Local News - June 2008 - WegoWeb.net
Source... Click on the title to read the article at its original source.

30 June

  
Hurley School conducts annual census
"Families new to the district or with babies born within the last two years are asked to call the district office at 715-561-4900, ext. 202, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The deadline is Aug. 1."
Climate change will have major effect on our lakes, says speaker
"Using ice cover data, he showed that though winters can be variable year to year, the general trend shows a decline in ice cover. This was brought to a local level by examining data taken from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the first and last dates of sailing. Over the last 150 years, the first date of sailing has moved 1.6 days earlier, while the last day is 1.5 days later."
ABC Preview - Raceway launches busy week
"The ABC Raceway will offer three great nights of stock-car racing action over the next eight days.  Track officials hope to “jam the stands” tonight in a program presented by WIMI-FM and Budweiser. All adult grandstand admission tickets will sell for half the usual price, or just five dollars. Younger race fans ages 12 and under will still be admitted free with a paid adult admission."
Great Lakes Compact 
"But backers remain wary.  That's in part because it was fear of water grabs from other sections of the country -- or even from overseas -- that inspired the eight states to negotiate their deal. "
Releasing Inmates
"The Dane County Sheriff's Office says it has more than twice as many inmates on electronic home monitoring now compared to the start of the year.  Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney says he hopes to get 200 on monitoring to reduce the number of inmates housed at other county jails."
Over 33 million gallons bypassed  - Fond du Lac Reporter
"In the end, a total of 33.69 million gallons of treated water was bypassed into Lake Winnebago through the river system.  "To give you some kind of scale, over three days, June 12-14, we treated 121.86 million gallons. That's what we normally pump in about 19 days," Leonhard said."
Great Lakes compact focus shifts  - Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
"Now the deal to govern nearly one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water is close to ratification at the state level, and supporters are beginning to plot a strategy for the final step: winning approval from Congress and the White House."
Ecological problem, economic distress
"The salmon fishery has collapsed on Lake Huron, and it happened in just a few years. In 2003, Michigan's 10 busiest ports on Lake Huron saw about 1.2 million recreational fishing hours, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Last year, that number dropped to approximately 300,000 - a decline of 75%."
State focuses on families
"The launch of the state Department of Children and Families this week will mark the first time Wisconsin has had a cabinet-level focus on kids and families.  One of its first initiatives is a searchable Web site with information about 5,700 licensed child-care centers and day camps around the state."
'The beach speaks for itself'
"What price would you put on our Great Lakes - the sand beaches and rocky shores; the salmon, perch and rainbow trout; the smell of a freshwater breeze? Should we give it all up so that international shippers can save about $55 million a year? What if we already have?"
Number of abortions in Wis. drops again
"The number of abortions performed in Wisconsin has dropped for the fourth straight year for another record low.  A new state report shows there were 8,267 abortions in Wisconsin in 2007. That is down from 9,580 the previous year, a drop of 14 percent. It is the lowest total since the state started keeping track in 1974."
Evangelism may be losing its sway - Colorado Springs Gazette
"And Dobson's failure to endorse presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain this year has caused barely a ripple among Republicans.  Moreover, counterattacks on Dobson this week over his comments about Obama have been heated and have included conservative Christians."
Mrs. McCain, San Diego County Would Like a Word - NewsWeek
"Shortly after NEWSWEEK inquired about the matter, the McCain aide e-mailed a receipt dated Friday, June 27, confirming payment by the trust to San Diego County in the amount of $6,744.42. County officials say the trust still owes an additional $1,742 for this year, an amount that is overdue and will go into default July 1. Told of the outstanding $1,742, the aide said: "The trust has paid all bills shown owing as of today and will pay all other bills due."
[If the Media had not given Cindy a pass on releasing only the first two pages of her federal tax return, we could check to see how much she deducted for this and her other 7-10 homes. - Bob]
28&29 June  
New Record and Three Days to Roll it Up Further
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Faces emerge from wood when 'Chiseler' carves
"Lauzon carves whimsical faces in knots and creases of weathered wood. Under his chisel, an angel in flight blowing a heavenly horn emerges from a flat slab of beachwood. He carves lettering on signs he carved. He carves small, round faces that fit into half a golf ball set on a tee on a small, polished slab of tree ring."
River paddle Tuesday
"The North Lakeland Discovery Center will lead a guided Turtle River paddle on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Manitowish Waters.  Transportation will be provided."
Scouts build bridge
"Six Boy Scouts built a bridge at Little Finland in Kimball, Wis., last weekend. Ryan Koski, who is working toward Scouting's top rank of Eagle, directed Adam Magdziak, Ethan Johnson, Logan Jacisin and Emerson and Spencer Lemmons in the project."
Feingold fights for privacy over surveillance legislation
"But he’s planning to use every legislative tactic at his disposal to try to block the bill from moving forward.  It’s a quixotic strategy that, he said, has already had a degree of success. By joining forces with Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to filibuster the legislation this week, the two postponed a final vote on the bill until after senators return from a weeklong break July 7."
Clergy-abuse prosecution limits clarified
"Clergy can be prosecuted for decades-old sexual abuse in Wisconsin if they left the state before a six-year statute of limitations expired, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday."
Manitowoc man told to remove upside-down flag
  • "It is a sign of disrespect of the American flag, and we would have a problem with anyone showing disrespect."
  • "When I fly my flag upside down, it is not meant to show that a single person is in dire distress. It's a symbol of your country being in dire distress."
Flooded Wisconsin governments to get federal aid 
"The Federal Emergency Management Agency now can reimburse the counties up to 75 percent of their costs for debris removal, emergency services related to the flooding and repairing public infrastructure such as roads and buildings.  The state will cover another 12.5 percent. The counties are responsible for the rest."
Preparing the Battlefield - The New Yorker - Seymour M. Hersh
"United States Special Operations Forces have been conducting cross-border operations from southern Iraq, with Presidential authorization, since last year. These have included seizing members of Al Quds, the commando arm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and taking them to Iraq for interrogation, and the pursuit of “high-value targets” in the President’s war on terror, who may be captured or killed."
An Attack That Came Out of the Ether - Washington Post
"A first group of people published articles that created the basis for the attack. A second group recirculated the claims from those articles without ever having been asked to do so. "No one coordinates the roles," Allen said. Instead the participants swim toward their goal like a school of fish -- moving on their own, but also in unison."
McCain Meets With Billy And Franklin Graham - Election Central Sunday Roundup
"John McCain met today with Billy Graham and his son Franklin, himself an influential Christian, in an opportunity to reach out to Christian conservatives who have tended to mistrust him over the years. Fun fact: In 2003, Franklin Graham looked forward to the Iraq War as an opportunity to spread Christianity in the Middle East."
Senate Postpones Spy Bill Vote Unitl July 8 - Wired News
"The schedule for the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 includes votes on three amendments. Democratic Senators Christopher Dodd, Russ Feingold and Patrick Leahy's amendment to strike telecom amnesty gets two hours of debate,..."

Editorial: Thumbs Up and Down - Appleton Post Crescent
"The senators — including Sen. Herb Kohl and Sen. Russ Feingold, both Wisconsin Democrats — have urged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to investigate Thailand's sending last week of 800 refugees to Laos, where they may face persecution."

GOP tactic causes Dems to end appropriations markup - The Hill - Washington,DC
“It should come as no surprise to anybody that Dave Obey has no patience for BS,” Brost said. “Today’s plan by Republicans to tie the committee in knots with a series of unrelated amendments was just another political stunt, the kind the American people have come to despise. It is BS and Obey won’t put up with it.”
27 June  
Mercer Centennial to be celebrated over nine days
"Mercer will celebrate its centennial over nine days packed with activities, historical or not, beginning Saturday and running through July 6.  "We wanted to get the whole community involved," said Margie Ervin, a centennial organizer."

School proposal to be on November ballot in Mercer
"The Mercer School District again will ask voters for approval to raise more tax money than state revenue limits allow.  The November ballot will ask for approval for an additional $350,000 per year for five years beginning in 2009-10."
Hwy. 2 businesses report big drop in customers
"Even in January and February, I never had a night without a few rooms rented out, but I've gone two Saturdays in a row with no rooms rented out," he said. "Last night I got calls from the AmericInn and Super 8 to see if we were full, because they were filled with events going on in the area and Willie Nelson over at Big Top Chautauqua. They were sending people over and none of them showed up. Now that doesn't make sense."
Compromise Made In Construction on Historic Road
"Military Road in the town of Three Lakes is one of the most scenic sights in the Northwoods. But plans to make the road safer threatened it's preservation."
Clergy-abuse prosecution limits clarified
"Clergy can be prosecuted for decades-old sexual abuse in Wisconsin if they left the state before a six-year statute of limitations expired, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday."
Wisconsin board OKs 90% cut in mercury emissions; fishing may benefit
"The board voted, 7-0, to revamp rules that are aimed at controlling mercury from coal-burning power plants. Mercury can eventually settle on water and contaminate fish."
Marilyn Lang: Feingold deserves award for courage
"I have just nominated Sen. Russ Feingold for the BuzzFlash Wings of Justice Award. My nomination statement is as follows:
     "Sen. Feingold fights against the over-reaching Bush administration, Republicans and cowering Democrats to uphold his oath of office to protect our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.""
GOP Senator Questions Obama's Bipartisanship -- But He Repeatedly Worked With Obama! - TPM Election Central
"Brownback himself sent out a press release in May 2007, touting their co-sponsorship of the "Iran Sanctions Enabling Act," which would increase economic pressure on Iran.  Obama was an official co-sponsor of Brownback's Darfur Peace and Accountability Act in 2006.  Brownback and Obama collaborated to introduce legislation establishing a clear U.S. policy towards the Congo in 2005.
 

26 June

  
INCREASED INVESTMENT IN ENERGY R&D
"To help address skyrocketing energy costs and break the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, the House Appropriations Committee, Chaired by Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI), today voted to increase federal investments into cutting edge alternative energy and energy conservation."
On Track to again Double Bandwidth
"Your site MyHurley.net  has exceeded its bandwidth quota in the period beginning on 2008-06-01.  Your quota is set to 1048576000 bytes ( 1000.0 MB ), and your site has consumed 821893257 bytes ( 783.818 MB ) beyond that quota."
[Tell a friend about MyHurley and see if we can really crush the limit this month. - Bob]
Deposits in prisoner board account down slightly"Prisoner board deposits at the Iron County jail totaled $58,268 on Friday, according to figures presented to the Iron County Board on Tuesday.  That figure is down slighty from last year's figure of $59,785 for the same period."
Eagle Bluff Golf
  • Men's League: Tuesday Morning
  • Afternoon: Front Nine, Back Nine
  • Couple's League: Wednesday
Tighter mercury limits approved
"Wisconsin utilities would have to cut mercury emissions by 90 percent over the next decade under a rule the state Natural Resources Board unanimously approved Wednesday."
Van Hollen elected to chair Midwest attorneys group
"The Midwestern Region is comprised of 10 attorneys general representing Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.  In addition, Van Hollen currently serves as a member of the NAAG Election Reform Committee."
Latest Poll Shows Obama up 13 Points in Wisconsin
"The poll released Thursday by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut also shows Obama ahead in Minnesota, Colorado and Michigan.  In Wisconsin, Obama is favored by 52 percent of those polled compared with 39 percent for McCain."
38 Arrested in 5 Days
"Sixteen of those arrested were fugitives and 22 were immigration violators who were encountered as officers made the targeted arrests. "
Saving Gas Money? Always Turn Right
"If you talk to drivers that have been around 20 or 30 years, that's something that we've always taught, explains Ronna Charles Branch, a UPS spokeswoman.  "It actually works. It's saved us 29,000,000 miles in delivery routes in the U.S., and about 3,000,000 gallons of fuel."
Tribal gaming rings up revenue across nation  - Green Bay Press-Gazette
"Figures from the National Indian Gaming Commission show that Native American casinos took in $26 billion in gambling revenue in 2007, up from $24.9 billion in 2006.  The region that includes Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming saw a 3.6 percent increase in revenue from 2006 to 2007."
Wisconsin board OKs 90% cut in mercury emissions; fishing may benefit
"Sporting and environmental groups and officials with the Department of Natural Resources pushed for the cut on environmental grounds, but also contend that reducing mercury contamination will help to bolster state fishing, which is estimated to produce $2.3 billion a year in revenue."
Stranded truckers set up camp near Peshtigo
"So for now, the truckers are befriending employees at the Eagle Express Truck Plaza where they've set up their chairs and shade umbrella in the parking lot.  One trucker says he's thinking of getting a mailbox and becoming a Wisconsin resident."
Why, on a day with these items, were the networks spending time on the PUBLIC airways on fluff and trivia?
  • LAW SCHOOL TO ORGANIZE BUSH WAR CRIMES TRIAL - RINF Formum
    "He noted in the years since the prosecution and punishment of German and Japanese leaders after World War Two those nation’s leaders changed their countries’ aggressor cultures. One cannot discount contributory cause and effect here, he said.  “For Bush, Richard Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and John Yoo to spend years in jail or go to the gallows for their crimes would be a powerful lesson to future American leaders,” Velvel said."
  • POW/MIA Families Alleged McCain Assault: Senate Ethics Committee Failed to Investigate - BuzzFlash.com
    "He went from a smiling, congenial, happy face to a beet red, totally enraged face in an instant," she said. "I have never seen a senator act in this way. We were all dumbfounded how this happened. He threw his arm up, and she goes flying and Jane [who was in a wheelchair] gets pushed aside as he brushes by her. All I see is people flying and I'm behind him [McCain]... This was assault."
  • Gas could fall to $2 if Congress acts, analysts say - Market Watch
    "The price of retail gasoline could fall by half, to around $2 a gallon, within 30 days of passage of a law to limit speculation in energy-futures markets, four energy analysts told Congress on Monday."
 

