WHBY

Charges dropped against Appleton attorney

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:45:00 CST

Sexual assault charges were dropped today against a prominent Appleton attorney.

64-year-old Tom Zoesch was charged last month with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, as well as intimidating a victim. Zoesch was arrested after a former girlfriend told police that he had sexual contact with her, and told her not to go to police because they wouldn't believe her.

Assistant Attorney General Dennis Krueger asked Waupaca County Judge Philip Kirk to dismiss the charges today, because they couldn't be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Krueger says he doesn't think the woman made up the story.

Zoesch says he's relieved that the charges are dropped, and he learned a lot from the experience. Zoesch says he's been in the area for 39 years and he doesn't think the incident will hurt his reputation.

FVI leader: Congress should listen to majority

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

The leader of a group that organized Tea Party rallies in the Fox Cities says leaders of Congress need to listen to the will of the people, when it comes to health care reform.

Jim Steineke helped organize the Fox Valley Initiative. He says lawmakers do need to make changes to the health care system, but not by getting the government more involved.

Steineke says they could address the issue of covering pre-existing conditions by creating larger risk pools. He says allowing companies to sell insurance across state lines should also reduce costs.

Woman who fought cancer can't afford insurance

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

As she plans a benefit for a friend who has cancer but no health insurance, an Appleton woman is following what's happening with the federal proposal to reform the health care system.

Linda Papenfuss is a cancer survivor, and she did have insurance when she was diagnosed. She says she knew he had to get involved when her friend Cari Pahl was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Papenfuss says dealing with a serious illness is hard enough, but without insurance, it's a nightmare.

Since her cancer diagnosis and treatment, Papenfuss lost her health insurance. She says it's keeping her from getting her recommended checkups to make sure the cancer has not returned.

Papenfuss says she hopes Congress passes meaningful health care reform soon. In the meantime, she'll continue planning the benefit for Pahl. It's scheduled for April 18 at Fox Banquets in Appleton.

Woman killed in Winnebago Co. crash

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

An early morning crash south of Oshkosh claimed a woman's life.

The Winnebago County coroner's office says she was a passenger in the car that went into the ditch along Highway 45 near Welle Drive.

The sheriff's department says the car hit a tree around 2 a.m. and rolled over, pinning the driver and passenger inside. Rescue crews used the Jaws of Life to free them.

The driver suffered serious injuries.

Police find beating victim, man with axe

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

Appleton police say a man was severely beaten early this morning .on the city's southside.

They're trying to figure out if a man who was running nearby, with an axe, was involved.

Sgt. Pat DeWall says officers were called to the 100 block of W. Foster Street a little before 1 a.m. because the victim was lying in a backyard. He says the man had severe head injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

DeWall says shortly after the initial call, Calumet County sheriff's deputy saw a man running through the Dairy Queen parking lot at the corner of S. Oneida and Calumet streets, while carrying an axe. The deputy detained the man.

DeWall says investigators haven't been able to identify either man.

Lawmaker calls for limiting credit card fees

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:41:00 CST

There's a move in the state Legislature to limit how much credit card companies can charge Wisconsin businesses.

The measure authored by Rep. Marlin Schneider would cap fees to merchants at one percent of the cost of a credit card purchase. The Wisconsin Rapids Democrat says they're charging around three percent now, and it's hurting businesses.

Credit card companies are expected to argue that the proposal is unconstitutional.

Foremost gets $3.1 mil state grant for project

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

Workers at the Foremost Farms plant on Appleton's southside will be able to make twice as much mozzarella cheese once a project is completed.

The company is renovating its facility on Spencer Street, thanks in part to a $3.1 million grant from the state ag department.

Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber of Appleton says Foremost will add 35 more permanent workers, and the project itself will create 60 construction jobs.

Bernard Schaber says by adding new equipment into the existing facility, Foremost will double its production to 130 million pounds of cheese a year, without expanding the building.

The project is expected to cost almost $50 million.

Suspect in Neenah beating arrested in Atlanta

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:24:00 CST

A man accused of strangling and beating his girlfriend in Neenah was arrested this week in Atlanta.

Neenah Police Lt. Jeff Malcore says they've been looking for 25-year-old Andre Carroll since the December 30 incident.

Malcore says Carroll was arrested in Chicago a few weeks ago, but gave officers a fake name, and by the time they discovered who he was, he had already been released. Malcore says Atlanta police called Neenah police yesterday to tell them that Carroll is in custody.

Oshkosh and Neenah police have several arrest warrants for Carroll, for charges ranging from battery to mistreatment of animals.

UW-Oshkosh reaching out to former students

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

Five years ago, UW-Oshkosh started a program aimed at helping more people earn college degrees. Now that program is entering its second phase.

Chancellor Richard Wells says during the first phase, UW-Oshkosh officials reconnected with former students who left before earning a bachelors degree. Since then more than 150 of them have graduated, and over 200 are back in school.

Wells says they're now contacting around 700 former students who were close to earning an associates degree before they left. He says 17 have already completed all of the needed course work, and about 200 only need to take one or two more classes.

