Wis., is putting up the building and developing it for a company, Klein said. Rupprecht wants to start construction soon, Klein said."
Gas
pain gotcha? "Hurley Police Chief Dan Erspamer said he added $2,000 to this year's budget because of the constant increase in gas prices. He's budgeted $14,000 this year, but that's not enough. "We will still be going over that amount, because the gas prices have increased more than I anticipated," he said."
Wisconsin
Legislature passes Great Lakes water compact"Legislators called the compact historic, saying it would preserve the Great Lakes and protect Wisconsin businesses and cities that depend on Great Lakes water for years to come. "We see the envy of this resource coming from other parts of the country,’’ said Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn. ‘‘This needs to be done. This is a day history is made.’’"
County
sales tax revenues under close scrutiny"Currently, 60 of the state's 72 counties have imposed a sales tax. That tax is "piggybacked" onto the state's own 5 percent sales tax and returned to the county where the sales took place, keeping 1.75 percent of the tax to defray costs. The slowdown in the economy has seriously impacted statewide tax revenue projections, with the Department of Revenue projecting a $100 million shortfall in collections, which is necessitating state government to begin a budget adjustment process."
Budget
Heads to the Governor"Democrats and Republicans alike in the state Assembly voted to pass a bill fixing the $527 million budget shortfall. The measure now heads to Gov. Jim Doyle, who is expected to issue a number of vetoes. The budget passed the Senate on Tuesday. The Assembly voted 51-46 to pass it Wednesday."
Bishop's
1978 letter in priest abuse case revealed"According to the letter, Prosser, who is now a state Supreme Court justice, met with Wycislo in December 1978 during an investigation of Feeney, a priest who had a history of complaints alleging misconduct, which were not made public at the time."
Automatic
gun transfer nets prison sentence""This was a man who has considerable knowledge of weapons, considerable knowledge of machine guns," Clevert said. "Mr. Olofson, in this court's view, has shown he was ignoring the law." Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad noted that Olofson had two previous gun-related convictions, including carrying a concealed weapon with his children trick-or-treating. He also noted that Olofson was reprimanded for corrupting Army computers and perhaps providing militia groups access to sensitive information."
"According to an economic impact study released this week by the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau, spending in 2007 increased 8 percent to $1.03 billion when compared to 2006. That includes $432.8 million in income to local residents and translates to nearly 24,000 full-time-equivalent jobs, according to the report."
State
unemployment down in April"The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 4.3 percent, a half-percentage point lower than the 4.8 percent rate in March and eight-tenths of a percentage point lower than the 5.1 percent rate in April 2007."
Feingold
Helps Dairy, Small Farms in Final Farm BillFeingold Praises Senate Effort to Lower Gas Prices
Governor
Doyle Statement on the Legislature Passing the Great Lakes CompactGovernor Doyle Appoints Kevin Opgenorth to University of Wisconsin Board of Regents
EXECUTIVE
ORDER # 254"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 Mark Coyne, R.N., a member of the UW Hospital and Clinics Med Flight Crew"
http://www.donotreply.com/The next time your employer, your bank, your credit card company or a vendor sends you an automated email with a clever "Do Not Reply" email address to prevent you from responding directly, think about giving them a phone call. The guy at this site receives those emails and all the information, sensitive or not, therein contained. You might just be sending evil thoughts and dirty words, but important information might be included with it. It would be far better to call the company on the telephone and politely tell them that their security sucks.
14 May
Free
fishing seminars to be conducted"The Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a series of free fishing seminar weekends from Saturday, May 24 through Sunday, Aug. 24.
Area guides and fishing experts will conduct the free seminars."
Public
gets first look at Highway 2/13 roundabout design"The schematic designs were rolled out at a Department of Transportation’s public forum held at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Those who attended the session were told that, while the roundabout design is "not a silver bullet," it represents the most efficient and cost-effective way of reducing serious and fatal accidents at the intersection."
"No matter what kind of bike you decide on, riding it to and from work everyday might help you ride away from the increasing cost of gas. The city of Rhinelander is trying to become more bicycle-friendly by soon putting in pathways on Lincoln Street, and on Stevens Street in the future."
"The meeting was supposed to be open to the public but the committee decided to go into closed session. Gary Mueller says, "The people of the Town of Lincoln who are really good solid citizens are completely being denied their due process in finding out what is going on. This land is all in their town and they can't find out what is going on about it. It's obscene.""
"When the eggs arrive from area lakes they're put through a disinfection process to make sure they haven't transferred any Aquatic Invasive Species to the hatchery. Lynn Wright, a fisheries technician, says, "We enter them into an iodine solution, they're then set for 15 minutes and that will kill any viruses that may be on the surface of the egg.""
Tree
pollen remains elevated"Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center’s allergy department measured tree pollen at 286 particles per cubic meter of air this morning, up from 281 particles per cubic meter of air Tuesday morning."
Senate approves
budget fix"The Legislative Fiscal Bureau blamed the higher long-term deficit on the sluggish economy, because tax collections are expected to grow by only 2% - less than half the 5.5% annual growth in the past. Every 1% lag in tax collections means state government collects $130 million less in taxes."
Wisconsin
Senate passes Great Lakes compact"Wisconsin lawmakers have spent months crafting the state's version of the compact. The Democratic-controlled Senate approved the plan in March, but Assembly Republicans refused to vote on the compact before the regular legislative session ended days later."
Motor
scooters popular in efforts to save on gas""We're selling to people who we normally wouldn't get into our shop," Petersen said. "We're getting people who have no intention of ever moving up to a bigger motorcycle like a Harley-Davidson." Within a day of buying her Honda from Petersen Motors, Kohler had 35 miles on her scooter. She said the price of gas was a major consideration, even though her daily commute is just a few miles."
Farm
report: Spring planting far behind schedule "The rate of completed corn planting is at the lowest level at this time of the spring since 1996, the report said. Soybean planting is only at 6 percent complete, the lowest level since 1996, and well below 24 percent complete in 2007 and the five-year average of 20 percent complete."