25 June

  
Appropriations Committee APPROVES BIG INCREASE IN MILEAGE COMPENSATION FOR VETERANS
"The House Appropriations Committee, Chaired by Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI), today voted to increase VA mileage compensation by nearly fifty percent to help veterans who have to drive long distances to receive care."
Incomplete records cover risks from barrels in Lake Superior - Duluth News Tribune
"Given the list of official references to radiation contained in or emitted from some of the barrels, and the fact U.S. Rep. James Oberstar of Minnesota and U.S. Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin have said some barrels are “perilously close” to Duluth’s drinking water intake, one has to wonder what it would take to raise an alarm at the department of health."
Wind powers Saxon farm
"With a sense of satisfaction in her voice, she said, "It is definitely worth it. It is good for the environment. It's not producing greenhouse gases. We're not beholden to the power company. It fits nicely into our farm landscape."
Mercer principal resigns, then reapplies for same job
"Mercer K-12 School principal Jody Bognar has reconsidered her decision to leave the job.  Bognar, first-year principal in 2007-08, will be among candidates interviewed in July for that job."
County board addresses business in short order
"With only two resolutions and one referral agreement on its agenda, the Iron County Board breezed through action items in only four minutes."
Carnival pulls out of city's 4th of July
"According to Celebrations Inc. President Mark Drolson, Stipes Shows has backed out of a commitment to provide a carnival for Ashland's Fourth, and will instead be in Burnett County on that day."
Small school districts to get 'sparsity aid' from state
"The districts must have a density of less than 10 students per square mile, and at least 20 percent of their students must qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, according to the release.  Common challenges facing these small, rural districts include declining enrollment, high transportation costs, the lack of economies of scale and low median incomes, according to the release."
Douglas County wants to pass the cost of invasive species clean-up on to shippers
"Douglas County has an idea for combating invasive species in inland lakes.  Instead of forcing local taxpayers to carry the burden, the county would like to see shipping fees paid by the vessels that bring the unwelcome invaders into the area’s waters cover the expense to combat the problem."
Mudcats rough up Hurley
"The Park Falls Mudcats broke out the lumber Tuesday against Hurley in more ways than one.  First, the two teams played the game with wooden bats as opposed to the usual aluminum. And secondly, the Mudcats scored in nearly every inning as they pulled away for a 17-2 win in their American Legion baseball game."
New DNR Water Guards - Video
"9 Deputy Wardens have been chosen to be DNR water guards.  They'll be at boat landings stopping boaters when they're leaving, to make sure they're following regulations regarding invasive species."
Green Demolition - Video
"Greg Baas says "It's a good thing. And it's not ending up in the earth and that's what we're really trying to avoid here."  Salvaging items like these doors, or these windows over here, even this siding on the ground, and selling them at Second Story at the Oneida County Landfill, is making it easy for everyone to go green."
I-94 nearly ready, but rain ahead
"Flooded westbound lanes of I-94 between Madison and Milwaukee could open by the end of the week, the state Department of Transportation says — but the National Weather Service is forecasting another round of thunderstorms that could disrupt that plan."
Lawmakers grant DOT half of cash
"The money for Real ID is being generated by a new $10 fee on driver’s licenses lawmakers approved last year. On Jan. 1, the price of a three-year license rose to $28 and the price of an eight-year renewal rose to $34."
More Wisconsin schools failing to show progress under No Child Left Behind
"The number of Wisconsin schools failing to meet federal No Child Left Behind progress standards rose sharply this year from 95 to 156 — including nine schools in Madison and Sun Prairie High School — according to data released Tuesday by the state Department of Public Instruction."
More bears being sighted in southern Wisconsin 
"Black bears are common in northern Wisconsin but usually don't show up in southern Wisconsin unless forced out of their breeding territories and have to go a long way to find new habitat.  Population estimates show about 12,000 bears in the state, but only 1,800 living in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin."
[The most serious sightings of bears occur in Green Bay once each year, but a good thrashing usually makes them return to less attractive habitat in the Chicago metropolitan area. - Bob]
DOT: Reopen I-94 West This Week?
"The DOT is considering opening all the westbound lanes of I-94, should weather cooperate.  Those lanes have been closed between Johnson Creek and Lake Mills for the last two weeks since the storms that caused mass flooding through Southeastern Wisconsin.  Inspectors will have to look at bridges over the Rock and Crawfish Rivers in Jefferson County to discover if they have too much damage to hold traffic."
Dodd And Feingold Will Filibuster Telecom Immunity - Huffington Post
"We will oppose efforts to end debate on this bill as long as it provides retroactive immunity for the telecommunications companies that may have participated in the President's warrantless wiretapping program, and as long as it fails to protect the privacy of law-abiding Americans."
Drudge Report of June 2000 Shows Bush Blaming Clinton for High Oil Prices: $20 -$30 a Barrel
"Now that Exxon-Mobil posted record-high earnings, oil is nearing $140 a barrel, and Bush has been in the White House long enough to have affected energy policy, it's no shock that the president's blame game has shifted. So Bush blamed Clinton for gas prices doubling, while prices have increased to record levels under his administration. Bush himself admits that oil prices under his administration have gone up seven-fold!"
Wallis rips Dobson's ripping of Obama - Seattle Post Intelligencer
"Evangelical leader Jim Wallis, author of The Great Awakening and founder of Sojourners, the largest network of progressive Christians in the United States, today criticized James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, for distorting Barack Obama's statements on faith and politics at the annual Pentecost Conference in 2006 held by Sojourners."
24 June  
Little Finland celebrates Juhannus
"On Saturday, June 21 (the official first day of summer), Little Finland celebrated Juhannus with music, food, and a kokkotuli (bonfire)... Music in the building was provided by the Northwind Boys and everyone enjoyed listening and dancing. The outside pavillion was the spot for food and refreshments along with musicians taking turns on accordian and fiddle."
Transportation interpreter working at Apostle Islands
"Zachary Rozmiarek, from Polaski, will spend the summer interacting with visitors throughout the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, helping to facilitate their interaction with the park's many resources. He will be aboard the Apostle Islands Cruise Service's daily shuttles to Raspberry and Stockton islands to promote the conscious use of alternative travel within the park."
Deal OK'd to regulate water from Great Lakes  - Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
"Five states have ratified the Great Lakes Basin Compact, and Ohio's governor will sign it soon. Then Michigan and Pennsylvania would be the only states that have not approved it. Congress also must sign off.  The compact itself has wide support in Michigan because many fear that states in dry regions could eye the Great Lakes for their water needs."
I-94 Normal Westbound Lanes Still Closed at Johnson Creek
"A five-mile stretch of I-94's normal westbound lanes near Johnson Creek remains closed this morning.  Drivers going both directions of I-94 are still using one lane today.  Jefferson's police chief is also seeing cracks in the Main Street bridge that were not there before the recent flooding started."
Expect Longer Lines at DMV's Next Year
"2009 will bring a much longer process to get the new "real ID's" Wisconsin will start issuing next year as part of new federal laws.  First, you take a number. Next, someone takes your photo. Then, you have to sit again and wait for someone to call your number again so you can go up and show three legal documents - your birth certificate, your Social Security number and the fact that you're legal in the U.S."
Fighting for Free Food
"Chaos erupted as people stood outside the Coggs Center Monday and dozens of police officers and Milwaukee County sheriff's deputies were called to control the scuffles.  One woman said she was trampled as the crowd rushed the doors Monday morning."
Federal commission requests gaming records from LOTC
"A letter from the regional office of the National Indian Gaming Commission in Minneapolis has confirmed that the commission recently requested revenue records for the last two years from Lake of the Torches Casino in Lac du Flambeau, as well as information about how those revenues have been appropriated."
$20 million sought for DMV upgrades
"Also included in the package is $1.4 million to install or upgrade take-a-number systems at 33 centers because drivers will soon have to make two trips from the waiting area to the service counter.  In all, the department is asking lawmakers to release nearly $20 million so it can implement the federal Real ID law, an anti-terrorism measure meant to make driver’s licenses more secure."
Odyssey into ID theft
"The hard lesson he's learned? Victims of identity theft often must sort through the mind-numbing, circular nightmare alone.  Guenterberg says he's gotten little help from law enforcement or the IRS - just one federal agency that should have known multiple people were using his identity."
More Wisconsin schools fail to meet federal standards
"The number of Wisconsin schools that didn't meet standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act and could face sanctions increased from 95 to 156 this year. Eighty-two of the 156 schools on the list released Tuesday by the state Department of Public Instruction were in the Milwaukee Public Schools. Seven were charter schools."
Better weather has helped some crops 
"While the full amount of crop damage is unknown at this time, drying conditions helped get corn back on track in the west central and northeast parts of the state.  The latest preliminary assessment showed close to $150 million in crop damages in the 30 counties."

Bike rally meant big bucks
"Abbott said local businesses benefited from the rally, also, since the approximately 1,200 attendees spent on average $1,000 over the event’s four days.  “It’s over a million dollars coming into the area,” he said."
Survey Shows U.S. Religious Tolerance
"For example, 70 percent of Americans affiliated with a religion or denomination said they agreed that “many religions can lead to eternal life,” including majorities among Protestants and Catholics. Among evangelical Christians, 57 percent agreed with the statement, and among Catholics, 79 percent did."
Dems Giving McCain a Big Pass
"And I must confess that I'm a little confused why more Democrats are not hitting this preening peacock with the fact that he is as we speak breaking the campaign finance laws and specifically breaking the law on accepting public financing. Having opted into the system and gotten the advantage of it he's now spending freely in defiance of the caps he agreed not to spend over."
Wisconsin: Congress members well-to-do - Dubuque Telegraph Herald - Dubuque,IA
"Kohl, who owns the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest members in all of Congress -- with a net worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Other salaries included:..
* Sen. Russ Feingold reported a net worth of $452,500...
* Rep. David Obey reported a net worth between $70,000 and $225,000."
 