Wells says if the UW-Oshkosh program was adopted nationwide, more than 100,000 people could finish the necessary work to get the degrees that they've nearly earned.

'Brain to Five' speaker calls for early ed

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:20:00 CST

A scientist at UW-Madison says reaching children early can help close the achievement gap.

Assistant professor Katherine Magnuson of the Waisman Center spoke at Appleton North high school last night, as part of the "Brain to Five" series.

She says poverty can affect children starting at a very young age, but there are opportunities to help them before they go to kindergarten.

Magnuson says some areas have programs in place where nurses or other experts help new parents by coming to their home to teach parenting skills.

Man accused of mall assault held without bail

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:00:00 CST

The Minnesota man accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl outside of the Fox River Mall last week is being held without bond in a Minnesota jail, until his extradition hearing.

A Scott County judge made that ruling today.

Court records say 35-year-old Jamie Sames watched the 13-year-old girl and her friend at the Target store in the Fox River Mall. When they were leaving, he allegedly told them he was an Appleton police officer, accused one of the girls of shoplifting, and had sexual contact with her behind a dumpster.

A former neighbor of Sames, who now lives in Green Bay, saw surveillance video of the suspect and called police.

Sames will be back in court March 26.

Election official lays out residency requirements

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:45:00 CST

In order to run for a local office, candidates must live in their district for at least 10 days before an election. That's according to Reid Magney, a spokesman for the state's government accountability board.

A Menasha man recently filed a complaint against former alderman James Taylor, who is running for city council in district four.

The Winnebago County district attorney's office determined there isn't enough evidence to act on the complaint, which claimed Taylor's primary residence is actually in district two. Taylor also owns a house in district four.

Magney says the state has specific residency requirements.

Magney says if a candidate wins an election, and people don't believe that person actually lives in the district, they can challenge the candidate's right to take office.

Taylor is running against Mark Langdon in the April 7 election. He used to be the alderman in district two, but he gave up his seat in 2008, during an unsuccessful run for mayor.

Taylor's brother, Michael, is running un-opposed for the district two seat.

DWD optimistic despite jump in jobless rates

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

Jobless figures released by the state yesterday weren't very encouraging, but a state official says there is some cause for optimism.

The unemployment rate increased in January in all of Wisconsin's 72 counties, and in every larger city. But department of workforce development spokesman John Dipko expects the jobless rate to drop in the second quarter.

The unadjusted unemployment rate was 9 percent in Appleton and Green Bay in January. That represented a 1.2 percent increase in Appleton and a 1.3 percent jump in Green Bay.

Dipko says it looks like the state's job market has hit bottom and will start a slow but steady recovery.

DOT to unveil plans for Hwy. CB project tonight

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

In 2012, state and Outagamie County highway crews plan to rebuild two intersections on Highway CB.

DOT spokesman Kim Rudat says they'll be building a roundabout at Highway 15 and another at the intersection with Highway GV.

He says they're holding a meeting tonight to show the plans to the public and answer questions. The meeting is at the Greenville town hall. It runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Two hurt in Outagamie Co. crash

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

Outagamie County authorities plan to charge a 20-year-old De Pere man with driving drunk....after he was seriously hurt in a crash early this morning.

Cpt. Mike Jobe of the sheriff's department says Kent Cornell ran a stop sign at the corner of Van Boxtel Road and Highway 54 in the town of Oneida, and collided with a semi. He says Cornell was thrown from his car and was taken to a local hospital.

A 20-year-old Green Bay woman was a passenger in the car, and she was also hurt. The injuries aren't believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the semi wasn't hurt.

Proposal would change Assembly expulsion rules

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:41:00 CST

An attempt to unseat a state lawmaker could lead to a rule change in the Assembly.

The move to expel Rep. Jeff Wood after he racked up three OWI arrests within several months, was brought by forward by just one lawmaker.

Rep. Mary Hubler says that needs to change. The Rice Lake Democrat wants to require at least 15 Assembly members to support an expulsion, before it can be considered.

Hubler says the current system could force lawmakers to defend themselves against unjustified attempts to remove them from office.

Former neighbors saw Sames on security video

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

A former neighbor of the suspect in last week's sexual assault outside of the Fox River Mall told investigators she recognized Jamie Sames from a video that Grand Chute police released last week. That's according to court records.

The Green Bay woman says her husband also thought it was the 35-year-old Shakopee, Minn. man who was captured by a security camera while walking out of the Target store.

Records say the two are still close friends with Sames and his wife and they get together a few times a year. Authorities say they found out that Sames was in Appleton last week, for work, after calling him to make small talk.

UW-Oshkosh officials relay travel warning

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

For the second year in a row, the government is warning college students going to Mexico for spring break.

Last year, the state department warned spring break partiers to take precautions if they went to Mexico because the swine flu was an emerging problem. This year, an increase in drug-related violence prompted another warning.

UW-Oshkosh spokeswoman Jamie Hunt says they sent an e-mail to students that directed them to a state department Web site that gives travel advice.

Hunt says the site also includes the telephone number for the U.S. Consulate in Mexico, and other resources people can use if they get into trouble.