Pro-Life
Wisconsin joins national protest to end legal access to birth control "In recent years, some anti-abortion advocates have turned their attention to birth control -- not as a means to reduce unplanned pregnancies, but as another target of protest. One of the most fervent anti-contraception crusaders is Pro-Life Wisconsin, which believes virtually all forms of birth control can cause a "chemical abortion" by preventing an already fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall."
The
Bush-McCain Challenge - Move-On Dot Org"Sign up to host a Bush-McCain Challenge table on Wednesday, May 28th. We'll give you everything you need to hold a successful event, including a start-to-finish guide and all the materials."
[You can take the challenge on line at http://www.bush-mccainchallenge.com/?rc=homepage. - Bob]
more
than 4,500 times on broadcast nets, cables, NPR"A Media Matters review found that since January 1, 2002, the analysts named in the Times article -- many identified as having ties to the defense industry -- collectively appeared or were quoted as experts more than 4,500 times on ABC, ABC News Now, CBS, CBS Radio Network, NBC, CNN, CNN Headline News, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, and NPR."
Feingold
Praises Senate
Effort to Lower Gas PricesGovernor
Doyle Breaks Ground
on
Affiliated Food Expansion
Women's
Institute For
A Secure Retirement (WISER)
to Honor Six - Earthtimes - London,UK13 May
Midgettes sweep IC doubleheader"The Midgettes came ready to play. In the bottom of the first, Hurley scored six runs. Senior Marie Thomas led off with a single. Fellow senior Jessica Shafer reached on an error and junior Brittany Czerneski advanced on a dropped third strike."
"Hurley's Dylan Laurin pitched five innings of no-hit baseball to lead the Midgets to an 8-1 win over Solon Springs Monday, securing at least a tie for the Indianhead Conference title. Laurin struck out nine, walked five and allowed an unearned run in the second inning."
"The results from Friday’s primary election in Red Cliff: Tribal Vice-Chair Mark Montano — 154"
Lawton
promotes Covenant to Ashland’s eighth-graders"With the high technology that drives even our manufacturing and all of our businesses, no matter what you think you're going to do, you will need post-high school education and training,"
Lt.
Governor Pushes Wisconsin Covenant "Kids graduating from high school used to get terrific jobs at the paper mills in Green Bay," she said. "They could plan on supporting a family, being able to spend money, and have a good retirement. And that was great, but it's no longer true.
Early
Musky Season Scratched "As we reported, a new piece of legislation, which was passed by both houses and signed by the Governor in 2007, would allow for an earlier musky season next year for anglers. However, before this law even has a chance to get off the ground, Representative Dan Meyer is calling for a new bill to eliminate the early season."
Lawmakers
push biofuels study"Inaccuracies about ethanol and other alternative fuel sources are dissuading the state from moving forward with sound renewable energy policy, Suder said. "We need to find out exactly the impact on the economy, on jobs.""
State
lawmakers set plan to fix budget""We've got a proposal here that I don't think any of us are thrilled with, which must mean we have a pretty good package," said Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem). "In the end, it will address the concerns that are before us.""
Sensenbrenner
doesn't like state budget plan"A $10 fee was placed on Wisconsin driver's licenses starting this year to start paying for it. But the bipartisan state budget-balancing plan put forth on Monday would raid that money. Sensenbrenner says that is a breach of faith with those who have been paying the fee. He urged the Legislature to reject the plan, calling it a "fiscal shell game.""
Fralick
impeached as Lac du Flambeau tribal treasurer on 5-0 vote"Lac du Flambeau tribal treasurer Muriel Fralick was ousted from her position Friday on a unanimous vote of attending members to impeach her for alleged violations of tribal law. However, only six of the 12-member council attended the impeachment session; only five were eligible to vote."
the Pols
-
Governor Doyle Statement on the Passing of Med Flight Crew
- Governor Doyle Signs Climate Change Agreement with United Kingdom
-
EXECUTIVE
ORDER # 250
"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 Peace Officers Who Have Given Their Lives in the Line of Duty"
"... 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure - assigning a cumulative grade of D for the nation's infrastructure. The condition of our nation's roads, bridges, drinking water systems and other public works have shown little to no improvement since they were graded an overall D+ in 2001, with some areas sliding toward failing grades."
12 May
Students
help stock trout pond "Hurley fourth graders got a first-hand biology lesson Friday morning when 1,000 rainbow trout were stocked in the children's fishing pond on Division Street, within walking distance of the K-12 school. Many of the students will no doubt return to the trout pond with fishing poles when it opens on Saturday, May 24, at 8 a.m."
Midgets
split "The Hurley Midgets beat Ashland 9-5 and lost to Park Falls 8-7 Saturday in Park Falls. Ashland started the game with a 4-0 lead. But the Midgets dug into that quickly."
Number
One Cheesehead "California came within less than 6 million pounds of Wisconsin in monthly production last July. But then the gap started growing again, reaching 30 million pounds in March. Groves says the quick shift is partly due to two plants closing in California in 2007, while two opened in Wisconsin this year. California now has 61 cheese plants compared to Wisconsin's 124."
Farming
boost may stall green land gains"Thousands of acres of conservation grasslands are going under the plow this spring as land is taken out of the federal Conservation Reserve Program, which pays landowners to plant grassy cover crops and not plow those environmentally sensitive lands. "Many people are concerned about this because great environmental gains have been made through these programs," said Susan Butler, conservation program specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wisconsin Farm Services Agency."
"Members approved an $88 million one-time per capita payment of between $5,000 and $10,000 to 16,000 enrolled members in December. The committee said another payout could put the tribe millions of dollars in debt and force it to sell land and buildings. But it said the $1,200 payments could be accomplished without "unduly harming tribal services, employment or wages.""
"A booming global wind power business centered in American Superconductor Corp.'s Middleton-based Power Systems unit has more than doubled revenues and made American Superconductor profitable on an operating basis, the company reported Thursday."
"An element of the Christian community is not reconciled to McCain's candidacy but instead regards the prospective presidency of Barack Obama in the nature of a biblical plague visited upon a sinful people. These militants look at former Baptist preacher Huckabee as ''God's candidate'' running for president in 2012."