23 June

  
Old wood becomes new sign for Mercer library, center
"A new sign made of old wood decorates the lawn of the Mercer Public Library and Community Center.  David McNutt of Wooden Craft & Design LLC built the sign from western red cedar reclaimed power line poles. McNutt said the wood is naturally rot and insect resistant."
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore releases action plan
"Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the 12th U.S. national park unit to become a "Climate Friendly Park." Local National Park Service staff have received support from the NPS Environmental Leadership and Natural Resources Stewardship and Science programs and technical assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency."
Madeline Island Museum marks 50 years of its own history (video)
"The artifacts of Native Americans, French and British traders and American settlers and tourists are joined by interpretive exhibits that bring to life a rich heritage of island life. Over the past five decades, hundreds of thousands of museum visitors have been able to take a peek into island history because of the foresight of the museum's founders."
Mercer school names fourth quarter honor roll
"The Mercer Area School has announced honor roll students for the fourth marking period of the 2007-08 school year."
ABC Raceway and Results June 21
"Saturday night’s AmsOil Dirt Track Series racing action at the ABC Raceway was full of drama, surprises, shuffles in the points standings and a little history."
Chopper Dropper
"750 golf balls were loaded in this helicopter and then dropped on to a flag for a closest to the pin contest.  The ball that lands the closest to the flag from the "chopper drop" wins 50 percent of the money collected."
Politician Promotes Tourism by Biking
"Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker kicked off the 5th annual executives' ride today.  The ride started yesterday.  Walker led a group of more than 50 motorcycle riders on a six day tour which goes 1700 miles throughout Wisconsin."
Fish Flooding
"That's according to a state Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Don Bush.  He says flood conditions increase the number of newborn fish during hatches and fish can find new habitat and food. "
Boaters: Capsized by gas prices  - Fond du Lac Reporter
"The high cost of gas, combined with a stagnant economy, has even convinced the Fond du Lac woman to put the boat, named "Directdeposit," up for sale.  Gas prices, which are usually steeper at the marina than the roadside filling station, are capsizing the summer plans of some boat owners. Boaters are taking shorter trips, spending more time anchored and doing everything they can to use less fuel as prices top $4 per gallon."
Don't Exepct City-Wide Wi-Fi
"The problem is making it profitable. The company says there aren't enough compan ies willing to pay for it.  Additionally, other cities have tried it and found that things like tree leaves and stucco homes block the signal."
Catholics try new ways to solve priest shortage
"At the heart of this experiment is the new position of pastoral resources director — a hybrid of a parish director and a director of administrative services — to help carry the administrative workload and share some non-sacramental pastoral ministry."
Thousands seek food vouchers in Milwaukee
"Milwaukee police say some 2,500 people fought and shoved each other on Monday after hearing - incorrectly - that they could receive free food vouchers.  Authorities say the crowd started lining up at the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center about 5 a.m."
State Debate: Doyle isn't alone in playing games
"According to Doyle aides, the governor showed up in the morning June 10 to kick off the event, played a few holes, then left for official business. He returned later in the day to thank his supporters.  This isn't President Bush vacationing in Texas while Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast.  This is just political gamesmanship."
Midwest worshippers hear good news: River cresting
"They prayed for aid and gave thanks for the volunteers, National Guard soldiers and prison inmates who helped the community of nearly 4,000 in recent days.  "And they all worked," the Rev. Jeanne Webdell said of the volunteers. "They worked for a cause bigger than themselves, worked to help people that most didn't even know.""
Hate Groups' Newest Target - Washington Post
"Neo-Nazi and white power groups acknowledge that they have little ability to derail Obama's candidacy, so instead some have decided to take advantage of its potential. White-power leaders who once feared Obama's campaign have come to regard it as a recruiting tool. The groups now portray his candidacy as a vehicle to disenfranchise whites and polarize America."
SETON HALL LAW REPORT: DEPT. OF DEFENSE DATA REVEALS NO RELEASED GUANTÁNAMO DETAINEE EVER ATTACKED ANY AMERICANS
 

21&22 June

  
Sargent to enter UWS Hall of Fame
"Vicki Sargent played and coached at a time when girls athletics were a distant second to the boys.  She helped change that at Hurley and will be honored by her alma mater for her work that spanned more than 30 years."
Grouse numbers rebound
"There's good news for Wisconsin's ruffed grouse hunters. Statewide, the ruffed grouse population has increased about 7 percent between 2007 and 2008, said Scott Hull, Department of Natural Resources upland game biologist. It increased about 12 percent in the north.
Kids' fishing tourney Tuesday
"The North Lakeland Discovery Center will hold the Adventure Club Fishing Tournament on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Eleven- to 14-year-olds can fish different lakes and catch anything from bass to bluegills."
Adventure Ride open through fall
"The Adventure Ride at Copper Peak is open now through the fall color season. Visitors may ride the 36-story chair lift and 18-story elevator to the top of the world's largest ski jump."
Flooding Review
" Doyle says he expects Jefferson and four other counties to soon be declared federal disaster areas.  19 other Wisconsin counties already have that designation due to the severe flooding.  The Wisconsin Emergency Management Department says preliminary figures show the flooding caused more than $470 million dollars in damages."
High Gas Prices for Boaters
"Daryl says, "It does add to the cost of coming up here, but I still don't think it's significant enough to prevent us from coming up. The water is so clean and the lakes so beautiful."  Plowman's Marine, in Woodruff, says they have just as many customers as usual, but some are turning to more fuel efficient boats, like pontoons."
Costly cod makes fish frys pricier
"Cwiklik said the price of cod has gone up about 50 percent in recent months. Distributors tell him it’s because of the weak dollar, the strong Euro and rising demand, he said. Plus, it costs more to bring cod over from Iceland.  Cod used to cost restaurants $2.50 to $3 a serving, but now it’s $6, Cwiklik said."
Cherry crop suffering after harsh winter
"Wisconsin is expected to produce only 200,000 pounds of tart cherries this year, down from 10.4 million last year, according to a Department of Agriculture report.  Several other top cherry-producing states also expect a smaller crop after the harsh weather. Industry leader Michigan is expected to produce 135 million pounds this year, down from 193 million last year."
For whom the toll bills? For thee
"Hundreds, and possibly thousands, of Wisconsin motorists might have been wrongly fined - some for thousands of dollars - by the Illinois tollway because of a mistake in the I-Pass system that electronically deducts tolls from credit card accounts set up by drivers.  "They're out to get us - there's no doubt about it," said Kevin McAllister of Germantown, who was mistakenly fined $140 for tolls dating back to 2006."
BadgerCare ranks swell since health program's expansion
"By expanding a state health-care program for the poor to those with higher incomes, state officials have achieved a seemingly contradictory goal — signing up tens of thousands of lower-income residents who qualified for coverage all along.  As of May, the Medicaid health program BadgerCare Plus has already tripled the number of new patients that state officials expected to sign up for the coverage by June 2009."
Web site created for local food dealers
"Users of the site create a profile as a buyer, seller or market organizer. The information is linked to other profiles in the same area.  Buyers can search by farm, product and location and place orders directly with the producer. Sellers can post company and product information and set their own prices, delivery days and locations."
Update: I-94, I-39 reopen in both directions; many other roads remain closed 
"With the opening of southbound I-39, most of the Wisconsin Interstate system and major state highways are clear for traffic," said Michael Bie, of the State Department of Transportation.  Bie said Wisconsin Highway 33 between Baraboo and I-39 is also open, but 33 between I-39 and Portage remains closed indefinitely."
WHAT’S NEW Robert L. Park Friday, 20 Jun 08
  • OSTP: URGENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT
  • SHELL GAME: PRESIDENTIAL POWER AND THE HYDROGEN HOAX
  • RUNNING ON WATER: JAPANESE COMPANY UNVEILS CAR
  • CELL PHONES: THEY ALSO DON’T MAKE POPCORN POP
  • SACRED LICENSE PLATES: I DON'T BELIEVE THEY’RE LEGAL
McCain Double-Talk on Immigration? - Political Punch
"So she went to the meeting, a room full of 150-200 people. "Sure enough," Pulido says, "his mantra at the meeting was comprehensive immigration reform.' And there were cheers and applause whenever he mentioned comprehensive immigration reform."  "Then he said, 'I bet some of you don't know this -- did you know Spanish was spoken in Arizona before English?' And the crowd roared. I was appalled," Pulido said. "He was pandering to these people -- that's what they wanted to hear.""
Ohio board votes to ax teacher accused of branding
"Freshwater used a science tool known as a high-frequency generator to burn images of a cross on students' arms in December, the report said. Freshwater told investigators he simply was trying to demonstrate the device on several students and described the images as an "X," not a cross. But pictures show a cross, the report said.  Other findings show that Freshwater taught that carbon dating was unreliable to argue against evolution."
Jeb Bush And His Cronies Have Big Plans for Govt.-Funded Religious Schools in Florida - AlterNet
"Some are well-established and fully accredited with a qualified teaching staff and a tradition of educational excellence. Others are small, poorly equipped and devoted to religious indoctrination, not academic accomplishment.  If former Gov. Jeb Bush and his allies have their way, however, all of these schools – and private academies like them around the state – will soon be eligible for massive new streams of public funding, courtesy of the state’s taxpayers."
 

20 June

  
Great Lakes' arrival saves airport budget
"Because of unanticipated funds coming in, only one part-time airport ground maintenance employee was laid-off, resulting in a saving of $5,600, airport manager Duane DuRay said on Thursday.  The current budget is up $213,700 from last year's budget of $703,000."
Hurley, Mercer schools to receive sparsity aid
"Small rural districts throughout the state qualify for the sparsity aid if their 2007-08 enrollment is no more than 725 students, enrollment density is less than 10 students per square mile and at least 20 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.  Payments were set in legislation at $150 or $300 per student, depending on poverty levels."
Public health agencies test readiness
""This was a great learning experience for us," said Zona Wick, director of the Iron County Health Department. "Every time we exercise, we strengthen our ability to respond effectively to a real event."
Construction crew uncovers mysterious sludge in sewer
"State Department of Transportation officials and crew members from RJS Construction were examining an old storm sewer line that crosses the highway near MacArthur Avenue to figure out where it leads. They encountered a blockage in the pipe and cleared it, and that's when the unknown liquid came pouring back into the manhole at MacArthur and Highway 2."
Apostle Islands Mainland Trail reopened
"The mother had a natural possessiveness relative to the carcass, and was guarding it against visitors hiking on the trail. To prevent any unfortunate encounters, the National Park Service closed the popular hiking trail to give the mother and her cubs some space."
Bond set for Plover man arrested with weapons cache  - Stevens Point Journal
"Glen Steger was arrested Tuesday at a home in the 1500 block of Airline Road in Plover on a Green Lake County warrant for sexual assault of a child. While at the home police found firearms including handguns and assault rifles and as many as 10 improvised explosive devices."
Jeff. Co.: Where's The FEMA Help?
"Today, Governor Doyle will see things firsthand.  The Governor will meet with FEMA officials in Jefferson County and tour the hardest hit areas.  The cities of Jefferson and Fort Atkinson took the hardest hits, to a point that Jefferson is a town split in half by the flooded Rock River."
Eurasion Water Milfoil
"Area researches find that a chemical is slowly but surely destroying Eurasion Water Milfoil here in the Northwoods' waters.  Water sampling is a way to check the levels of chemicals in the water which are used to kill off AIS.  Here in the Northwoods, experts say AIS is a huge concern and it's their job to preserve the waters in the safest way possible."
Fix for Great Lakes levels looks distant
" Members of the study group, which is looking at lake levels and other issues on the Upper Great Lakes, said that construction of a dam to raise lake levels would face court fights and require the approval of the U.S. and Canadian governments.  The short answer, experts told a group of 150 people, is that there are no easy solutions to low water levels that have plagued the lakes in recent years."
I-94 opens 1 lane each way
"Traffic finally began moving in both directions on Interstate 94 west of Milwaukee as flooded southern Wisconsin continued to dry out, clean up and deal with too much water."
Raw sewage taints state waterways
"Rains and widespread flooding earlier this month prompted 161 Wisconsin communities to discharge hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated sewage into waterways, the state Department of Natural Resources said.  The onslaught of water also washed untold quantities of manure, fertilizer, fuel, chemicals and other pollutants into streams and lakes."
More than 77,000 in Wis. yet to file for stimulus
"Anyone who files a tax return gets the payment. But people with at least $3,000 in qualifying income who don't normally file a tax return must fill out other paperwork with the IRS to get the payment.  The report shows 68 percent of those who haven't filed yet are over age 65. And 84 percent are over age 50."
Two state parks, two bike trails closed 
"Devil's Lake State Park is closed at least through Wednesday, June 25. The nearly 10,000-acre park is two miles south of Baraboo and about 40 miles northwest of downtown Madison. The DNR said flooding has washed out campsites and railroad tracks, roads are impassable in several places, and sewer and water utilities are down in some areas.  Wildcat Mountain State Park is closed until at least June 29. The 3,600-acre park is near Ontario on Wisconsin 33."
Appeals panel sends Times' records case to Supreme Court
"Specifically, the 3rd District of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals said the Supreme Court should decide whether the state's courts have any jurisdiction to review the Legislature's process by which it ratified a collective bargaining agreement that prohibited the release of the names to the newspaper and thus effectively modified the open records law."
An Old Church in an Aging Society
"The median age of PCUSA is 54; the median age in America is 36. Unless you are part of a “Gen X or Y” worship community, your church is probably not that much different in its “aging” process than PCUSA."
Could Bush Be Prosecuted for War Crimes?
"While the United States is a country like any other, its citizens no more special than any others on the planet, Americans still react with surprise at the suggestion that their country could be held responsible for something as heinous as a war crime."
McCain Breaking the Law in Plain Sight
"He's really doing it. McCain opting into public financing, accepted the spending limits and then profited from that opt-in by securing a campaign saving loan. And then he used some clever, but not clever enough lawyering, to opt back out. And the person charged with saying what flies and what doesn't -- the Republican head of the FEC -- said he's not allowed to do that."
 