Prosecutors file charges in mall sexual assault

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:10:00 CST

Prosecutors are charging a Minnesota man with sexual assault, after he confronted a shoplifter outside of the Fox River Mall.

35-year-old Jaime Sames of Shakopee is accused of impersonating an Appleton police officer and confronting a 13-year-old girl outside the Target store last Wednesday, after she stole a tube of mascara.

The Outagamie County district attorney is charging Sames with sexual assault of a child and child enticement.

Court records say the girl put the mascara in a jacket pocket and left the packaging on a store shelf. She told police she noticed a man watching her and her friend, and they left the store to catch a bus.

She says Sames walked out after them, with the empty mascara package, and told the teen to come with him.

Records say he took her behind a dumpster and had sexual contact with her, before he heard the bus coming. The victim says Sames let her go, and she got on the bus with her friend.

Safe ride available for intoxicated partiers

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

A group of Appleton bars is trying to make sure people get home safe tonight, if they have too much to drink while celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

Appleton Safe Ride Coordinator George Schroeder says 20 bars participate in the program. He says it's free and easy to use.

Schroeder says today is the three-year anniversary of Appleton's Safe Ride program.

He says statistics from the Appleton police department show the number of drunk driving arrests are down since the program started.

Schroeder says they've given about 2,000 safe rides home each year.

500 students attend entrepreneur summit

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

High school students from around northeast Wisconsin are at Fox Valley Technical College today to learn how to start their own business.

This is the fourth year that the school is holding the youth entrepreneur summit. Dale Walker is the school's business and industry services director. He says the event has grown every year.

Walker says the students have the chance to meet with 11 business owners today. He says the students will learn what goes in to running a business and what skills they'll need when they graduate from high school.

Denmark sausage maker expanding, adding jobs

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

About 100 new jobs are coming to Denmark, thanks to an expansion project by a sausage manufacturer.

Salm Partners is spending more than $9 million on renovations and an addition to its facility. The state commerce department is helping out, by providing a $900,000 loan and a $100,000 thousand grant to train new employees.

Nearly 150 people currently work at Salm Partners.

Lawmaker: Deer herd increases not enough

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:41:00 CST

The DNR wants to increase the size of the deer heard by 60,000 by next fall, but one state lawmaker thinks the goal is still too low.

Rep. Scott Gunderson is a Republican from Waterford. He credits the DNR for listening to the complaints of hunters after a disappointing season last fall.

Gunderson says no matter what the population goal is, the agency still needs to make changes. He says the system for counting deer is flawed.

The state's natural resources board approved the DNR's plans earlier this week. Lawmakers also need to sign off on them.

Fond du Lac Co. to repeal local sales tax in 2021

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:59:00 CST

The half-cent sales tax that Fond du Lac County implemented to keep Mercury Marine in town will come to an end, at the end of 2021.

That's when leaders believe they will have generated enough revenue to cover the incentives that the outboard engine maker received. The county board unanimously approved the "sunset date" last night.

County Executive Al Buechel says while a few other counties have set "sunset dates" in the past, they've never followed through on them. He says Fond du Lac would be the only one to actually end its tax.

The county board also decided to use any extra revenue that's collected before the sunset date for economic development or tax relief.

61 other counties have a half-cent sales tax in place.

Town of Menasha police warn about burglaries

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

Whether they happened during the day or at night, town of Menasha police say they saw a big jump in the number of burglaries to homes and businesses.

Nearly 50 people got together at the town hall last night to talk with police about what they can do to avoid becoming a target.

Officer Jason Weber says they don't need to buy an expensive lock, they just need to use the one they have. He says keeping valuables out of their cars would also have a big impact.

Weber says garages are typically most vulnerable to thieves, because sometimes people leave the door open. He says the side door should have a dead bolt on it, so it's more difficult to break in.

Weber says neighbors should also watch out for each other.

Last night's "State of the Crime" meeting was a first for the town of Menasha.

Appleton man charged for window peeping

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:24:00 CST

A former Appleton man with a history of "Peeping Tom" convictions faces more charges in Outagamie County.

The district attorney's office filed 15 charges this week against Brian Kluck. The 34-year-old Appleton man faces three counts of taking a nude picture of a person without their permission, and 12 counts of invasion of privacy, for the incidents that happened between April and August of 2008.

Kluck has been in the Oshkosh prison since his arrest in August of 2008, because his parole was revoked.

Investigators say during a five-month period, Kluck targeted women that he wanted to see naked, and tried to look in their windows while they were showering or changing, and in some cases took pictures of them.

Several of the women reported the incidents to police when they saw him in their backyard, or near their window.

Court records say when a parole agent searched Kluck's apartment, she found four pages of women's names and addresses. One of the pages listed the women he'd seen naked and another page listed those that he wanted to see. The other two pages weren't labeled.

Investigators say Kluck admitted to spying on several of the women. They say he told them that he targeted some women after seeing their pictures in local magazines, and he got other names and addresses of women in his neighborhood from the phone book.

Kluck is scheduled for an initial appearance in Outagamie County court March 30.

Police increasing St. Patrick's Day patrols

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

Appleton police are reminding people to find a safe way to get home tonight if they've had too much to drink on St. Patrick's Day.