Presidents
Should Not Be Liars - Washington Post On Fairth - Pres. Jimmy
Carter"I do not think the President of the United States should be a liar, and believe that the overwhelming majority of U.S. citizens agree with me. For security reasons, the whole truth cannot always be revealed, but it is quite obvious that lies are seldom made to protect our nation. Almost invariably, the political fortunes of the prevaricator are at stake."
10&11 May
It's
official: Great Lakes flying in June 1 "Great Lakes Airlines will begin serving the Gogebic-Iron County Airport with daily flights on June 1, the company announced Friday. Daily flights will be offered to Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport."
Anglers
advised to take take healthy steps "The discovery of hydrilla, a new invasive aquatic plant in Wisconsin waters, tops last year's detection of a new fish disease that's deadly for a broad range of gamefish, panfish and baitfish."
5th
annual Chili Bowl rescheduled to May 31 "Eagle Bluff Golf Course has rescheduled the fifth annual Chili Bowl to May 31. The two-person, 18-hole scramble will begin at noon, with chili served after the tournament."
Park
Falls beats Hurley in bottom of 7th"Park Falls' Kelsey Christianson broke a 2-2 tie with a lead-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to hand the Cardinals a 3-2 win over the Hurley Midgettes Friday night."
Lake
and River Levels"Wisconsin River Reservoirs are at their highest level in four years. Newswatch 12 went to the Rainbow Reservoir near Lake Tomahawk on Friday. It's just one of 21 reservoirs Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company operates to control the flow of the Wisconsin River."
Lyme
Disease Reports"Wisconsin health officials say there was a significant increase in the number of reported Lyme disease cases in the state last year. State Health Officer Dr. Sheri Johnson says there were over 1800 cases reported in 2007."
"As the last remnants of snow melt from Granite Peak Ski Area, operators are celebrating one of the most successful winters on record. The ski area recorded its busiest season in at least three years, thanks to plenty of snow and great overall conditions, said Vicki Baumann, manager at the hill."
State
tells smokers to cough up taxes"State Revenue Department officials have sent more than 1,000 letters this year to Wisconsin smokers who bought cigarettes from Internet vendors, telling them to either stop buying them that way or pay the $1.77-per-pack state tax that took effect Jan. 1."
Strategy
shifts to protect ash trees"The old approach, written in 2006, leaned heavily on a national scientific advisory panel that recommended cutting all ash trees within a half-mile of an infestation in newly found outbreaks. But officials said last week said this won't happen in all cases."
"The Wisconsin Department of Tourism says leisure travelers spent slightly less in the state last year while there was a slight gain in business travel and a larger increase in convention spending. The study conducted for the agency by Davidson-Peterson Associates, a marketing research firm based in Kennebunk, Maine, says travelers spent an estimated $12.78 billion statewide in 2007, down from $12.83 billion in 2006."
Obama's
bracelet a constant reminder of Wisconsin mother, soldier"And he did so by recalling an incident on the campaign trail in Wisconsin and suggesting that he is strengthened in his resolve to win the nomination and the White House by the memory of "the mother in Wisconsin who gave me a bracelet inscribed with the name of the son she lost in Iraq; the families who pray for their loved ones to come home; the heroes on their third and fourth and fifth tour of duty."
WHAT’S
NEW Robert L. Park Friday 09 May 08
-
COMPETES: BLOWN AWAY IN THE GATHERING STORM.
-
THE PHOENIX: RISING FROM THE ASHES OF THE POLAR LANDER.
-
INTELLIGENT DESIGN: ACADEMIC FREEDOM IS THE NEW STRATEGY.
U.S.
wants to stop increased testing for mad cow""All they want to do is create information," Sentelle said, noting that it's up to consumers to decide how to interpret the information. Larger meatpackers have opposed Creekstone's push to allow wider testing out of fear that consumer pressure would force them to begin testing all animals too. Increased testing would raise the price of meat by a few cents per pound."
09 May
Area
Baseball-Midgets overtake Mellen; Bayfield wins"Daulton Levra came through with a two-out, two-run single in the top of the seventh to rally the Hurley Midgets past the Mellen Granite Diggers 4-3 Thursday night in Indianhead Conference baseball action."
Bergman new Iron County zoning administrator"Tom Bergman of Ironwood began his duties as new Iron County zoning administrator on Thursday. Formerly employed by Coleman Engineering Company of Ironwood, Bergman was interviewed by the zoning committee last week."
Airline edges closer to return of Ironwood service"If Gogebic-Iron County Airport officials do not receive official word from Great Lakes Airlines that papers have been signed, Gogebic County Prosecutor Richard Adams said he will file the papers requesting an administrative law judge hearing with the U.S. Department of Transportation."
"The Justice Department released a summary Thursday of Peterson's autopsy that showed only one of the shots damaged Peterson's brain. Soot rings were found around the entrance wounds, suggesting the shots were fired at close range."
"Portage County Sheriff John Charewicz said the man who police say made the threat was ultimately submitted to an emergency commitment at a mental health facility. The man, who was not identified, had made complaints to several county officials and had been the subject of several civil court cases, Charewicz said."
Tree
pollen level remains high"Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center’s allergy department staff members measured tree pollen at 224 particles per cubic meter of air. That’s down slightly from 284 particles per cubic meter of air measured Thursday morning. Pollen levels between 91 and 1,500 particles per cubic meter of air fall into the high range."
Competing
House bills use databases to check workers' legal status"Lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills since January 2007 dealing with immigration at least in part. None has gotten more traction than a bill that would force companies to use government databases to verify the legal status of workers."
Politics
influenced state lawyer's hiring, examiner rules"Politics improperly influenced the decision to hire a top state lawyer after former Gov. Tony Earl helped a friend's nephew get the job, a hearing examiner has concluded. The tainted hiring cost taxpayers $346,000 in recent legal settlements paid to two qualified internal candidates passed over for the job as the state's top unemployment insurance lawyer, according to documents obtained under the state's open records law."
Schneider
slows to 60 mph"Schneider's additional efforts aside, the proposals by the American Trucking Associations could potentially eliminate 900 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 10 years, the organization said."
Former
Wis. governor denies wrongdoing in hiring scandal"Earl says he called his former policy director, Hal Bergan, to put in a good word for LaRocque. Bergan was the Workforce Development official in charge of the hiring. A hearing examiner who reviewed the case said Bergan broke department rules in hiring LaRocque, who got the job based on political connections."