19 June

  
Mercer Centenial June 28-July 6
Trivia/Scavenger hunt, Woods & Blooms Garden Club Tea, Lions Spaghetti dinner, Street Dance,  Pie Sale, Lions Flea Market ... and that's just the first day of this week long event.  You are urged to check the entire schedule by clicking the above link and seeing it all at the Mercer Chamber's web site. - Bob
NOTICE OF MEETING
"The Iron County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 6:00 PM at the Courthouse in Hurley, Wisconsin. The meeting is open to the public per Chapter 19, Sub Chapter V, Wisconsin Statutes."
OBEY WINS: GI BILL AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR WORKERS
"Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) said today that, under the agreement reached on the supplemental appropriation package last night, educational benefits for our nation's veterans will receive the largest increase since the GI Bill was created during World War II, and the Administration backed down from its opposition to providing extended unemployment benefits for families impacted by the rough economy. The bill is expected to be considered by the House today."
Opinion on payback of fees has statewide implications
"When questions like those presented by the Iron County Board have potential statewide implications, the Department of Justice is very careful in the opinions issued, because we know that other officials elsewhere in Wisconsin are likely to rely on our conclusions," Barnett said.  After receiving the e-mail, DeRosso said, "I am no longer skeptical. The wheels of justice turn slowly."
Rigoni to officiate all-star game
"The officiating trio of Greg Rigoni, of Hurley, and Pat Colgrove and Rob Frenchick has worked plenty of games together before.  But when they head to Madison Friday, they will join to officiate the 31st annual Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Division 3 boys' basketball all-star game."
Area residents invited to join researchers on Superior cruise
"Wednesday on the deck of the L.L. Smith Jr. As part of the educational program "A View from the Lake: Forests, Trees and Water Quality in Lake Superior," the trio of disparate parties hashed out how they'd develop a mock town along Lake Superior."
Lakers sweep Hurley
"Both teams scored a single run in the first inning. The Lakers added three runs in the second to grab a 4-1 advantage, and they broke the game open with an eight-run fourth."
Truckers Taking New Route
"Johnson says the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has issued temporary suspensions of oversize and overweight permits.  That makes travel difficult for Wisconsin truckers taking shipments out of state on the usual highway routes."
IED's Found in Home 
"A 58-year-old man is in custody after police in Plover recovered guns, ammunition and improvised explosive devices from his home.  The Marathon County Bomb Squad was called in after police went to the man's home Tuesday evening, and the squad was at the scene until early Wednesday working to make sure the items were removed safely. "
Shutdown in Niagara could help local mills  - Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune
"NewPage officials have said they will hire about 50 production workers in central Wisconsin, as the company plans to move equipment from the Chillicothe facility to Wisconsin Rapids.  The company also is seeking about 70 engineers companywide and is in the process of transferring its research and development headquarters to Biron, where local company officials expect crews to arrive today to complete the move."
Fishing guide swears by motorless tours
""For me, it is a lot more relaxing," he said. "I can be more one-on-one with individuals. It's a great experience."  Having a rowboat has not affected the amount of fish he or his clients catch. The boat's silence has even created opportunities for bird watching, Pierce said."
Foundation lobbies Assembly speaker to end pre-session prayers
"In a letter to Huebsch on Wednesday, Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-presidents of the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, said the prayers often “proselytize and advance the Christian faith” and exclude non-Christian and non-religious legislators, aides and members of the public."
Parents seek safety report cards
"Colleges, in turn, are trying to ease those fears while helping parents take an active role.  In a new twist, UWM parents can now sign up for emergency text alerts on their cell phones, a service that previously has been available only for students, faculty and staff."
High court should reject secrecy
"When it comes to Wisconsin government, the public is the boss and pays the bills. That means the public gets to know who it 's paying, how much and for what. Otherwise, the system is ripe for abuse.  A judge already sided with the public 's right to know. But the Wisconsin State Employees Union is still fighting in court to keep the names of its members secret. "
Stop-sign-running cyclist gets no love from appeals court 
"In her appeal, O'Malley cited state statutes requiring traffic control devices to be installed in compliance with federal regulations. Federal standards call for basing the decision to place a stop sign on engineering studies or engineering judgments.  The appeals court disagreed, saying that the standards O'Malley relied on are not mandatory for municipalities and that they retain some discretion over stop sign decisions."
Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol - Times OnLine
"To be more precise: the genetic alteration of bugs – very, very small ones – so that when they feed on agricultural waste such as woodchips or wheat straw, they do something extraordinary. They excrete crude oil."
 

18 June

  
Barrens burn set for Wed., June 18
"A large column of smoke may be visible from many miles away. The Forest Service does their best to perform prescribed burns when predicted weather forecasts allow for smoke dispersion to high altitudes."
Roundhouses fate uncertain
"One, presented by the newly-formed Arthouse Agency, would incorporate a performance stage and enough room for about 350 non-permanent seats on the first floor, along with gallery space for art, a possible recording studio and other meeting space... The second concept, put forward by Tom Trudeau and also drawn up by C & S, consists of up to 14 units for living quarters: six, two-level townhouses and four, 3-bedroom apartments on the first floor, and another four, three-bedroom units on the second floor."
E. coli linked to flood? - Green Bay Press-Gazette
"Assessors with the Federal Emergency Management Agency continued to tour the state Tuesday, visiting Fond du Lac, Waukesha, Kenosha, Marquette and Iowa counties. Teams were slated to visit Grant, Ozaukee, Rock and Sheboygan counties on Wednesday and Dane County on Thursday."

Fond du Lac officials make the community's case to FEMA  - Fond du Lac Reporter
Old Bald Eagle Found Near Sayner
"The state Department of Natural Resources reports that the carcass of the 31-year-old adult female was recovered May 16 on Razorback Lake. The eagle had a leg band that state wildlife biologist Ron Eckstein traced to 1977."
Board Votes to Terminate Agreement
"Gary Mueller, Forest County District 16 Superintendent, says, "For a 300 million dollar infrastructure the personal property taxes that would probably be more than the taxes of the whole county. So it would be good for the county people. Unfortunately if it were to go into the tribal trust we would probably lose that advantage."  Tribal officials have said if the agreement isn't upheld, which it wasn't, they would take their case to court."
Obey funds war he votes against
""I don't have a magic wand to stop the damn war," he said in a recent telephone interview.  Obey, who leads a committee that helps shape how the government spends hundreds of billions of dollars a year, now finds himself in the position of crafting legislation to continue funding the Iraq war even as he votes against those very measures."
State to host Great Lakes hearings
"The International Joint Commission, a binational group created to help the two countries manage their shared waters, is in the middle of a five-year study of how to better manage the waters in Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron."
Dells feels the loss
"While some tourism business was flushed away along with the lake when a breach opened last week, Wisconsin Dells officials want visitors to know the place is still open for business.  “It’s tough. It is. We’ve lost a lot of reservations even though we didn’t sustain any damage,” said Dawn Baker,..."
Work to start soon on Les Paul exhibit in Waukesha
"Villegas says she's going to get to work raising money and planning the exhibit about the inventor of the solid body electric guitar.  Officials say they've raised about $1 million. That's far short of the $3 million needed to complete the exhibit."
Expect delays as work starts on I-94 fix
"The closed stretch of westbound I-94 has led to a lengthy detour for drivers coming from Milwaukee to Madison — all the way to Beloit by taking Highway 83 to I-43 to I-39-90, a 115-mile detour compared to the normal 45-mile trip."
Fort Atkinson nursing home evacuated due to rising water 
"A Fort Atkinson nursing home was evacuated Tuesday as water from the flooded Rock River inched closer to the sandbags that are protecting the building.  Most of the Golden Living Center's 87 residents were taken to Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. Ten people were transported to a local hospital."
Emotional debate marks MW Plan Commission public hearing
"It's hoped that an expanded Manitowish Waters bike trail system will eventually connect with a planned westward expansion of Boulder Junction's extensive 13.5-mile bike trail system, which would run along Hwy. K, Hwy. H, Bakken Road, Island Lake Road and Old Hwy. 51 Road to Ward Bros. Supermarket, where the Boulder Junction trail would then run north two-tenths of a mile along Hwy. 51 to a connection with the Manitowish Waters trail at Townline Road. "
Local descendant stakes claim to Strawberry Island
"The lease gives Poupart full control of the island, which has long been sought after by the tribe. Terms of the lease, although mainly undisclosed, do not allow the island to be sold from underneath Poupart regardless of the price offered, according to Mills-Rush. Although it could be purchased while being leased by Poupart, he would have to approve the sale."

Wolves draw most comment as DNR holds hearing
"“Within the last 10 years, a lot of surveys of plants and mollusks have been conducted so they have more information to go on,” he said.  Out of 61 proposed additions and seven proposed subtractions from the list, the proposal to de-list the gray wolf and bald eagle drew the most interest at Tuesday’s hearing."
DNC to Court: Make FEC rule on McCain finance - Buzz Flash
"The FEC currently does not have enough members to constitute a quorum but Chairman David Mason, a Republican, issued a letter to the campaign notifying it that it cannot withdraw without FEC approval. Mason also suggested the possibility that McCain has already benefited from matching funds, which is the position of the DNC, and may not qualify for FEC approval of contract withdrawal. In May, President Bush withdrew Mason's nomination to another term on the FEC, adding another questionable political firing under his belt."
Audit faults KBR's prices - Houston Chronicle
"The overcharges were one element of mismanagement by Houston-based KBR, of three Navy contracts valued at $229 million for cleanup and restoration of Navy facilities damaged after Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Katrina in 2005, the audit said.  Altogether, the audit requested that the Navy seek refunds of at least $8.5 million for "inappropriate" payments to KBR."
17 June  
Hurley School Board approves emergency alert system
"The system provides instant alerts for "pending imminent threats" through e-mail and cell phone messages.  In addition to allowing school administrators to initiate alerts about bomb threats, abductions or other threatening situations, the system will allow for instant notification of school closings because of weather."
Alan Ralph running against Rep. Sherman in 74th District
"Alan Ralph, of Drummond, has announced his candidacy for the 74th Assembly District, challenging incumbent Gary Sherman for the Democratic nomination in the September 9 primary election.  A longtime political activist and columnist, Ralph lost a close race for the Assembly in 1984, but remained active in local affairs for many years on both the Ashland County Board and the Ashland City Council."
Shirl LaBarre announces candidacy for 74th District
" LaBarre has owned and operated Mr. Ed’s Plumbing in Hayward with her husband Ed since 2001. Along with serving two terms on the Hayward Unified School District Board, three years as vice president, LaBarre has held numerous positions on councils and boards in northern Wisconsin."
Outbreak of illness linked to common Norovirus
"According to Ashland County Health Officer Terri Kramolis, a total of 57 people were interviewed following the outbreak, which made dozens of people ill. Kramolis and John Archer, a Wisconsin Bureau of Communicable Diseases representative, both confirmed that the common factor in the outbreak was that those affected had been at the Bad River Casino.  "Those are only the people we interviewed," Kramolis said. "Anecdotally, there may have been many more — perhaps over a hundred — we just didn't get interviews on all of them.""
Wis. senators travel different financial roads
""Feingold's life financially looks a lot more like that of the typical Wisconsin voter. He is living pretty much paycheck to paycheck," said financial planner Annette F. Simon said after reviewing documents.  The financial life of Kohl, the state's senior senator, is quite different. He reported $11.8 million in adjusted gross income..."
I-94 Could be Closed for Weeks
"Right now, I-94 westbound has been shut down from Highway 83 in Waukesha County throuugh Jefferson County since the flooding happened last week, forcing drivers to take an alternate route that forces them to drive to Beloit before heading north to Madison.  However, an alternate plan might give some critical help to drivers to avoid that 50-mile detour."
Road Closures
"Transportation Secretary, Frank Busalaachi, says he has ordered bypass built on I-94 in the Johnson Creek area to get the road reopened.  Busalaachi says work crews are already on the scene getting the area ready for grading and paving. He says he hopes the work will be done by the end of the week. "
Illegally Scrapping Metal Becoming A Problem in the Northwoods
"n an effort to make a quick buck, people are scrapping metal.  But stealing the metal that you're scrapping is a crime, and it seems to be a growing trend.  This might look like a bunch of junk, but all of this metal is actually worth a pretty penny."
Corn drowns just as global demand soars
"Instead of cashing in on the harvest this fall, many farmers will be turning to crop insurance and federal assistance to cover their losses as thousands of acres of prime Wisconsin farmland resemble small lakes."
AFSCME, MoveOn ad targets McCain on Iraq war
"Paid for by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and by MoveOn.org, the commercial represents an expansion by Democratic-leaning groups of a campaign against McCain. It also targets one of McCain's major assets - his public credibility on national security issues."
[The MoveOn.org. ad can be seen by clicking HERE. - Bob]
 