Sergeant Pat DeWall says extra officers will be on the road looking for drunk drivers. He recommends using a designated driver, calling a cab, or using the Safe Ride program.

He says a $30,000 state grant will pay for the extra patrols tonight and several other special enforcement nights throughout the year.

Kimberly marks 100th anniv. of 1st meeting

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

Using quill pens and gas lamps, the Kimberly village board celebrated last night's 100th anniversary of the first board meeting.

Village president Chuck Kuen says it's important to remember those who had the foresight to create their government structure.

Members also dressed in "period clothing" while gathering around a table in the village hall. A century ago, the meeting was held in the catacombs of the paper mill.

The village will hold various centennial events throughout the year, highlighted by a festival in September.

Rep. Petri speaks out against health care bill

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:21:00 CST

While Majority Democrats in Washington D.C. try to gather enough support for health care reforms, a Fond du Lac Republican says people don't trust the current Congress to make the right changes.

Congressman Tom Petri says after watching the national debate for the past year, many don't think it's a good idea to hand over more control to the government.

Petri is seeking a simpler approach, like expanding health savings accounts and catastrophic coverage.

He spoke yesterday afternoon on the floor of the House.

Winneconne not alone in closing rural school

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:45:00 CST

Winchester elementary school is just the latest rural school in Wisconsin to fall victim to the state's funding system. That's the feeling of Miles Turner, the director of the Wisconsin Association of School Administrators.

On a 6-1 vote last night, the Winneconne school board reaffirmed its decision to close the Winchester elementary at the end of the school year. Turner says districts have to maximize their efficiency because of continued budget cuts.

John Ashley is with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, and he says the decision to close a rural school can leave people with hard feelings.

The Winchester school was built in the 1950s, after that community agreed to join the Winneconne district.

Two-lane roundabout planned for Hwy. CE & HH

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

Planners for the Outagamie County highway department are considering building a roundabout at a busy intersection between Combined Locks and Kaukauna.

Highway commissioner Al Guerts says a consultant thinks a two-lane roundabout is the best fit at Highways CE and HH. He says they need to reduce the amount of time that peole on Highway HH have to wait, while also improving safety.

Guerts says because traffic is expected to grow in the Highway CE corridor, the situation at the intersection is only expected to get worse.

He says the county doesn't have any funding set aside for the project right now, so the plans will be on hold until they find a way to pay for the roundabout.

'Snowbirds' should claim home state on census

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

People who live in Wisconsin but spend their winters in the South are reminded to pay attention when they fill out their census questionnaire.

Wisconsin League of Women Voters Director Andrea Kaminski says there is a slight change in this year's census that could hurt the state. She says "snowbirds" will get census forms at their winter and permanent homes.

In the past, they could claim their Wisconsin residency on the census form they receive at their winter home, but Kaminski says that's no longer an option.

Kaminski says if people fill out the census at their vacation home they'll be counted as a resident of that state, instead of Wisconsin. She says that would cost the state federal funding. The census is also used to determine the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.

Group says state energy goals unnecessary

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

A Wisconsin group that represents industrial power customers says the state's renewable energy plan is too expensive and unnecessary.

Todd Stuart is the director of the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group. He says the goal of generating 10 percent of the state's power from renewable sources by 2015 is leading to a lot of new power plant production.

Stuart says the state has plenty of generating capacity without the new plants, and those construction costs will be passed on to customers.

Stuart says the governor's plan to get 25 percent of the state's power from renewable sources by 2025 would only make the problem worse.

State below national average for gov't workers

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:40:00 CST

Wisconsin has fewer government employees than most states in the country.

Todd Berry of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance says the state has traditionally been below the national average, and that's still the case.

According to a new study, Wisconsin had eight-point-two percent fewer state and local government employees per capita than the national average in 2008.

More than 75 percent of the state's 280,000 public employees worked for local governments.

Grant money to help enforce gun restrictions

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

A $250,000 grant will help four Wisconsin counties make sure people who aren't supposed to have guns, don't have them.

Wendy Gehl of Harbor House says judges can order people charged with abuse or harassment to surrender their guns, but right now no one is assigned to make sure that they're complying with the order.

Gehl says Harbor House is working with the DA's office and law enforcement to create a procedure to change that.

Outagamie, Winnebago, Waushara and Sauk counties are sharing the grant money.

Bank might build on former Glatfelter site

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:24:00 CST

The new headquarters for Plexus are taking shape in downtown Neenah, and the firm could have some company soon on the site of the former Glatfelter mill.

Johnson Bank is eyeing a piece of the property at the corner of W. Wisconsin Avenue and Church Street.

Mayor George Scherck says executives want a one-year option to build on the land.

The city took over the Glatfelter site and demolished the mill to redevelop it.

Scherck says they've heard from companies that are interested in building on the site. But he says since Plexus announced its plans, the Johnson Bank proposal is the first to progress to this stage.

Kimberly kicking off centennial celebration

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

100 years ago today, members of Kimberly's village board met for the first time.

Current members are celebrating the anniversary tonight with a meeting of their own.