Russ
Feingold: Torture memo just one example of Bush's hidden laws"Perhaps the most notorious example is the recently released 2003 Justice Department memorandum on torture written by John Yoo. The memorandum was, for a nine-month period in 2003, the law that the administration followed when it came to matters of torture. And that law was essentially a declaration that the administration could ignore the laws passed by Congress."
Michigan
Tech, IBM to partner
"“Our business is continually dependent upon being able to recruit people
with the skills we need and Michigan Tech is great for that,” Soyring said.
He said IBM’s business partners will also benefit from tech-savvy Tech
graduates."
Kohl
Wants Answers on High Food Prices - Wisconsin Ag Connection"Kohl urged the Department of Justice to closely scrutinize the proposed JBS Swift acquisitions' effects on both family farmers and consumers, saying that 'this deal will give the remaining beef processors enormous buying power.'"
Senate
Ethics Committee Clears David Vitter - TPM MuckRaker"The committee dismissed the complaint, according to the letter, because "the conduct at issue" occurred before Vitter's run for the Senate, he was not charged criminally, and because it "did not involve use of public office or status for improper purposes.""
'Deafening'
silence on analyst story - Politico"But apparently that’s no longer the case. Indeed, reporter David Barstow’s 7,600-word investigation of the Pentagon’s military analyst program — whereby ex-military talking heads, often with direct ties to contractors, parroted Defense Department talking points on the air — has been noticeably absent from television airwaves since the story broke on April 20. "
08 May
Battle
at the Bluff planned for June 6-7 "The cost is $150 per team and includes two days of golf, prizes, dinner at the Bell Chalet after Saturday's competition and breakfast at the clubhouse before Sunday's round. A limited number of carts are available at an additional cost."
Free
lessons offered at Eagle Bluff Golf Course "There are so many things you can learn in a 10-minute lesson," said Soderman. "This is a great opportunity for anyone, from the beginner to the scratch golfer."
Lake
Namakagon hopes to stay free of invasives with $17,000 grant from DNR"It's so hard (because) it's in lakes around us," said Krueger, president of the Namakagon Lake Association (NLA). "You can't have someone at a boat landing 24 hours a day, so who's to say something doesn't come in at 2 a.m.? So, we're trying to be proactive as much as possible, and trying to get ahead of the game, and we do the best we can, but it's luck."
"Luckily fire fighters, police officers and others involved with emergency management don't get a lot of practice when it comes to mass casualty accidents in our area. That's why they have simulations to practice. "
Weapons
threat closed Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, not broken water main"At the request of local law enforcement, the precise nature of the incident was not revealed," SWTC President Karen Knox said in a statement. "Instead, school officials stated there was a water-main break near one of the campus buildings, and that was why school was closed. Local police felt it was necessary, to prevent undue panic, and to facilitate them in apprehending a suspect," she said.
'Voter
ID' wrong for Wisconsin"Following the 2004 presidential election, irregularities at polling places in the Democratic stronghold of Milwaukee prompted legitimate concern about fairness. But state and federal investigators -- one of them a Republican -- concluded no organized fraud took place. Instead, clerical mistakes were a problem. And action was taken to prevent similar flubs in the future. Lacking a compelling reason to require photo IDs at the polls, Wisconsin should continue to make voting easy for everyone.
Doyle:
Third DUI offense should be felony"Gov. Jim Doyle says a third conviction for intoxicated use of vehicle should be made a felony, carrying prison time, as a way to protect the public from those who repeatedly drive under the influence... Doyle says he's pushed for tough drunken driving penalties since his days as a prosecutor."
Wis.
Democratic leader says to prepare for budget deal""The governor just wants something to reach his desk," Sensenbrenner said. If the Legislature doesn't act Tuesday, it shows the Republican majority has no intention of solving the problem or addressing roads needs, Kreuser said in the e-mail."
Crime
increasing in LdF while police chief seeks county assistance"This last weekend already we had a lot of calls. A lot of calls that involved a lot of violence," Rising Sun said. "These are the first of many busy weekends up here and I just don't have the manpower down [at the police department] right now. Tensions [on the reservation] now are at their highest, too, and since the takeover [much] of our time has had to be devoted to other things besides our normal police work."
Stupak
talks EPA, primaries
"There will be a congressional investigation into the firing of an
Environmental Protection Agency official, U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak said
Tuesday. Mary Gade, administrator for the EPA’s Region 5, was asked to
submit her resignation following a high-profile battle with Dow Chemicals
over cleaning up dioxins near its Midland plant, extending into Lake Huron
and Saginaw Bay."
- Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on Israel's 60th Anniversary
- Senate Passes Feingold-Snowe Measure Recognizing Women's Health Week
“With the retirement wave upon us, we must encourage employers to adopt policies now to attract and retain older workers,” said Senator Kohl. ...
07 May
"According to a criminal complaint, Gollubske also said that if the deadline passes, the killing will begin. Gollubske claims his family's health has deteriorated because of pollution from the plant. He blames the plant and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the loss of deer that were on his property as he attempted to establish a wild game farm."
Iron
County ATV trails remain closed "Iron County all-terrain vehicle trails have not yet opened for the season, according to trail coordinator Tara Stuhr. The trails remain closed because of the spring break-up, Stuhr said. Trails could be opened by next week, she said, depending on how fast the trail system dries up."
Hurley
defeats Washburn 15-1"The Midgets scored six runs in the second inning and three more in the third inning to post a 10-1 lead. Daulton Levra hit a solo home run in the third for Hurley."
"The Hurley Midgettes softball team had little problem defeating Washburn Tuesday, downing the Castle Guards 40-0 in four innings. Junior pitcher Hailey Manzanares pitched all four innings, allowing no hits and walking just one. She struck out nine of the 13 batters she faced."
Duluths
Blatnik Bridge partially closed for repairs‘‘The point to stress is that the bridge is safe,’’ said Mike Robinson, district engineer for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. ‘‘By reducing it to two lanes, the live loads on the bridge are substantially reduced.’’