16 June

  
46th Parallel Planters Honor Past President
"At the meeting preceding the lecture Gordom Frese received a plaque honoring his 11 years of service as President of the club. Gordon was an original charter member and founder of the group."
Fall delivery planned in Gile
"If all goes well, the full-service post office will open by mid- to the end of September," U.S. Postal Service manager of operations Mark Rask of Wausau said Friday."
Hurley PTO throws annual send-off picnic
"Activities included crazy kickball, outstanding obstacle course, awesome art area, wild relay, total tug-o-war, staff relay and dunk tank. Also on hand were the Hurley Fire Department with a fire truck, Beacon Ambulance, Hurley Police Department with a squad car and Ranger Tim Fitzgerald and Smokey the Bear."
After downpours, mosquitoes will rise
"Wisconsin could face a bumper crop of mosquitoes in the coming weeks as a heavy spring snowmelt, torrential summer rain and rising temperatures conspire to create the ideal breeding ground for the blood-sucking pests.  The good news - if you can call it that - is that floodwaters tend to attract nuisance mosquitoes that ruin your picnics and deplete your store of calamine lotion. The bugs will travel up to 30 miles to feast on humans, but they aren't likely to spread the West Nile virus or one of the other mosquito-borne diseases, according to state entomologists."
Time running low for Bush’s US judge pick
"Much will depend on Wisconsin’s two Democratic senators. Dugan was one of four judicial candidates recommended to the president in January by Sens. Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl, both of whom sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee. A delay in Dugan’s confirmation would allow the next president to nominate the new judge."
Cost for proposed coal plant up 50 percent from 1st estimate
"The Madison-based company says the price tag could be between $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion.  When the Cassville plant was originally proposed in 2007, the company estimated the cost at less than $800 million.  Company officials blame the increase on soaring construction costs, including hikes in the price of items such as concrete and steel."
Parts of interstate reopen 
"Northbound and southbound I-39 remains closed from Highway 78 to Highway 16. The detour runs from Highway 16 in Portage to the Highway 51/I-39/90/94 interchange just north of Madison."
Midwest Airlines eyes flight, job cuts
"The airline has already downsized," Schnedorf told the paper. "I have serious concerns as to their ability to downsize much further and realistically expect to remain a viable operation. You can't shrink to profitability." ... The company wants to suspend its contributions to the pilots' pension plan for at least one year and impose a wage freeze, Schnedorf said."
Private piers, public property could spell trouble
""What happened was that the right of way of Park Avenue was actually the town's right of way," he said. "This has been going on for years. The town allowed owners to place piers across from their property as long as they maintained the steps and the piers. . . . Now if you deny one, are you going to tell the rest to get their piers off?""
To translate or not to translate: that is the question - OhMyGov! - Washington,DC
"Senator Kohl has introduced S. 702, The State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act, which would authorize the US Attorney General to subsidize State courts in developing and implementing interpreter programs, costing an estimated $47 million over five years. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of this legislation."
Talking Religion and Politics without Getting Co-opted
"Systems are important but they're also complicated. Historian Mark Noll notes that evangelicals often fail to add value in politics because we like simplicity: good vs. evil; right vs. wrong. Political and economic arrangements are full of complexity and nuance. Well-intended legislation may lead to poor results. When we condition people to think that every bill is a battle between the forces of righteousness versus the minions of darkness, we do not serve the process well. But we specialize in polarizing."
Paul, Barr may be forging an alliance for fall election - Boston Globe
"Signs are emerging of a possible alliance this fall between Ron Paul, the libertarian-minded rebel Republican, and Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party's presidential nominee.  Paul was the Libertarian nominee in 1988, and many of his supporters are libertarian-minded on economic and social issues.
 

14&15 June

  
Horses injured in accident euthanized
"One of the horses was in the westbound lane, the report said. That horse hit the front end of the vehicle, causing the animal to roll onto the hood of the vehicle, striking the windshield.  The horse then flew over the vehicle and landed on several canoes on the trailer that was being towed by the vehicle, the report said."
Junior golf camp, league to begin at Eagle Bluff
"The golf league starts Monday at 4 p.m. and will continue on Mondays through the Aug. 11 championship.  The league is for the more experienced golfers ages 5 to 18 who are able to play golf on their own.  The juniors will be paired up and will golf nine or 18 holes depending on age. Each week will be a different event."
Races tonight in Ashland
"Tonight, the ABC Raceway will again attempt to shift the focus to just good old-fashioned racing.  The track will host its fifth regular weekly show of the season.  With the program the regular race season will be one-third complete."
Chemical mix-up sickens 23
"The people were treated and released from Aspirus Wausau Hospital after being sickened by chlorine gas.  A private trucking company employee mistakenly poured phosphoric acid into a sodium hypochlorite tank, mill vice president Jeffrey Verdoorn said. That caused a chemical reaction that formed chlorine gas."
FEMA Relief 
"The state says the Federal Emergency Management Agency's first Disaster Recovery Center will open Monday in Reedsburg.  Wisconsin Emergency Management says centers in the other declared emergency counties are expected to open and those locations haven't been decided yet."
Gasoline consumption takes dip
"Sales in 2008 began slightly above the previous year’s, but in March that trend reversed, with gallons of fuel sold declining by about 6 percent from the previous year, Kemerling said. Sales declined 4 percent in April from the previous year and 6 percent in May."
Historic storms force evacuations, gridlock
"People traveling from the Twin Cities to Chicago were advised to take I-94 to state Highway 29, across to I-43 in Green Bay and south to I-94 through Milwaukee.  Those traveling from Chicago to the North Woods were encouraged to use I-94 to I-43, then Highway 29 to I-39."
Disease is found in perch
"The deadly fish disease viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been found in Lake Michigan yellow perch, heightening concerns about the plight of the popular native fish and the vulnerability of the Wisconsin sport fishery in general."
State scientists keep water flow grounded
"Average annual groundwater levels jumped 37% from pre-1970 levels, the researchers found. Climatic shifts spurred an increase in precipitation, but rainfall alone could not explain all the data.  Improved agricultural practices — including less- intensive farming and stopping cows from grazing on hill slopes — directly impacted water absorption, decreasing overland stream flows and increasing underground base flows."
Farmland gets new advocate
"The American Farmland Trust has hired a Wisconsin staff person and committed other resources to an effort to win legislative approval next session of key recommendations contained in a recent state report on how to slow the loss of the state’s working agricultural land."
FLOOD OF '08: Road closures slow traffic; parts of Interstate reopen
"Closures Saturday on two of the state's main arteries — Interstate 39-90-94 north of Madison and Interstate 94 toward Milwaukee — and other roads, forced detours that swelled traffic on the Beltline and caused backups in Delafield, Lake Delton and on Highway 12 between Sauk City and Wisconsin Dells."
Wisconsin 4th in nation in maple-syrup production
"Wisconsin trails only three states in production of maple syrup.  Vermont's maple-syrup production rose by 11 percent this year, maintaining its traditional position as the nation's largest producer of the sweet stuff."
McCain Cancels Event with Controversial Fundraiser
"ABC's Rick Klein reports: Sen. John McCain on Friday  abruptly cancelled a Monday fundraiser that had been scheduled at the home of a Texas oilman, after ABC News contacted the campaign inquiring about a verbal blunder the Texan made ... a botched attempt at humor in which he compared rape to weather. Within earshot of a reporter, Williams said: “As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”"
Rapture-Ready Evangelicals Impersonate Army Officers
"Thus, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation is now officially demanding that those responsible within the penumbra of the Department of Defense, and there are many, including Inspectors General, for the aiding, abetting, and endorsing of USOSC proselytizers, feloniously impersonating active duty U.S. military officers and senior NCOs must be subjected immediately to trial by courts martial. Additionally, MRFF is now likewise demanding that all United States Attorneys whose jurisdictions cover localities where USOSC personnel are illegally wearing their proselytizing-enabling, intentionally confusing military 'uniforms' in blatant violation of Title 10 of the U.S. Code immediately refer these violations to the FBI for aggressive and swift investigation.""
Fiore - Lord Petro
13 June  
Statement from Congressman Dave Obey on the Passing of TIM RUSSERT
“Tim Russert’s death is not just a body blow for NBC News, it is a body blow for the nation and for anyone who cherishes newsmen and women who have remained devoted to reporting hard news in an era increasingly consumed by trivia."
Fuel costs a concern for Bayfield businesses
"Right now, we're trying to figure out what people's travel plans are going to be," said Gary Russell, co-owner of the Madeline Island Ferry Line. "I think there's a lot of apprehension in the business community in Northern Wisconsin and every place else, you know? I think after the season's over, we'll all have a better understanding of how to fix this."
Chemical Reaction at Wausau Paper Mill
"Bryan Gaulke lives in the area, he says, "I looked out my window and saw a bunch of people and thought they might be on strike but my dad told me it was a chemical leak and we had to get out of the area."
Interstate Closures
"The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and State Patrol have closed I-39 northbound, I-90/94 westbound at US 151 (Exit 135 - Madison) due to rising water at I-90/94 westbound at the Baraboo River (WIS 33). "
Brokaw residents allowed to return to home, mill employees allowed to leave
"Law enforcement officials gave the approval at about 1:45 p.m. for Wausau Paper mill employees to leave the scene, residents to return home and motorists to resume their travels through the village, Marathon County Sheriff's Lt. Dale Wisnewski said."
8 arrested in immigration sweep
"The arrests are a result of efforts to identify, arrest and turn over to federal immigration authorities for eventual deportation violent individuals who are members of organized gangs, according to Van Hollen’s office."
More toxins will be buried, not dredged
"Estimates of the Little Lake Buttes des Morts cleanup have ranged as high as $150 million, but with less dredging, costs will come down... “We understand that they can’t dredge everything out of the river,” said Penny Bernard Schaber of the Sierra Club in Appleton. “But we have real concerns about the permanency of capping.” "
50 to 60 miles of interstate closures as Baraboo River rises
"Water overflowing from the swollen Baraboo River caused the shutdown of all or part of the interstate along an approximately 60-mile stretch from Madison to Oxford and a 50-mile stretch between Madison and Lake Delton Friday afternoon. An official warned the highways could remain closed for as much as a week."

Flood-related road closings called unprecedented
Doyle: No retroactive flood insurance, but FEMA help possible 
"Communities have up to six months to re-enter the insurance program, but Doyle advised re-entering as soon as possible. The flood insurance benefits would not be retroactive, he said, but basic FEMA services would be available for the communities hit hard by recent storms and flooding, including "grants and funds for rebuilding.""
Caught Red-Handed - TPM
"Here's video of McCain using the word himself in 2004 and then claiming it's all a bum rap just this morning. For more ins and outs of the policy and terminology issues, see the post below. To take the McCain flimflam straight up, no chaser, watch the vid ..."
 