Village administrator Rick Hermus says Kimberly has grown a lot over the years, and they're now a land-locked community. He says they've turned what could be a negative into a positive by working more closely with their neighbors.

Hermus says members will dress in "period clothing" for tonight's meeting. He says they're using gas lamps to light the room, and the board will sit at a round table, instead of desks.

The meeting kicks off a centennial celebration that will culminate with a big party in September.

WE Energies proposes large biomass plant

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

A Milwaukee-based utility wants to build a $255 million renewable energy power plant.

WE Energies spokesman Brian Manthey says the facility would burn bi-products from the logging and paper industries. He says it would produce enough energy to power 40,000 homes. The plant would be built near the Domtar paper mill in the Wausau area.

Manthey says if the project is approved, it would be the second largest biomass power plant in the state, and among the biggest in the Midwest.

Inmates might get HIV test upon prison release

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:21:00 CST

A state lawmaker wants to test Wisconsin inmates for HIV when they're released from prison.

Rep. Barbara Toles of Milwaukee is behind the idea, and she says they would get a follow-up test while they're on extended supervison.

William Groshans of the state department of corrections says there could be problems with that. He says if the inmates don't agree to take the tests, they could go back into an already overcrowded prison system.

Groshans says the state already offers to test inmates for sexually transmitted diseases twice a year. He says it would cost about $1.5 million a year to test the 8,900 inmates who are released on an annual basis.

Phosphorous plan could cost Appleton millions

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:45:00 CST

A proposal that would limit phosphorus levels in Wisconsin waters could cost cities like Appleton millions of dollars.

DNR water experts say the move would prevent algae blooms, and protect fish and insect populations.

Appleton Utilities director Mike Buettner says the city's wastewater treatment facility would need a lot of new equipment to comply with the proposed standards.

Buettner says adding that equipment would likely cost the city more than $20 million.

DNR officials say waste water treatment facilities across Wisconsin may have to spend more than $1 billion to add filtration systems to meet the standard.

The state's natural resources board could vote to hold public hearings on the plan tomorrow.

Appleton police: Burglary reports are up

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

Appleton police say they're seeing an increase in home and business burglaries, and in many cases, the thieves are looking for easy targets.

Sgt. Neil Rabas says the burglars are getting into most of the homes through unlocked garage doors. He says after taking items from the garage, some of the thieves are also going into unlocked homes.

He says business burglaries are also up.

The police department is asking people to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Rabas says citizen tips could give investigators the information they need to solve the crimes.

Census forms hitting the mail this week

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

People will start getting their census forms in the mail this week, but a group in Appleton has spent several months laying the groundwork to make sure they fill them out.

City clerk Cindy Hesse helped put together Appleton's complete count committee, and she says they've been reaching out to various organizations. She says they include minority groups, especially people language barriers and those who might mistrust government.

Hesse says it's important to return the 10-question survey because the federal government bases many of its funding formulas on population figures.

People need to return their census form by April 1.

Senator: DOT should pay more for Safe Ride

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

A state lawmaker wants the state to pick up 80 percent of the tab for a program that helps people get home safely if they had too much to drink.

Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma wants the state department of transportation to foot more of the bill for Safe Ride by using money that will be generated through a new surcharge on drunk drivers.

The democratic lawmaker says nearly 54,000 people used the program last year.

Right now, Safe Ride programs get their money through private fundraising efforts, and the DOT matches donations, dollar-for-dollar.

An assembly committee is considering Vinehout's proposal.

State taking steps to protect honey industry

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:40:00 CST

Honey-lovers should benefit from a new law that Governor Doyle is going to sign today. That's the feeling of Rep. Phil Garthwaite.

The Dickeyville Democrat says the state will develop a set of standards for honey that's sold in grocery stores. He says countries like China, India and Brazil are producing "fake honey" that's made with corn syrup.

Garthwaite says it also protects the Wisconsin honey industry. The state ag department will put the standards in place.

Green Bay street sign popular target for thieves

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:00 CST

The street sign in Green Bay that's most often stolen has more to do with a bad haircut than the Packers.

Public works manager Chris Pirlot says the signs on Lombardi Ave., Reggie White Way and Brett Favre Pass aren't stolen as often as the one at Mullet Place.

Pirlot says the Mullet Place sign has disappeared so many times that city crews have moved it higher on the street pole so it's harder to reach.

Police say 10-year-old stabbing not 'cold case'

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

Just because it happened 10 years ago, doesn't mean Appleton police consider a stabbing in a southside park a "cold case."

In April of 1999, a young woman was stabbed several times in Hoover Park. She survived, but police haven't found her attacker.

Sgt. Pat DeWall says they're still following up on leads and doing more interviews when they receive new information.

DeWall says the victim got home from out-of-town in the early morning hours, when she was attacked before she could get into her house.

DeWall says the suspect is a younger white man, described as 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds with shorter hair.

A call for e-filing with tax deadline looming

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:24:00 CST

There's now only a month to go for people to file their taxes, and state leaders hope that more will "e-file" this year.

Roger Ervin is the secretary of the state revenue department. He says last year, about 70 percent of tax returns were filed electronically, and he thinks that figure will continue to climb by four or five percent each year.