Tribal
officials attend training to help drug-endangered children"It is the children who are most harmed by this menace. That harm includes injury from explosions or fire, toxic chemical exposure, physical and sexual abuse, medical neglect — even the lack of the most basic care — and failure to provide meals, sanitary and safe living conditions and schooling. Things that most families take for granted may be absent for the drug-endangered child."
State,
county VA offer several Memorial Day reminders“At the county level, we are also reminding area veterans and their families of the array of federal and state memorial and burial programs for veterans,” said Lori Lundquist from the Ashland County Veterans Service Office. “Some of these can be guaranteed now, so families are assured peace of mind far in advance of when they’re actually needed.”
This
wandering bull elk was spotted just west of Ashland."This bull elk was photographed Tuesday morning in the horse pasture at the farm of Ken and Darlene Raspotnik, five miles west of Ashland off Hwy. 137. The elk likely wandered north from a population of elk primarily located near Clam Lake in southern Ashland County."
"From May 19th through June first the Minocqua Police Department will participate in the Click It or Ticket campaign sponsored by the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation. If you're pulled over for any traffic violation and the officer notices you're not wearing your seat belt you may be hit with an additional 10-dollar fine."
Beer
tax hike urged"In the last legislative session, Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, proposed a bill to increase the tax from $2 to $10 per barrel of beer. The bill was not acted upon by legislators, but she plans to reintroduce it during the next legislative session, her office confirmed Tuesday. Wisconsin's tax is tied for the second-lowest in the nation, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators."
Kind,
Ryan lose farm bill votes"President Bush has threatened to veto the bill because he thinks it is too costly and does not do enough to limit farm subsidies."
Democrats
may derail budget fix"Kreuser's comments will likely send Huebsch and Decker back to the drawing board. More Assembly Democrats than Republicans voted for the original budget in October, and Huebsch is expected to again need substantial help from Democrats this time."
Report:
Wis. one of worst states for falls by people over 65"The council says about 87 of every 100,000 Wisconsin seniors die from falls each year. That's second only to New Mexico, which averaged 99 deaths. The agency couldn't say why Wisconsin's rate was so high. Other states that have a lot of snow and ice had lower death rates, including Minnesota with 72, Michigan with 38 and Illinois with 28."
"The poll released Wednesday also shows 55 percent support decreasing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq. Only 15 percent support an immediate withdrawal. Forty-five percent say Democrats would do a better job of handling the situation in Iraq compared with 25 percent who say Republicans would."
"State Rep. Jeff Stone, a Milwaukee County Republican who represents a traditionally Democratic district, has a plan to keep his seat in the Legislature. Stone wants to make voting harder -- in some cases, impossible -- for young people, the elderly, the poor, the disabled, people of color and members of other demographic groups that tend to back Democrats."
Call
Rep. Obey: No blank checks for Bush on Iraq - MoveOn.org"Can you call Rep. Obey right now and tell him that voters are tired of dumping billions into the unwinnable war in Iraq? Tell Rep. Obey that voters are looking for accountability from President Bush on the war and we want our troops home quickly. (We've included more details below.)
Here's where to call: Representative David Obey, Phone: 202-225-3365
Then, please report your call by clicking here:
http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FHWI_07&cp_id=750&id=12592-2619953-pNriNc&t=3
-
Kohl Urges Immediate Action for Global Food Crisis
- Wisconsin Ag Connection - Federal
Government Making Effort to Retain Older Workers
- Senior-Spectrum - Sacramento,CA
06 May
Drummond
drops Hurley""It was a disappointing loss. We weren't mentally in the game," said Midget manager Aaron Bender. "We made a couple costly errors and had three base running errors, too.""
"Once again it was good to get a game in, but this time with a little bit better result," said Midgette manager Jim Kivisto, referring to Hurley's conference loss to Butternut-Glidden last week. "We got to play everybody and just about everybody got to bat twice. Brooke did a nice job for us on the mound."
Animal
Expo planned for Saturday"Animal-related businesses and organizations, such as Lake Superior Paws for Love and Blue Ribbon Kennels, will be exhibiting in the center, said organizer Jennifer Fanucci of Big Picture Events. Expo events will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., with admission costing $2 per person or $5 per family."
Area
Baseball-Jacks rally to upend Hurley"The Lumberjacks finally found some of that timely hitting against the Midgets, scoring three times in the bottom of the sixth to rally from a 3-2 deficit and down Hurley 5-3 in their Indianhead Conference contest."
Musky
Season Is Moving Up"If you live North of Highway 10, you can't catch muskies until Memorial Day weekend. But that's about to change, and not everyone is happy about it. The fishing opener is always a big deal for anglers, but now it's becoming a big deal in politics. Legislation was recently passed and will go into effect next May to allow fishermen to catch muskies during the fishing opener, rather than wait until Mermorial Day weekend."
Harley
to Open Museum July 12th"The goal was to get the museum open in time for the company's 105th birthday celebration planned later in the summer in Milwaukee. The 130,000 square foot museum will feature stories told through photographs, video, apparel and other documents and artifacts."
Wis.
school costs high"Wisconsin schools spent an average of $10,190 per pupil in the academic year ending in 2006, according to the Taxpayers Alliance. The report finds that 60 percent of that was spent on instruction rather than on facility and transportation costs. Salaries were 2.7 percent above the average and 16th highest nationally."
"The data was obtained through open records requests made to each of the entities listed. All but the Postal Service provided benefits information for employees. The salaries listed are for the current fiscal year, and the overtime and benefits for the last completed fiscal year, typically 2007. The only exceptions are SASD and Lakeshore, which provided expected benefit amounts from the current (2007-08) fiscal year."
GOP
group wants curbs on ethanol"Twenty-four Republican senators, including likely presidential nominee John McCain, on Monday called for a halt to the expansion of ethanol production as a response to rising food prices."
Poll:
Majority of Wis. residents want universal care"Sixty-one percent of those who responded to the University of Wisconsin Survey Center's Badger Poll say they favor replacing the current health care system with one that covers everyone and is run entirely by the state. Half of those polled say the costs of health care are extremely problematic. Another 45 percent say the state's health care system has major problems."