12 June

  
OBEY SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
"Calling on the President and his allies in Congress to “end their opposition to this much needed relief,” Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) voted today to extend unemployment benefits for the workers who have been hardest hit by the sagging economy."
Council approves 7 adult entertainment licenses
"Granted licenses were the Silver Dollar, 23 Silver St.; Harley's in Hurley, 17-19 Silver St.; Full Moon Saloon, 13 Silver St.; Idle Hour, 25 Silver St.; Club Sierra, 21 Silver St.; Shooters, 15 Silver St., and Club Carnival, 10 Silver St. The council also approved 35 taverns for Combination Class B liquor and fermented malt beverage licenses."
Schools hit with rising bussing costs
"Districts are taking a multi-faceted approach to decreasing their fuel consumption, often starting by streamlining their bus routes, Crom said. Others are increasing their schools' "walk distances," which is the minimum distance a student must live from their school in order to be eligible to ride the bus."
American Red Cross Helps Flood Victims
"In Rhinelander, American Red Cross says they've sent one disaster action team member from Lincoln County to Indiana.  In response to the floods, volunteers are help victims with food, shelter and clothing."
Fatal ATV Accident
"The sheriff's department says 75-year-old Everrett Saucerman of Wheaton, Illinois was killed in yesterday's accident in Lac du Flambeau.  The accident happened at the intersection of Highway 47 and Stearns Lake Road."
[See also Wheaton man killed in ATV crash in northern Wisconsin in Wheaton's Daily Herald. - Bob]
More bears may mean more tags
"Local bear hunters weren't surprised by the news and said they've witnessed the bear population growing for years.  "It's absolutely nothing to be scouting and to see a bear track or scat pile or clawing tree. I mean, it's fairly routine," said Steve Bartylla, 43, of Marshfield, who started hunting at age 10."
Village opted out of flood insurance plan
"The Village of Lake Delton began the paperwork just two weeks ago to rejoin the flood insurance program after a dispute with FEMA's floodplain elevation maps from 2001 caused it to back out"
Some top $100,000 in overtime
"The long hours some workers are putting in raise questions about their ability to perform their jobs, the Legislative Audit Bureau also said in its report.  For instance, a nurse at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility last year made $225,462, including $103,412 in overtime"
Wisconsin crop losses will total tens of millions, experts say
"Flooded fields from recent rains will likely cause at least tens of millions of dollars in losses from ruined crops, lowered yields and delayed plantings, farm experts from across Wisconsin said Wednesday.  And consumers will join farmers in taking the hit, as the flooding across the Midwest has helped push already high commodity prices to record levels, market watchers said."
State execs worried about economy, WMC survey finds
"Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce's 2008 Economic Outlook Survey found that 38 percent of state CEOs said the slowdown was the top problem for their business this year, up from 33.3 percent last year and only 8.8 percent two years ago, WMC said in a news release Wednesday"

 
Fox News Changes: "Terrorist Fist Jab" Anchor E.D. Hill Loses Her Show, Laura Ingraham In At 5PM
"Perhaps feeling the ratings heat, Fox News is making changes to its afternoon lineup.  TVNewser reports that E.D. Hill, who hosts "America's Pulse" — and who raised many eyebrows this week after calling Barack and Michelle Obama's fist-pound a "terrorist fist jab" — has lost her show:"
 

11 June

  
Fundraiser planned for Lake Michele fireworks show
"The big event on July 4 will start with a cook-out by the Hurley Fire Department at 3 p.m. at Haven North Apartments on Lake Michele. An aerial fireworks display starts at 8, with an American flag parachute and other features.  Those interested in volunteering or wanting to coordinate an event should contact Fontecchio, 715-561-2772 or 715-360-0895, or Harmel at 715-561-3085."
[Video from July 20069 can be seen by clicking HERE. - Bob]
Hurley council receives clean 2007 audit report
"Auditor Dave Traczyk Tuesday gave the City of Hurley a "clean opinion" on all facets of the 2007 audit and said the general fund is in decent shape.  Traczyk said the city has $16.8 million in assets and $11.2 million liabilities."
Bear Not There
"Valerie Berkely and Sadie Rose were saddened to find Blackberry missing recently and submitted this plea: “Missing! One big chocolate cookie bear. Goes by the name of Blackberry. Sadly missed by loved ones and neighbors. Details: Lifesized plywood, uniquely handcrafted, painted brown and tan on both sides, set with 4-by-4-foot post.” They’ve offered a reward for the bear’s return. Anyone who knows Blackberry’s whereabouts can contact Berkely or Rose at 715-849-8041 or 906-932-4811."
Bear activity prompts Apostle Island trail closure
"A mama bear and her cubs will be allowed to roam near the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Mainland Trail, but hikers and other human wanderers will not.  The trio were spotted this past weekend feeding on a deer carcass near the trail, which begins at Myers Beach. When the sow bluff-charged a couple of hikers — in an effort to protect the food source — park service staff decided to close the four-mile trail until further notice, including the campsite at the end of the trail."
Fond du Lac
  Reporter 		FdL is buying electric vehicles
"The vehicles, built by Global Electric Motorcars, run on six standard car batteries and can be used for eight hours after a full charge, Lentz said.  Equipped with turn signals and safety features such as seat belts and a windshield, the vehicles have a top speed of 25 mph and can be operated on local streets. They will cost about $14,000 to $15,000 a piece, Lentz said."
Portions Of I-94 To Close
"Emergency Operations Center spokesman Mike Goetzman says eastbound lanes are higher and should not be affected by the closure.  He says no other interstate lanes have been shut down yet due to the flooding, but a portion of I-94 near Highway 33 around Portage is being monitored."
Two LdF Tribal Council Members Voted Out
"6% of the 691 voters said yes to the removal of Maulson.  58% approved the removal of Big John from the council.  The removal concurred with recommendations that found both men violated their oaths of office, their duties to the membership as elected officials as well as other violations."
Lake Delton to be dry this year
"Engineers must first redirect Dell Creek, which brings water to Lake Delton from Mirror Lake, because the creek is now running straight through the newly carved, 400-foot wide chasm into the Wisconsin River, Morton said. The creek is supposed to flow out to the river over Dell Creek Dam."
DNR: New study suggests larger bear population
"The new research, which could lead to more hunting of bears, suggests about 26,000 bears roam the state, said Timothy Van Deelen, a wildlife ecology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who coordinated the study... The state Department of Natural Resources' model for counting bears had the population at 13,000, he said."
Growing pains: Gardeners experiment with less hardy plants
"Thanks to global warming, these and other less hardy plants are surviving and even thriving in this area, said Nedveck, who has owned the popular Flower Factory for 25 years.  "The change over the past 10 years has been gradual," she said, but has accelerated during the last five, as temperatures warm and the growing season lengthens."
High court rules in favor of young cancer survivor, exposing exclusions in health care policies 
"The stem cell rescue therapy recommended by Parker's pediatric oncologist at UW Hospital and Clinics was turned down for coverage by Touchpoint Health Plan, the Summers' insurance company... The couple were faced with an excruciating choice: go forward with the stem cell therapy without knowing how they'd pay for the expensive treatment, or put Parker through a regimen of radiation that was covered by insurance, but was more likely to inflict damage on his internal organs."
Sexist Tone in the Media Reaches a Fever Pitch - Women's Media Center
"As the sexist tone in the media reaches a fever pitch, the Women's Media Center created this video to illustrate the problem and send a message to the media: Sexism might sell, but we're not buying it!"
Bacteria make major evolutionary shift in the lab - NewScientist
"A major evolutionary innovation has unfurled right in front of researchers' eyes. It's the first time evolution has been caught in the act of making such a rare and complex new trait.  And because the species in question is a bacterium, scientists have been able to replay history to show how this evolutionary novelty grew from the accumulation of unpredictable, chance events."
 

10 June

  
LATEST JOB NUMBERS SHOW THE NEED FOR EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
"Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) released the following statement today after the Department of Labor reported that the U.S. economy lost 49,000 jobs in May – the largest single month loss in over twenty years. The economy has lost nearly 325,000 jobs since the beginning of the year:"
Email Updates Available from Rep. Obey's Office
"If you feel the same way, please sign up for e-mail updates and we would be happy to try to keep you informed.  As always, please feel free to contact me with your ideas as well."
Forest ecology workshop Saturday
"The workshop will focus on issues affecting general forest ecology such as climate change concerns, invasive earthworms and the identification, impact and control of invasive plant species.  It is open to all individuals interested in learning about environmental issues affecting the health of the Northwoods forests."
Colassacco scores hole-in-one
"Colassacco aced the 124-yard 9th hole with an 8 iron.  Colassacco ... "The pin was set for the tournament on the lower level.""
UW Board of Regents needs reality check
"Last week, the regents approved increasing tuition 5.5 percent for most of the UW system's four-year institutions. So, for low- or middle-income families struggling with accelerating food and gas prices, it will mean an extra $350 each semester on top of a tuition bill already in excess of $6,500."
Washburn Council nixes idea to allow chickens in the city
"Councilor Richard Avol, who said a number of constituents had asked him to raise the issue, presented the idea at the committee of the whole meeting. Current ordinances don't allow chickens, geese, or other critters such as rhinos, tigers, elephants or cobras to be raised within the city limits, either."

A couple Pictures in the Press:
ABC Raceway Preview
"After hot laps and the drivers’ meeting, all the racers will park their stock cars on the 3/8th-mile red-clay oval, and fans young and old alike will be invited onto the track for an up-close look at the cars, an opportunity to meet the drivers, and maybe a treat or two, such as an autographed photo."
Her Car Really Was Stolen, but She Gets Arrested for Lying
"She called police and told officers they had to find her car quickly because her baby was in the backseat.  Police put out a description of the car and put a lot of resources into finding it, and the baby.  They did find the car, but not the child, because, as it turns out...there was no baby."
3 problematic dams haven't been checked since '93
"Another dam that was overflowed, the Fall River Dam on the Crawfish River in Columbia County, has not received a full inspection in nearly nine years.  The Wyocena Dam in Columbia County, whose embankment was washed out Monday, received its last formal inspection more than 14 years ago, reports from the state Department of Natural Resources show."
Vets' plates to sport color again
"Bowing to criticism from veterans upset about a change from red, white and blue license plates to white plates, state Division of Motor Vehicles officials decided to go back to a plate sporting the colors of the American flag."
State Debate: State should get GM money back
"In 2004, the state gave GM $10 million to upgrade its technology in Janesville to more efficiently produce SUVs. Wisely, the state tied its grant to a commitment by GM to employ at least 3,300 workers at the plant through 2010. GM currently employs only 2,400 workers in Janesville, with about 700 more scheduled to lose their jobs next month."
Organizers determined to make Bear River Powwow a success
"The event brings together people from around the area for food, dance, song and plenty of fun and, according to organizers, holds a deeper meaning this time around.  "We're hoping something like this can bring both sides back together again," Bear River Powwow coordinator Theresa Mitchell said."

 
McCain Camp: Advisor Linked to Abramoff No Longer with Campaign - TPM MuckRaker
"John McCain's campaign has taken down a web page that listed lobbyist Carlos Bonilla as an economic advisor.  Bonilla, a former special assistant to the president for economic policy, was included in today's report about White House ties with Jack Abramoff as one of the White House officials who received tickets from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff's firm. "
Let's clarify Obama deal with Rezko - Chicago Tribune
"After all, there are many fine points to remember in the story of the land deal involving Obama and fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko, and off-the-cuff summaries can blur the truth.  Obama didn't borrow a dime from Rezko to buy—not build—a house three years ago."
Judge orders parents to stand trial in prayer death case - Wisconsin State Journal
"Defense attorneys had argued the complaint did not tell the couple how they caused their daughter's death as their actions - praying, providing food and giving CPR - did not kill her.  An autopsy determined Madeline Neumann - called Kara by her parents - died at the family's rural Weston home on Easter Sunday from undiagnosed diabetes. The girl likely had symptoms for several weeks or months, court records said."
 

09 June

  
HURLEY CITY COUNCIL - Tuesday, June 10. 2008
  • Board of Public Works -_5:30 P.M.
  • Police, Fire & License Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Parks & Recreation Committee
  • City Council Meeting - 6:30 P.M.
Hurley 2008 graduates earn scholarships
"Hurley High School held its scholarship night on May 21 at the school auditorium. Here are the scholarship recipients:"
Winds don't blow down Relay for Life
""Some people never did get their tents set up," she said. "But several of the food vendors set up in the college's hallways indoors."  Funds raised are at approximately $50,000 and counting, Smiles said."
Logging Museum Almost Complete
"Mike Scubal, the director of Old Rhinelander, Inc., says, "They story of wood from when it was cut in the forest to a finish project so it rounds the story and it fits in with the school and boating and railroad, pieces of history of Rhinelander.""
Gov. Doyle Declares State of Emergency in 29 Counties
"There has been widespread flooding and severe storms throughout the weekend, causing damage to homes and businesses, washing out numerous roads and bringing down power lines and trees.  There have been no reports of serious injuries or death."
Revival afoot to preserve farmland
""We're No. 1 in the Midwest for how fast we're losing farmland, 30,000 acres a year."  Nilsestuen said he called committee members back together last week to gather their input as he moves to reinvigorate his efforts to win approval of some of the committee's most important recommendations."
  Wis. officials say 2 dams have failed, more in trouble
"Wisconsin Emergency Management officials say two dams are failing in southeast Wisconsin and a handful of others are eroding, overtopping or may fail.  The Upper Spring Dam in Palmyra and Wyocena Dam in Columbia County are failing."
For about $500 a season, you can have your own farmer
"Members buy a share of a farmer's crop, usually for $500 to $600, and receive a box of vegetables and fruits each week during the summer and fall. A box typically feeds three or four people for a week, although many farms offer half shares for individuals or couples."
Flooding a danger as rivers rise in wake of record rainfall
"The Danville River Dam downstream of Columbus is overtopping. Authorities there now say evacuation is mandatory.  The state's Department of Natural Resources is flying over dams in Vernon County and sending engineers to other counties to assess damages."
How to Pick a President
"Voting for Obama's health plan or Hillary's economic scheme or McCain's immigration policy is virtual-reality voting, positing an intriguing alternate world, but having little to do with this one. When it comes to picking a President, Gandhi had it right: "The obligation of accepting a position of power is to be, above all else, a good human being.""
Proposed Report: Jack Abramoff's Contacts with White House Officials
"Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Davis issued a proposed Committee report on White House contacts with Jack Abramoff that concludes that Mr. Abramoff had personal contact with President Bush, that high-level White House officials held Mr. Abramoff and his associates in high regard and solicited recommendations from them on policy matters, that Mr. Abramoff and his associates influenced some White House actions, and that Mr. Abramoff and his associates offered White House officials expensive tickets and meals."
 