So far, they've received about 170,000 paper returns this year. Ervin says that compares to nearly 1 million electronically-filed returns.

Road construction season starting early

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

It's going to be a busy road construction season in northeast Wisconsin.

Projects on Highway 41 near Oshkosh and Highway 172 in Brown County are already under way, and department of transportation spokesman Kim Rudat says drivers will notice more orange barrels starting today.

He says Oneida Street is closing at Highway 172 and won't reopen until July. There will also be lane closures on I-43 in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties.

Rudat says road crews will be busy all summer long. But he says all of the projects are improving the area's infrastructure, and that will give the economy a boost.

Recent crash brings attention to texting ban

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

A fatal accident in southern Wisconsin sould put pressure on state lawmakers to ban texting while driving. That's the hope of state
Rep. Kelda Helen Roys.

The Madison Democrat represents the area where a 51-year-old Baraboo woman was killed while texting. Karen Endsley crashed into a semi on Highway 51 north of Madison last Tuesday. She was killed instantly.

The assembly and senate both signed off on a statewide ban, but leaders have to iron out some differences in the two bills before the proposal can head to Governor Doyle's desk.

Police seek help in sexual assault investigation

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:45:00 CST

Grand Chute police are asking people to help them catch a suspect in a sexual assault investigation.

Authorities have a video that shows the man walking out of the Target store at the Fox River Mall.

A 13-year-old girl told police the man claimed to be an Appleton police officer, and he followed the teen and a friend inside the store. Detective Mike Velie says when they left, the man followed and accused one of the girls of shoplifting. He says the suspect took the girl behind a dumpster and sexually assaulted her.

Velie says stranger-on-stranger assaults are very rare, and they're using all of their resources to try to track down the suspect.

Velie says they haven't heard of any similar incidents in the area. Police have confirmed that the man is not an Appleton police officer.

Appleton could have temporary 'Google Avenue'

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

A street in the heart of Appleton might get a temporary name, in hopes of luring Google.

The company is searching for a community to use as a test subject for its ultra high-speed Internet service, and Appleton community development director Karen Harkness says they have an idea to try to get Google's attention. The proposal to temporarily rename College Avenue "Google Avenue" for the rest of the month will go before city council members next Wednesday.

A number of cities around the country are competing for the service that's 1,000 times faster than a regular high-speed connection. Harkness says that's why they're looking for ways to stand out, and they're encouraging anyone to come forward with their ideas.

In Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Madison are already vying for the service. The mayor of Duluth recently jumped into Lake Superior, and Topeka, Kansas leaders temporarily renamed their city "Google, Kansas" to try to attract attention.

Hope still alive for auto insurance repeal

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

A Neenah lawmaker says a proposal to repeal new car insurance rules is still alive.

Sen. Mike Ellis says the insurance requirements included in the state budget last year are leading to higher costs for many drivers.

Two months ago, Ellis introduced a measure to repeal those requirements, but he was one vote short of a majority.

Democratic Senator Kathleen Vinehout of Alma recently introduced a bill that would do the same thing as the one Ellis authored. Ellis says he may try to get a vote on his bill when the Senate reconvenes next month.

Ellis says a two-thirds majority is needed to force a vote on the measure.

Grant will let UW-Oshkosh study nursing program

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

A group is providing a grant to UW-Oshkosh in hopes that an accelerated on-line nursing program could become a national model.

The $300,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will fund the study.

Dawn Pope is the program coordinator. She says it helps people with a bachelors degree in another field get a bachelor's of nursing degree within one year.

Pope says there are a lot of similar programs, but the one at UW-Oshkosh stands out because it's on-line and clinicals are done on a one-on-one basis with a working nurse.

She says they'll study the cost of the program and the satisfaction and success of the students who complete it.

The evaluation could take two years to complete.

Man loses appeal in murder of Appleton native

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:40:00 CST

A judge says the man convicted of killing an Appleton native at a Tomahawk gas station can't withdraw his guilty plea.

Derek Domke entered a guilty plea to a charge of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Rochelle Anderson, and he argued that he didn't understand the charge. Domke also claimed that there was not a factual basis for the plea, and that his trial lawyer was ineffective.

Lincoln County Judge Glenn Hartley rejected each claim in a 27-page decision.

Hartley says Domke never told him during the plea hearing that he didn't understand what was going on despite several chances. He says that Domke's lawyer did everything possible to explain the law and alternate defenses to him.

Hartley says Domke admitted to his role in the armed robbery and acknowledged that Anderson's death was a natural and probable consequence of the armed robbery.

Chilton man charged with girlfriend's murder

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

About two months after a Chilton woman was last seen, her longtime boyfriend is officially facing a murder charge.

Michelle Jaeger was reported missing in mid-January, and Manitowoc County prosecutors are now charging Roger Rosenthal with first-degree intentional homicide.

The 51-year-old Chilton man was arrested by Calumet County authorities during the investigation into Jaeger's disappearance, after detectives said he lied to them.

Jaeger's body was found a short time later, in a wooded area east of Brillion. Her body was tied to a sled, and it was not far from the tree stand that Rosenthal used during the deer hunting season.