Lake
Superior water levels on the rise"The International Lake Superior Board of Control says the lake level rose 6 inches in April and is now 10 inches higher than it was at this time last year. Over the past two years, the water level in Lake Superior has been as much as 22 inches below long-term monthly averages."
High
fuel prices, declining dollar could affect Michigan tourism
"High gasoline prices, a declining dollar and a generally poor Michigan
economy have caused academic researchers to predict that tourism in the
state will decline 2 percent this year, but some Upper Peninsula tourism
officials think that won’t be the case in this part of the state."
Even
missionaries botch their facts - Politifact"We called Davis after investigating the claims and explained we found nothing to substantiate them and in fact, more than enough evidence to disprove them. He was unmoved. “I’m not going to argue with you ... I’m just saying that there’s a pattern.” Yes, there is. A pattern of Pants on Fire wrong."
05 May
Loons rescued"After contacting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the deputy was told by a wildlife biologist that loons often land on asphalt thinking it is a lake's surface. The biologist also told him that loons cannot walk on land, as their feet are situated too far back on their bodies, and they will use their wings to walk on land."
WITC
sets commencement"Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Ashland Campus will award more than 100 associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates at its commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at the Ashland High School gymnasium."
State-sanctioned
killing of mute swans shelved"Licensed workers will still be allowed to control the population by egg addling, which prevents eggs from developing or hatching. It generally involves shaking or puncturing eggs or coating the shells with vegetable oil."
10
Wisconsin museums you'll want to visit"From big to small and all around the state, numerous WFM member institutions participate in Museums Week. Many events, including special programs and free admission at some places, are tied to the occasion and are listed on museum Web sites, which are linked from the WFM site: www.wisconsinmuseums.org."
Kids
still love faves like Dr. Seuss"In response to the survey data, some Washington area English teachers said they were bothered by the relatively few books read by each student, particularly in the upper grades. Seventh-graders averaged 7.1 books in 2007, a rate that steadily declined to 4.5 books for 12th-graders."
Wal-Mart
expands low-priced drug program"Beginning Monday, Wal-Mart said it will begin filling prescriptions for up to 350 generic medications at $10 for a 90-day supply. The company said with the over-the-counter medication price rollbacks, about one-third of its over-the-counter medicines are now $4 or lower."
"The Cable Natural History Museum was created in 1968 to provide nature programs and local displays to residents of and visitors to the Cable region. Celebrating its 40th year, the museum now reaches over 25,000 people a year through outreach education programming in Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Sawyer County schools, and by attracting people to Cable to visit exhibits and participate in environmental programming."
ABC
Raceway-ABC menu offers full slate of racing"The northern Wisconsin speedplant will introduce the popular WISSOTA Midwest modifieds as part of its regular Saturday night menu, joining the WISSOTA-sanctioned modifieds, super stocks and street stocks, as well as the track’s own six-cylinders and pure stocks, when it opens for its first program of the season on May 10."
Be
aware of ice on lakes"The larger lakes like Big Arbor Vitae, Trout Lake, Lake Tomahawk, Lac Vieux Dessert and some others will definitely have ice on them," said Paul Bruggink, lands supervisor with the Department of Natural Resources. Anglers, he said, can venture out but they will find some ice, and should exercise great caution on the water."
Networks
again refuse to go on the record about NY Times' military analyst expose
- Media Matters"ABC, CBS, and NBC have still not reported on any of their news programs The New York Times' revelations about the hidden ties between media military analysts and the Pentagon. Further, the major broadcast networks and cable news networks all reportedly declined to discuss the issue for an NPR report; the networks similarly reportedly declined to participate in an April 24 PBS NewsHour segment on the issue."
03&4 May
Two
appointed to fill Iron County Board vacancies"Former Iron County Treasurer Mark Gianunzio will fill a Montreal vacancy created by the recent resignation of Ken Challis as district 6 supervisor... Donald Erspamer of Hurley was appointed to the district 2 seat vacated by Brian Tarro, who resigned on April 10."
Discovery
Center preps for Birding Festival"The festival kicks off with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 16 at the center on County W across from Rest Lake Park, 1.2 miles north of U.S. 51. There will be complimentary appetizers and beverages and a program by guest speakers John Bates, local naturalist and author, and Mary Burns, Northwoods author and artist."
Golf
courses open "Golfers got their first shots at area golf courses this week, albeit on foot. Eagle Bluff opened in Hurley on Monday to walkers. North Bessemer's Boulder Creek accepted walkers beginning Wednesday."
DOVE
tourney set "The eighth annual DOVE Inc. golf scramble will be held June 14 at Eagle Bluff Golf Course."
"The entry training the SWAT team was going through this morning is useful in hostage situations; when an armed individual has barricaded himself in; or for high-risk drug warrants, etc. Earlier in the morning, the team was using simunition training to fine tune safety procedures."
Emissions
to fall despite testing cuts"The decline is anticipated because most of the vehicles exempted will be replaced by newer cars with better pollution-control equipment. Starting on July 1, only vehicles from model years 1996 to 2005 will be tested."
No
consensus on gas-tax plan"Among Democrats, Sen. Herb Kohl would probably support temporary relief from the gas tax, an aide said. But his Senate colleague Russ Feingold issued a statement saying, "A gas-tax holiday may be well intentioned, but the reality is consumers would see little to no benefit, while any modest relief would likely go to oil companies and wholesalers.""
Photo
ID may be required for state's boaters"The federal government's final plan is still months away, but officials already have faced a backlash from some boaters concerned about the possibility of a federal boating license. Coast Guard officials said no such license is in the works. Instead, they said they want to piggyback on existing state licensing and safety programs and tap into local boat registration databases, rather than creating their own."
[Will you feel safer taking off your shoes and being strip searched before getting on your bass boat?" - Bob]
How
helpful are cell phones?"Friday, however, Tom Hanrahan, support services supervisor for the 911 center, said that even if a cell phone had global positioning system technology — the capability to use satellites to determine location — a 911 dispatcher can narrow down the position of a cell phone caller to only about a city block in urban areas. In rural areas, the capabilities are even less precise, possibly several miles."
Feingold
still not revealing preference for Obama or Clinton"Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold still isn't saying which Democratic presidential candidate he prefers. At a listening session in De Pere on Saturday, Feingold said he'll be happy either way, but he's just anxious for the Democratic race to be resolved."