07&08 June

  
Lupine JuneFest 2008
Mercer, WI - With all the features that define a small town event (and which big towns fail to achieve) citizens and visitors enjoyed perfect weather for a car show, craft booths, food, music, and plenty of home town fun. 
Hurley to host youth soccer clinic
"Bernard Malaga will conduct a soccer clinic at the Hurley K-12 School July 7-31. All classes will meet Mondays through Fridays.  Students going into grades five and six will meet from 8 to 10 a.m.; grades seven and eight meet from 10 a.m. to noon, and grades nine through 12 from noon until 2 p.m."
Hurley woman enjoys her job because of customers
"That¹s when the factory workers come in. They begin their work day at about 5 a.m., and they are hungry," Sivula said. "The early morning shifts are already there for lunch."
Black bear complaints return in Ironwood
"Black bears are becoming more active with the warmer spring weather, according to Ironwood Public Safety Department reports.  At least one bear was active in the city both Wednesday and Thursday."
Dogwood Run planned
"The 11th Dogwood 5k Run and 2-Mile Walk will be held June 29 in Saxon.  It is the third event in the Run the Range series and is sponsored by the Saxon-Gurney Lions Club."
Ottawa Forest unveils inventory of rec facilities
"The Ottawa National Forest has released a program which provides an inventory and ranking of the forest's developed recreation facilities and suggests a five-year management strategy for those sites."
Woman Dead After Tree Accident
"A preliminary report shows the woman was attempting to remove a tree from a power line leading to the residencem, and was discovered on the ground with the tree on top of her."
Senator Feingold in the Northwoods
"The reception featured local, regional and state Democratic Party leaders and candidates.  Feingold says today's event is a great chance to talk about the future of our state and country, the presidential race and other hot topic issues."
Constituencies defied definition in Wisconsin primary
"In the combined exit polls for 39 states, Obama lost rural and small-town voters by 12 points, according to data tabulated by ABC News; in Wisconsin, he won them by 16. In the nationwide totals, Obama lost white men by three points; in Wisconsin he won them by 29. Nationwide, Obama lost blue-collar whites by 31 points; in Wisconsin he won them by five."
Bill targets tainted day care toys
"State inspectors don't actively look for recalled products in Wisconsin's 5,600 licensed day care centers. And although state rules say day care centers must be free of hazards, those rules don't specifically ban recalled items.  The challenge of getting recalled items away from children is monumental. In 2007,"
Minor injuries as tornados touch down in Dane and other counties
"The reported tornado also may have been responsible for damage to Stark Automotive Dealership and Christ Lutheran Church on County Highway B.  The church is the same one heavily damaged by arson in 2005.  Olson, a 22-year member of the congregation, said the new church had just been rededicated last fall."
Supreme Court race may be roadmap for McCain 
""What Gableman showed is that you can lose badly in Dane County and lose significantly in Milwaukee County and still win statewide," said Graul, who was Wisconsin state director of President Bush's campaign in 2004. He also worked on the Gableman race.  Also encouraging to McCain supporters is Gableman's strong showing in the north and other traditionally blue collar Democratic counties in southern Wisconsin near the Illinois border."
Doyle backs program to save native languages
"The Democratic governor said last week through aides that he 's willing to include money for the program in his next budget -- as he has unsuccessfully in the past -- if state tribes request the funding. Tribal leaders responded that they strongly backed such a move, which would still be subject to approval by the Legislature."
WHAT’S NEW Robert L. Park Friday, 6 Jun 08
  1. ENERGY: $4 GAS SEEMS TO BE THE TIPPING POINT.
  2. HYDRINOS: HOW LONG CAN A REALLY DUMB IDEA SURVIVE?
  3. CREATIONISM IN TEXAS: ITS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.
  4. CELL PHONES: DANGEROUS EXPOSURE TO LARRY KING.
  5. HUNGER: THE SOLUTION IS NOT SHAMBAS IN AMERICA.
Mega Church pastor praises Obama nomination - OneNewsNow - Tupelo,MS
"Jakes said in his commentary that it was his hope and prayer that the country does not sink back into political pettiness as the presidential campaign continues. "
The fight to stop contraception - The Capital Times
"Anti-contraception activism has been working its way up the priority list of the anti-choice movement in the U.S. in recent years and Saturday's campaign will be one of the most organized and visible displays of this broadening agenda.  There is not one pro-life organization in the U.S. that supports contraception."
 

06 June

  
Chief Justice backs more state funding for counties
"Abrahamson said previous legislation to provide more money to the counties failed, but she'll support another legislative effort.  "We're going to try it again," she said at the Iron County Courthouse in a visit to Hurley."
'Nimrod Nation' nominated for another award
First a Peabody Award and now a nomination for a Television Critics Association Award for "Nimrod Nation."  The Sundance Channel eight-part miniseries was nominated for outstanding achievement in news and information."
Justice Department: Miller Coors Okay
"It appears the companies are looking for a neutral city, meaning the headquarters will not be in Milwaukee or in Golden. Chicago and Dallas have been rumored as likely choices. It's not clear how much of the company will remain in Milwaukee when the headquarters moves.  Green says very soon you could see Coors Light being brewed in Milwaukee and Miller Lite being brewed in Golden, Colorado."
Signup Starts Today for Do-Not-Call Cell Phone List
"That list goes to telemarketers in October. When you sign up, you'll discover that the do-not-call listing expires in September of 2010... Jerry Cerasale, who's the senior vice president of government affairs for the Direct Marketing Association, responds with the fact that federal law doesn't allow telemarketers to call you on your cell phone. "
Ashland firm builds unique desk out of 50,000-year-old wood
"The table was constructed by Robert Teisberg and his crew at Ancientwood, Ltd., of Ashland, and was made of New Zealand Kauri wood that was mined out of former peat bogs, where it has lain buried in the muck for some 500 centuries. Not only is the age of the wood remarkable, but the size of the log it came from is nothing short of astounding. It was made from a single piece of lumber measuring almost 500 square board feet — the largest single board in the United States."
Mellen logger receives conservation award
""I remember the first time a forester told me to cut property as if I was going to be back in 20 years, and I thought he was nuts," Peters said in a recent interview. "...You start out as a young man willing to cut down anything, and as you start to grow and become more aware of all the needs in the forest — and a desire to learn about all the needs in the forest — you start to build an inner compass on what's right and what's wrong.""
Stocking The Northwoods
"Hatching and growing fish in a hatchery takes a great deal of work.  It all starts with spawning at area lakes where eggs are extracted from the females by field techs from the Art Oehmcke Fish Hatchery in Woodruff.  Then the eggs are mixed with milt from the males."
Jobless rate hits 5.5%; biggest jump since '86
"The latest snapshot of business conditions showed a deeply troubled economy, with dwindling job opportunities in a time of continuing hardship in the housing, credit and financial sectors.  With employers worried about a sharp slowdown and their own prospects, they clamped down on hiring in May, said today’s report from the Labor Department."
Court rules lawyer must pay legal bill of gay group
"By a 4-3 vote, the Wisconsin Supreme Court said in a decision released Thursday that a lawyer who brought a frivolous lawsuit against a gay rights organization will have to pay the organization's court costs."
Bill in works to make Wis. film incentives more competitive
"But the architects of the 25 percent tax break for filmmakers want to rejigger the law to attract even more productions.  Other states such as Michigan also are making their incentives more competitive. This spring Michigan upped its tax break to up to 42 percent - the most generous in the nation."
Stem cell research forum open to public 
"People interested in stem cell research will be able to participate in a free, one-day public forum and festival on Sept. 21 on the UW campus. The event is part of the World Stem Cell Summit to be held at the Alliant Energy Center on Sept. 22-23."
June 10 election will decide fate of Maulson and Big John
"According to a press release from the office of tribal president Victoria Doud, the findings of an appointed impartial committee were conveyed to the full council last week. There was enough merit in the findings, the council decided, to warrant their removal."
Old Myths From The Age of Idiocy - Larry Beinhart, Huffington Post
"Old Myth: Religious Faith is a Good Way to Judge a Leader
New Truth: The Way People Deal With Reality, Is the Way to Judge a Leader.
The spectacle of our candidates groveling on TV over how religious they are, is appalling.  "If there is one thing for which we stand in this country, it is for complete religious freedom, and it is an emphatic negation of this right to cross-examine a man on his religion before being willing to support him for office."
Theodore Roosevelt (Republican)"
[Yes, I know that the picture is Lincoln... but he and TR are my two favorite presidents. - Bob]
Many in Madison, other places see stimulus checks as chance for charity - Wisconsin State Journal
"He decided to donate his stimulus check — and persuade others at Lake Edge United Church of Christ to do the same.  "I thought, 'What a natural,' " said McLean, a 67-year-old retiree. "If a lot of people can give 10, 15, 20 percent of that, it's not like digging into their normal budgets.""
 

05 June

  

Thank you: Don-King Duck Identified

"The photo of the Don King Duck is actually a (Female) Common Meganser. (often called Sawbill).  I verified the photo from my National Audubon Society (Easter Region) Feild Guide.  The male has a more reddish bill with green head and white breast.  A few (usually a pair) will hang around our pond dive fishing for minnows"
Ruth and Gary Kasper, Division St. Hurley  (20080606 7:09)

Chadlompre of the About_Ironwood group also identified it and sent this link to Cornell Lab of Ornithology which also has a picture. (20080604 22:39)  Two additional About_Ironwood foks have identified the bird but report that they taste terrible.

[Thanks also to the crack research team at Nora's that thought to ask "Woodtick" from the Iron County Forestry Dept, who reported that it is an adult female Common Merganser (Mergus merganser).  All speculation about it being Osama Ben Ladin's personal pet duck (It is kinda ugly.) can now cease. - Bob] (20080604 17:00)
Midgets, Midgettes named all-conference
"Senior Ethan Buccanero and sophomores Daulton Levra and Dylan Laurin were named to the 10-member all-conference baseball team... Hurley senior Marie Thomas and juniors Hailey Manzanares, Kayla Windt and Brittany Czerneski were named to the 10-member all-conference team."
Photographers to judge lupine contest
"Entries must feature lupine photographed in the area. There are traditional and innovative categories in the contest. Photographers can submit their entries until 3 p.m., Monday, June 23."
[Info on the festival can be found HERE. - Bob]
AHS graduate, biotech entrepreneur says Chequamegon Bay area has good potential
"The Chequamegon Bay area is a place with virtually unlimited potential to flourish in the new economy of the 21st century, if its residents have the will to work towards that kind of a future."
Workers union protests wages at demolition site
"Based on those conversations and other evidence Steinke said the Local 139 has gathered, about 10 of its members showed up to picket at the site of the future Walgreens pharmacy at the corner of U.S. Highway 2 and Ellis Avenue. The union also brought with it a giant inflatable rat, which is part of its "Rat Patrol," used to protest job sites where it deems workers are provided substandard wages and benefits."
Education Key in Reducing Dangers from Lead in Venison
"Among the ideas floated at a conference in Minnesota: Hunters could be taught about how to best shoot deer to minimize the risk, how to field dress a carcass to reduce lead and what kinds of bullets to use."
Concealed gun permit given
"Wisconsin and Illinois are the only two states that don't allow regular citizens to get permits to carry concealed weapons. The issue has been bitterly debated in Wisconsin, with Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle twice vetoing such bills."
Lenders cut college loans
"At least two major lenders have said they will stop providing loans to students at Wisconsin's 16 technical colleges and 13 two-year colleges, part of a national trend among some lenders that have found the two-year college market to be unprofitable because students borrow less for shorter terms."
Wis. high school officials propose topless-fan ban
"Mike Blackburn, associate executive director of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in Indianapolis, said Wisconsin's proposed ban could be the first in the country. Nationally, bare-chested fans have been not been a big problem at high school games, although he has heard some concerns, Blackburn said."
Walgreens will pay Medicaid $1.8 million
"Companies must provide state Medicaid programs with the best price for their product," Van Hollen said. "In the interest of enforcing the law and protecting taxpayer dollars my office will take action to ensure that state taxpayers are only paying what they should."
Obama explains intersection of faith and politics - Christianity Today
"I approach my work or I guess my faith is part of everything that I do. And I don’t think there’s a clear separation between my faith and how I try to live my life. And I certainly think that part of my motivation in the work that I do is a belief in what I consider the core precept of Christianity in addition to Christ dying for your sins and that is treating your brothers and sisters as you would have them treat you."
 