A judge already ordered him to stand trial on a charge of concealing a corpse. Rosenthal has been behind bars for several weeks, in the Manitowoc County jail.

Appleton panel looks into police partnerships

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:24:00 CST

An Appleton city panel is considering three possible ways that the city's police department can partner with Grand Chute.

Alderman Earl Brooker is the chair of the city's safety and licensing committee, and he says it's a good idea to explore ways that could save taxpayers money.

Under the proposal from both police chiefs, the closest officer, regardless of department, would respond to serious calls.

Brooker says the departments might also be able to share a crime scene unit and have their school liaison officers collaborate more often.

The safety and licensing committee could take a vote on the ideas sometime next month.

Fox Cities leaders call for RTA

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

Fox Valley representatives joined leaders from around the state in Madison yesterday, to support regional transit authorities.

Following a rally that called on state lawmakers to let local governments create regional transit authorities, Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna addressed the Assembly transportation committee. He spoke in favor of letting Fox Cities communities combine to create an RTA that would help to fund Valley Transit.

The new entity would have the authority to create a sales tax of up to a half-cent, but Hanna says voters would have to approve it.

Hanna says Valley Transit will likely face a $1 million cut in federal funding following the 2010 census, because the population will exceed a certain limit. He says the RTA could help to offset the loss.

Sen. Mike Ellis of Neenah and Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber of Appleton also spoke in favor of the Fox Cities RTA.

Neumann talks about jobs with business leaders

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:21:00 CST

One of the Republican candidates for Governor was in the Fox Cities yesterday.

Former Congressman and business owner Mark Neumann visited business leaders at Fox Valley Technical College. Neumann says his biggest priority is creating more jobs in Wisconsin. He says the state's business climate is among the worst in the country, and he has a plan to try to change that.

Neumann says he met with members of the New North yesterday. He says the group will play a major role in improving the state's image.

Neumann wouldn't say how many jobs he hopes to create. His Republican opponent in the September primary, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, says he has a plan that would create 250,000 jobs in four years. The lone Democratic candidate, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, says he could create 180,000 new jobs in three years.

Feingold: Unused earmarks could reduce deficit

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:20:00 CST

A Wisconsin senator says he has a plan to help reduce the federal deficit.

Sen. Russ Feingold says lawmakers should cancel transportation earmarks that are at least 10 years old and haven't been used. He says that would bring in at least $626 million.

Feingold says in order to qualify, at least 90 percent of the funding for a delayed project must still be set aside in a federal transportation account.

He says there is bi-partisan support for his proposal.

Local police can mentor kids, teach baseball

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:21:00 CST

A number of officers from local law enforcement agencies will use the game of baseball to reach out to young kids.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen was at the Boys and Girls Club in Appleton yesterday to announce that the Badges for Baseball program is coming to the area.

He says police volunteer to mentor middle-school age children, to teach them life lessons, along with the fundamentals of the sport.

Neenah police chief Kevin Wilkinson says his department will participate.

The attorney general says the partnership gives officers a chance to work with kids and disprove the perception that when police are around, something bad is happening.

Van Hollen presented $100,000 to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, which developed the mentoring program.

The Appleton, Grand Chute and Outagamie County departments are also taking part, as well as the Appleton fire department.

Advocate hopes murder trial is a wake-up call

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:45:00 CST

A local advocate for domestic abuse victims hopes all of the attention given to the Scott Schmidt murder trial makes people more aware of the domestic abuse problem in the Fox Cities.

Beth Schnorr is the executive director for Harbor House. She says the incident should serve as a wake-up call.

Schmidt was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide last night for killing his estranged wife, Kelly Wing Schmidt. The former Appleton firefighter claims he went to her Grand Chute home last April to try to reconcile his marriage. He says an argument became heated and ended with the shooting.

Schnorr says people need to watch for the warning signs of abuse and know that help is available. She hopes awareness raised by the Schmidt case prevents future attacks.

12 suspects arrested in drug bust

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

12 suspects are in the custody in the Brown County jail, after agents broke up a drug ring over the last couple of weeks.

Sheriff's department officials say they believe all 12 were in the country illegally, and they contacted federal immigration authorities.

Two of the people are from Kaukauna, but the rest are from Green Bay and Bellevue.

As part of a nine-month investigation, drug agents executed several search warrants and seized cocaine, meth and marijuana. They say they found more than 1,000 grams of cocaine, 32 grams of meth and almost 50 pounds of marijuana.

Neenah Foundry has plan to keep operating

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

Neenah Foundry's parent company will use $140 million in loans and revolving credit to continue its normal operations, while re-organizing its finances.

Neenah Enterprises filed for bankruptcy protection last month, and a federal court in Delaware approved the company's short-term financing plan.

It calls for $50 million in short term loans and $90 million in credit. The money will cover employee payroll and benefits, and allow Neenah Foundry to continue to pay its suppliers.

When the company filed for bankruptcy protection, leaders announced that the move wouldn't impact their employees.

About 800 people work for Neenah Foundry in Neenah.