State
specialty cheese production sets record "Specialty cheeses, a value-added product that command a premium price for their unique qualities, made up 16 percent of the state's total cheese production last year, up from 13 percent in 2003, according to the NASS report. Of the state's 124 cheese plants, 83 manufacture at least one type of specialty cheese."
Doyle:
Miller has strong future in state "Doyle said Thursday that "there's no doubt Miller Brewing has a very, very strong future in Wisconsin." He says the merger will make the company stronger but the exact configuration has yet to be determined. As for where the headquarters will be located, Doyle says that's up to Miller to say."
Dave
Zweifel: Plain Talk: Gas tax holiday is a dumb idea "The United States has already fallen dangerously behind in maintaining its infrastructure. Interstate bridges are falling down, highway maintenance is far behind schedule, and mass transit is being starved for funds. This is hardly the time to put a bigger dent in the country's ability to fund transportation needs."
DNR
out to enforce fish-virus rules"A key focus of DNR wardens will be getting people to follow new rules aimed at limiting the spread of the viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, virus. The virus is not dangerous to humans but can cause large fish kills and can lead to declines in fish populations."
Measles
outbreak could worsen"Even those who can't or won't be vaccinated are protected vicariously if enough people in the community are immunized, Theurer said. This year's outbreak is the largest since 2001, when 116 cases were reported, according to CDC records. Officials expect this year's tally to keep climbing past that mark, said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases."
Ceremonial
Lodge Taken Down"Today, a ceremonial lodge put up in protest of the tribal government about a month ago was taken down. This afternoon hundreds of members of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians gathered across the street from their tribal center. They were there to see if a ceremonial lodge put up to protest the current administration would be taken down."
Fishing
Opener is Tomorrow"It's the big day every angler waits for all winter long, the opening weekend of fishing. And the people I spoke with today say they can't wait to hit the water and catch some fish. After a long winter, these anglers are anxious for opening of fishing season. "
WHAT’S
NEW Robert L. Park Friday 02 May 08- HYBRIPHOBIA: REMEMBER WHEN POWER LINES CAUSED CANCER?
- FOOD PANIC: NOT ENOUGH FOOD, OR TOO MANY MOUTHS?
- GINA: THE GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT.
- CLIMATE: IT’S WARMING – EXCEPT RIGHT NOW IT’S COOLING.
Funding
to Fix Problems with Troop Housing“I’m pleased that the Army has already taken steps to address the situation at Fort Bragg. But we should not wait until other video surfaces exposing poor conditions at another base before we act. Congress must ensure that the Defense Department repairs unsanitary conditions in barracks wherever they are.”
West
Coast ports shut down as workers protest Iraq war "Dole's report of losses, mostly in bananas, was the only one disclosed by local companies in the daylong protest, which involved thousands of workers at 29 ports from San Diego to Seattle. The work stoppage had a larger effect on ports in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland and Seattle, which are the primary gateways for container shipments from the Far East and other foreign ports."
02 May
Congress
Approves BILL TO PREVENT GENETIC DISCRIMINATION"Saying “new discoveries in medicine ought to help people, not hurt them,” Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) voted today to approve a bill that prohibits health insurance companies and employers from discriminating against people on the basis of genetic test results."
Teen
arrested for Saxon Pub break-in "Aaron Pellinen faces three felony counts each of burglary to a dwelling and contributing to the delinquency of minors, and three misdemeanors of theft, according to investigating officer Paul Samardich of the Iron County Sheriff's Department."
Spawning
walleyes could aid Saturday season opener ""The walleyes are still spawning heavily right now on the Gile Flowage," Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation warden John Windt said Thursday. Walleyes are spawning in the shallow water along the County C dikes of the Gile, just south of Hurley."
Weber
Lake receives 6,500 trout for Saturday's opener "The state's inland water trout season begins at 5 a.m. and Department of Natural Resources fishery managers have stocked ponds and select waters for the opener Weber Lake, below Whitecap Mountain, was to receive 4,575 rainbows and 2,013 brook trout in time for the traditional youth fishing opener on Saturday morning."
Midgets
sink Trollers in Indianhead battle"The Midgets dominated the Bayfield Trollers 12-2 in five innings. "This was a very good win," Hurley coach Aaron Bender said. "Anytime we are winning games without a complete roster is good.""
Theme
announced for 4th celebration "The Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce announced the July 4 celebration parade theme is "Makin' Music in Manitowish Waters." Participants are encouraged to incorporate music into parade floats."
Forest
income helps keep counties fiscally afloat"It's a tough time for northern Wisconsin counties. They find themselves increasingly squeezed between declining state and federal funding and revenue caps preventing them from raising taxes to cover costs. One saving grace in this fiscal vise is the presence of revenue from timber sales in the county forests."
Cougar-cide
adds to list of Chicago's sins"It's ironic that Illinoisans flood Wisconsin to commune with nature and enjoy free highways, but the minute one wild animal strays in their direction they mobilize the militia. Sweet home Chicago? Not if you happen to be a cougar on vacation."
Doyle
pushes on budget-repair bill"There are other options to ease the crunch: The Legislature and governor could agree to cut current state spending, and some Assembly Republicans want cuts of more than $300 million. Or state government could borrow money, as it has in other years."
Doyle:
Expect roadwork delays, unpaid bills if no budget deal is reached"Everybody's just trying to get out of town" ahead of the summer and fall election season, said Christian Schneider, a fellow at the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, a conservative think tank. "But the effects of what they do are going to be felt for years down the road."
EPA
administrator for Midwest resigns"Mary Gade, regional administrator of EPA Region 5, told the Chicago Tribune she resigned as regional administrator of EPA Region 5 after two top EPA officials stripped her of her powers and told her to quit or be fired by June 1. "There is no question this is about Dow," Gade told the paper for a story on its Web site. "I stand behind what I did and what my staff did. I'm proud of what we did.""
Crime
increasing in LdF while police chief seeks county assistance"With the trends of violence rapidly increasing, the number of tribal police are just as quickly decreasing, causing a problems for police chief Elliot Rising Sun. The police chief said it will have a negative trickle down effect and inevitably hit the county as a whole."