04 June

  
Hurley was defeated in the Sectional Finals by Bruce.
Final score 12-3. 
Help!  Can you identify this Bird?!
The duck-sized creature pictured at the right (click to see larger version) has been living in or about Jim Czerniak's chimney.  USGS's "A Waterfowl Identification Guide" has no picture like it.  Lest we give up and name it the "Don-King Duck", can anybody out there identify it?  Please email me at lemon@wegoweb.net with name and/or a link to information. - Bob
Marked-up birds become sexier, exude testosterone
"A little strategically placed makeup quickly turns the wimpiest of male barn swallows into chick magnets, amping up their testosterone and even trimming their weight, new research shows.  It's a "clothes make the man" lesson that - with some caveats - also applies to human males, researchers say."
Two more charged in recent thefts from vehicles
"Hurley Chief of Police Dan Erspamer asks that area residents check their vehicles for possible missing items.  The HPD can be contacted at 561-3544."
Top court official to visit Iron County
"Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson will visit Hurley Thursday and meet with Iron County court, law enforcement and government officials. It will be the 52nd stop on Abrahamson's 72-county tour of the state, which began in 2006."
BIA garage to get facelift
"The Bureau of Indian Affairs' land consolidation office will soon get a new look, as the U.S. Department of the Interior plans on adding more aesthetically pleasing siding on the outside and doing renovations on the inside."
Doyle Reacts to GM Plant Closing in Janesville
"Governor Jim Doyle says, "After all the years of work and everything the people of Janesville have given, it is tough to stomach what GM is doing here today. Families here have dedicated their working lives to this General Motors plant. The city of Janesville, the state of Wisconsin - we have all been committed to making this plant work.""
Stranded Veterans
"Meyer says the solution is simple. He says," We just urge them to come the meetings and participate in our fundraiser's and especially our meetings so we can conduct our business."  If things don't improve soon not only will the van program end but officials say Rhinelander's chapter of the D-A-V may close as well. "
Feingold, Kohl endorse Obama for president
"Wisconsin Sens. Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl have endorsed Barack Obama for president — a day after the Illinois senator clinched the Democratic presidential nomination over rival Hillary Rodham Clinton.  The endorsements were not a surprise."
Our View: Wausau should consider use of electric cars
"Marshfield -- listen up, members of Wausau's green committee -- is considering allowing NEVs to operate on city streets.  NEVs are Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. Put another way, they're fancied-up golf carts."
Regents consider 5.5% UW tuition rise
"Under a proposal that goes before the Board of Regents on Thursday, resident undergraduate tuition would rise at UW-Milwaukee by $340, to $6,531; at UW-Madison by $348, to $6,678; and at the four-year, non-doctoral universities by $265, to $5,084. Tuition for students at the two-year UW Colleges would stay the same."
Whose terrain? Justice-elect's calls escape investigation
"Gableman has acknowledged he used his government phone to call the fund-raising staff of Republican Gov. Scott McCallum and others but has insisted the calls were not for political work. Records show dozens of calls were made to McCallum's fund-raisers, his campaign headquarters, the state Republican Party headquarters and McCallum donors in the weeks before Gableman hosted a June 12, 2002, fund-raiser for McCallum."
4 other Wisconsin firms are also laying off workers 
"GM dominated the "plant closing" news Tuesday, but four other companies in Wisconsin announced they were closing operations or laying off workers.  Two of the firms closing are in Janesville, where GM will shut down its oldest production facility over the next two years, while another firm is closing in Elkhorn, and hundreds are being laid off in Wausau."
Iditarod to increase race fees, cut back on prize money - Anchorage Daily News
"Because of rising costs, race officials are also capping the number of teams to 100.  They say the entry fee was $3,000 this year and will rise to $4,000 next year.  The race purse is projected to drop from $900,000 this year to $660,000 next year.  The rising cost of fuel has played a role because the trail committee pays for snowmobiles and small planes to support mushers and their teams."
 

03 June

  
Hurley Midgets Game
  • Hurley Wins ... 8-5 with three strike outs by reliever in the 7th... Next game to be broadcast at 4PM.
  • The Hurley boys baseball game scheduled for 11AM on Wednesday,  June 3rd will be broadcast live on WJMS AM 590 with play by play done by Joe Rimkus.  We understand that Sam ("in the morning") will NOT be doing color commentary from the 1st base coaching position.
National recognition for Paw Shop
"A collaboration of school and community in Mercer has received national recognition.  Mercer K-12 School's student-run Paw Shop was chosen as Wisconsin recipient of a National Civic Star Award given by the American Association of School Administrators and Sodexho School Services."
Vehicle break-ins in Hurley solved
"Two Ironwood men made their initial appearances in Iron County Circuit Court on Monday, each facing felony counts of burglary and theft stemming from vehicle break-ins in Hurley last Tuesday night.  Mark Anthony Sutter, 19, of Sutherland Avenue, and Matthew James Wester, 18, each face a count of burglary and a count of theft, according to the complaints filed Friday."
Reid 5 shots off pace at state golf meet
"Hurley junior Jared Reid sits in a tie for 11th place, five shots behind the leader, after the first day of the WIAA Division 3 state golf meet at University Ridge.  Reid shot a 40 on the front nine and a 39 on the back to finish Monday, the first day of the two-day tournament, with a 7-over-par 79."
Carbon credits could mean more money for area landowners
"Area farmers and landowners of managed forests are being encouraged to take part in the Carbon Credit Program, which allows agricultural producers and landowners to earn income by storing carbon in their soil."
June One of the Worst Months For Deer Car Accidents
"Many people are traveling during the month of June, but they could be hitting more than just the roads. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, June is one of the worst months for deer car accidents.  Ron Eckstein, the DNR Wildlife Biologist in Rhinelander, says "Deer come away from the winter when there isn't anything to eat or very little to eat. And so vegetation on the roadside is a cause for the peak.""
"Looney Bin"
"According to Cook there have always been Loons on Silver Lake in Eagle River. But last year was the first time he can remember them trying to nest on the lake. Cook says, " And I happened to look over and noticed this Loon on the shore and I figured the only thing she could be doing would be trying to build a nest.""
Not all motorbikes legal for streets
"A motorized scooter as defined by state law is similar to a foot-propelled scooter except that it is powered by a small engine. It is illegal to operate a motorized scooter on public roads or sidewalks, just as it is to operate lawn tractors, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, mini-bikes and other off-road motor vehicles, according to the Department of Transportation."
GM to close Janesville SUV plant by 2010
""Higher gasoline prices are changing consumer behavior, and rapidly - significantly affecting the U.S. auto industry sales mix," GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said.  The Janesville factory will cease production of medium-duty trucks by the end of 2009 and will cease SUV production by end of 2010 -- or sooner if market conditions dictate,"
Lake Superior water level on the rise
"The International Lake Superior Board of Control says the lake rose 5 inches in May, an inch more than normal. It rose 6 inches in April.  However, the big lake remains 7 inches below its long-term average for June 1st but is 14 inches above where it was last year."
A 'journey back to ourselves'
"Watching Shainah is a teacher who helped introduce Wisconsin to the idea of educating American Indian children almost entirely in their traditional languages.  Fledgling efforts like this northern Wisconsin charter school bring hope, for the first time in more than a generation, that children may again master Wisconsin's threatened native languages, tribal leaders and linguists say."
Kohl nears endorsement as Obama nears
"The only real question is whether Kohl will get to the endorsement microphone before Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold, who has already indicated that he voted for Obama in Wisconsin's Feb. 19 primary but has not yet made a formal statement about how he will vote as a convention superdelegate."

Cougar sighting reported south of Chassell
"He did not get a good look at the animal’s face, but he got a clear view of its size.  “All I saw was the length of the cougar — I mean what else could it be,” Fiegel said. “I mean it was a big cat.”  He was able to take a long look at the animal.  “If it hadn’t moved so slowly — it was moving beautifully slowly — I wouldn’t have had such a crystal clear way of seeing the animal,” he said."
'Suspect' Judgment - Christianity Today
"By labeling sexual orientation "suspect," the California court indicated that any law based on sexual orientation would be presumed discriminatory.  Thus, the justices subjected Proposition 22—a traditional marriage referendum passed by more than 60 percent of Californians in 2000—to a "strict scrutiny" review, placing a heavy burden on the state to prove the law's necessity. "
 

02 June

  
Drivers putting less gas in tank, then running out
"Though national statistics on out-of-gas motorists don't exist, there's plenty of anecdotal evidence that drivers unwilling or unable to fill 'er up are gambling by keeping their tanks extremely low on fuel.  In the Philadelphia area, where the average price for a gallon of regular broke $4 on Friday, calls from out-of-gas AAA members doubled between May 2007 and May 2008, from 81 to 161, the auto club reported."
Center to host class on butterfly garden
"The North Lakeland Discovery Center will hold "Gardening for Monarch Butterflies," Wednesday, June 11 at 1 p.m.  A butterfly garden is an easy way to attract butterflies to a yard and to contribute towards their conservation. Learn the benefits of a butterfly garden, which plants and flowers to include and how to maintain one at your home."
Leinon 13th, Roeder 15 at state meet
"Hurley sophomore Michael Leinon took 13th in the high jump and Mercer junior Nicole Roeder finished 15th in the discus at the WIAA Division 3 state track meet Saturday.  Neither placed high enough for team points at the meet."
Da plane! Da plane!
"It was a homecoming of sorts for Great Lakes Airlines, which provided the commercial passenger service at the airport prior Skyway Airlines taking it over about four years ago.  Skyway Airlines discontinued service in Ironwood April 5 after it decided not to bid on the essential air service contract."
Ashland National Guard unit likely going to Iraq early in 2009
"Members of Ashland's National Guard unit, the 829 Vertical Engineer Company, are expected to be mobilized with the Wisconsin National Guard's 32nd Brigade early in 2009 for duty in Iraq."
Drivers Slowing Down to Save Gas
"Wisconsin motorists appear to be slowing down, and rising gas prices seem to be a major factor in the reduced speeds, a State Patrol official said.  With the lower speeds, traffic fatalities have decreased by 29 percent so far this year, and highway officials report there are fewer vehicles on the state's freeways."
Two Lac du Flambeau Tribal Council Members Removed
"Two Lac du Flambeau tribal council members are voted out.  Jerome "Brooks" Big John and Tom Maulson lost their tribal council seats at a special council meeting on Friday."
Property Taxes on the Rise
"The tax bill on a median valued home of $170,305 increased $105 between 2007 and 2008.  That compares with just a $3 increase the previous year and $24 the year before.  Taxes paid to schools are by far the largest chunk of a homeowner's tax bill.  They increased 7.4 percent this year."
Insurer must pay for boy's treatment
"Six years ago last month, the Appleton boy was released from the hospital after a golf ball-size tumor was removed from his brain. He faced a long stint of high-dose chemotherapy and stem-cell rescue. His parents were shocked to find out that the treatment was not covered by their health insurance plan."
UW System wants full funding for veterans tuition benefits
"Wisconsin veterans can attend the UW System and Wisconsin Technical College System for free under a 2006 law.  The benefits are popular, but lawmakers and Gov. Jim Doyle have not given the schools enough tax money to cover them."
State property taxes up 3.8% 
"The Legislature's Fiscal Bureau reported the increase Monday. It is the largest single-year jump in three years. Between 2004 and 2005, net property taxes increased 4.6 percent on a typical home."
Memo to Scott McClellan: Here's what happened - Nukes and Spooks
"We confess that here at McClatchy, which purchased Knight Ridder two years ago, we do have a dog in this fight. Our team - Joe Galloway, Clark Hoyt, Jon Landay, Renee Schoof, Warren Strobel, John Walcott, Tish Wells and many others - was, with a few exceptions, the only major news media organization that before the war consistently and aggressively challenged the White House's case for war, and its lack of planning for post-war Iraq."
   
 

01 June

  
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
  1. WHICH NASA? A WEEK OF THE SUBLIME AND THE UGLY.
  2. ANTISCIENCE: NASA AGAIN REJECTS ANTIMATTER TEST.
  3. CLIMATE: COURT ORDERS WHITE HOUSE TO RELEASE REPORT.
  4. CLEAN COAL: ANOTHER TECHNOLOGY THAT DOESN’T EXIST.
  5. CLEAN COAL: ANOTHER TECHNOLOGY THAT DOESN’T EXIST.
John McCain: A legacy of being wrong - Daily Kos

On issue after issue, fact after fact, judgment call after judgment call, McCain has been as wrong as rain."