Planting
for the Future"The forestry business is a large part of the Northwoods economy. So to help keep their business going and preserve the natural beauty of the area a Northwoods company is putting back what it took. In just one day these workers will plant more than 35-thousand trees. Joe Mattke says, " We're replanting this site that we harvested last year.""
Six
Votes, Then and Now - NY Times"Just six Republicans broke with their party to join Democrats in supporting the new bill, which is needed to counter a noxious 2007 Supreme Court decision that made it largely impossible to enforce the guarantee of equal pay for equal work contained in Title VII of the 1964 law... Missing was John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee."
01 May
Sherman
Opposed to Combining Compact with Budget"The failure of the legislature to ratify the Great Lakes Compact this year is the single greatest oversight in this disappointing session. The Great Lakes are the most significant resource in the Upper Midwest and dominate so much of Wisconsin’s culture and economy that our neglect to protect the Great Lakes is unacceptable"
"Your site myhurley.net has exceeded its bandwidth quota in the period beginning on 2008-04-01. Your quota is set to 1048576000 bytes ( 1000.0 MB ), and your site has consumed 1010523214 bytes ( 963.71 MB ) beyond that quota."
[Better Luck next month. - Bob]
"The license of an Ironwood child care provider was suspended Wednesday as the result of a recent investigation of a complaint at the home. Seven-month-old Aden Michael Cannons of Hurley died at the child care home around noon on Sunday."
Mercer
board divided on support for five projects "The total cost of the upgrades is estimated at more than $100,000 according to a proposal from administrator Jeff Ehrhardt to the Mercer School Board. Projects range from new bleachers in the gym, at a cost of more than $40,000, to a new stage curtain, for about $3,000."
Weber
Lake receives 6,500 trout for Saturday's opener "The state's inland water trout season begins at 5 a.m. and Department of Natural Resources fishery managers have stocked ponds and select waters for the opener. Weber Lake, below Whitecap Mountain, was to receive 4,575 rainbows and 2,013 brook trout in time for the traditional youth fishing opener on Saturday morning. DNR Iron County conservation warden John Windt said 50 area youngsters will receive free rod and reel combinations, tackle and bait. All area youngsters are invited to join in the fun with adult supervision."
Groups
sue feds over ballast water, VHS prevention"The groups are specifically asking that APHIS prohibit the transportation of live, infected fish in all waters used for the ballast of ships, and that the Coast Guard prohibit uptake and movement of ballast water from areas already infected with VHS."
Report
call for more research on pollution, health problem link"Earlier drafts noted elevated levels of cancer, premature births and other health concerns in counties where some heavily tainted sites are located... The only health data it includes comes from previous ATSDR assessments of about 150 hazardous waste sites within the areas of concern. Of those, 86 were described as posing a potential problem; 47 were classified as hazards; and two were labeled ‘‘urgent’’ hazards."
Former
financial manager running for tribal secretary"Pete wants to concentrate on separating the involvement of the tribal council from involvement in tribal businesses. He believes by separating the politics from the business, it will allow the businesses to operate as profit-making entities and ultimately realize an increase in revenues and jobs."
House
panel backs Baldwin's bill to finance crane conservation"A companion bill authored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) has been introduced in the Senate. He first sought funding for cranes in 2002. Under the plan, the interior secretary would administer the fund. Public and private groups working on crane projects could seek funding."
Latino
numbers rise 4.3% in state"The Hispanic population here grew the most of any minority group - 41% from 2000 to 2007. With Hispanics constituting 4.9% of the state's population, Wisconsin ranks 32nd for its percentage of Hispanics and 24th for total Hispanic population."
Thompson:
We don't need a gas tax holiday"California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- a Republican, a Democrat and an Independent -- have formed a not-for-profit organization called "Building America 's Future " designed to rally support for a renewed commitment to funding America 's infrastructure needs."
Cougar
killed in Chicago came from Wisconsin "Animal control administrator Dr. Donna Alexander said officials hope additional testing can further delineate the cougar's genealogy and paint a better picture of his life. The remains of the 124-pound, 5-foot-4-inch male cat have been transferred to the Field Museum."
Report:
Wisconsin ranks 14th in school spending "Wisconsin schools spent an average of $10,190 per pupil in the academic year ending in 2006. The report finds that the vast majority of that, 60 percent, was spent on instruction. Salaries were 2.7 percent above the average and 16th highest nationally."
Another
"Day Without Latinos""Thousands are expected to march from Milwaukee's southside to Veterans Park this morning in what's become an annual demonstration regarding immigration rights... Demonstrators are calling for immigration reform to happen within the first 100 days of the next President's term."
Lac
du Flambeau tribal factions debate XIT investment"And, even if the company is sound, whether the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians adequately protected its own multi-million dollar commitment to the firm is a separate question entirely, the answer to which also depends upon whom you ask."
Industry
impact on lakes unclear
"I continue to have a number of concerns about CDC’s actions, particularly
the decision to remove county-level public health data from this most recent
draft,” Stupak said in a statement issued Wednesday."
Tribal
Tensions"For close to a month members of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians have gathered at this lodge across the street from the tribal center to protest their government... The lodge is on tribal property and officials say they don't have permission to be there. So, they passed a resolution that would've given the police the authority to remove them. Victoria Doud is the tribe's President and she says, " We've instructed our police to take what ever measures that they see fit to see that the structure is taken down.""
The
Bush Administration's Shroud of Secrecy - CounterPunch "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. And it has initiated secret programs involving surveillance, detention, and interrogation, some of the details of which remain unavailable today, even to Congress."
EXECUTIVE
ORDER # 249"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 Sergeant Steven Christofferson of the United States Army Who Lost His Life During Operation Iraqi Freedom."
"Feel free to dust off all the great quotes from that day, such as Chris Matthews gushing over Bush, "He won the war. He was an effective commander. Everybody recognizes that, I believe, except a few critics." As Bush spoke before the Mission Accomplished banner, American casualties stood at 139 killed and 542 wounded. That was nearly 4000 lives lost ago, and a Rand Corp. study released this month reveals that we now have 300,000 vets with mental problems of some sort."