Police coming to Winchester school meeting

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

An upcoming meeting on the proposed closure of Winchester elementary school is expected to draw a large crowd, and officers in uniform.

Winneconne acting police chief Paul Olson says they were contacted by school officials to provide security, as a precaution.

Three uniformed officers will be at Monday night's meeting. Olson says that's unusual. He says they have been present at expulsion hearings, but not school board meetings.

Olson says they hope everyone remains civil at the meeting.

A group is trying to convince the school board to change its mind and keep the elementary school open. Members say in the 1950's, they joined the Winneconne school district with the understanding that a school would be located in Winchester. They believe the district should continue to honor that commitment.

Green Bay police recommend charges after crash

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

Police are asking prosecutors to charge a 19-year-old Krakow man with hit-and-run, and driving a stolen vehicle, after last night's serious accident in Green Bay.

Authorities say Andrew Gleason was behind the wheel of a stolen truck when he rear-ended a car that was stopped at a red light, at the corner of W. Mason Street and S. Military Avenue.

40-year-old Anthony John of Green Bay was driving the car, and he suffered serious injuries. His car was pushed into another car, and that driver only had minor injuries.

An off-duty police lieutenant witnessed the crash and chased Gleason, after Gleason ran away. He was arrested several blocks away from the accident scene.

NWS: Frequent spring fog not unusual

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:41:00 CST

A meteorologist says while it has been really foggy lately in the Appleton area, it isn't too unusual to have to deal with stretches of dense fog in the spring.

Jeff Last of the National Weather Service says during this time of year, the snow is melting and mild air is moving in from the south.

Last says fog forms when the mild air moves over the cold ground. He says that causes the moisture in the air to condense and create a ground-level cloud.

Military urged to cut oil dependence

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:41:00 CST

A group of veterans stopped by the state capitol yesterday to urge the military to become less dependent on fossil fuels.

Neenah native Robin Eckstine is a member of "Operation Free." She says she started thinking about the issue while driving trucks in Iraq.

Eckstine says the Navy and Marine Corps have plans to reduce their carbon emissions. She says later this year the Navy plans to test fly an F/A-18 Super Hornet powered by bio-fuel.

Lawmaker wants to mandate basic CPR lesson

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:40:00 CST

A state lawmaker wants to make sure teens know CPR.

Rep. Ted Zigmunt is pushing a proposal that would force school districts to teach CPR to high school students, and show them how to use a defribrillator.

The Francis Creek Democrat says it would be up to administrators in each school district to decide how in-depth they want to get. Zigmunt says they would meet the standards of the bill by having local firefighters or EMTs come to school once a year to teach a two-hour class.

An assembly committee is considering the proposal.

Jury: Schmidt intentionally killed estranged wife

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

The man accused of murdering his estranged wife in Grand Chute is now facing a life prison sentence.

A jury of eight men and four women from Portage County returned guilty verdicts last night against Scott Schmidt. The former Appleton firefighter shot and killed Kelly Wing Schmidt last April, and jurors convicted him of first-degree intentional homicide.

He was also found guilty of a lesser charge of reckless endangerment for shooting his mother-in-law, Barbara Wing.

Outagamie County judge John Des Jardins read the verdicts around 8:45 p.m. Schmidt was also convicted of bail jumping.

Outagamie County district attorney Carrie Schneider says Wing Schmidt's family is very happy with the verdicts, but the impact of the crime will be long-lasting.

Schneider says Wing just wanted a guilty verdict on the murder charge, and that she didn't care what the jury decided on the count of attempted murder.

Schmidt will receive an automatic life sentence, and Des Jardins will decide in May whether Schmidt should ever be eligible for parole.

Deer hunters' group pleased with DNR decision

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

Members of a wildlife group say the DNR appears to be listening to their concerns about the deer herd.

The agency announced this week that it's raising its population goals in nearly a third of the state's deer management zones. Whitetail's Unlimited spokesman Jaime Merckx says hunters have been complaining for years that the deer herd is too small.

Meckx says two hard winters and increasing numbers of deer being killed by predators also hurt the deer herd. He says a mild winter this year should help their numbers bounce back.

Bernard Schaber's law targets check scam

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

An Appleton lawmaker's bill to crack down on a check scam is now a state law.

Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber's proposal went after companies that send contracts in the mail, only they look like checks. She says there is a dollar amount on the check, and people can cash them.

The Appleton democrat says there is wording on the back, though, and when people endorse the check, they're signing up for a service or agreeing to a loan.

Bernard Schaber says there are now some safeguards in place. They force the companies to clearly identify the service they're offering on the back of the check, and in a separate letter. She says people would also have a chance to "opt out" of any contract.

Schmidt convicted of murdering estranged wife

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:15:00 CST

A jury says a former Appleton firefighter intentionally killed his estranged wife.

The panel of eight men and four women returned its verdict tonight, in the Scott Schmidt murder trial.

Schmidt will serve an automatic life prison sentence because the conviction on the first-degree intentional homicide charge for the death of Kelly Wing Schmidt.

Jurors found Schmidt guilty on a lesser charge of first-degree reckless endangerment for shooting his mother-in-law, Barbara Wing, in April of last year.

Outagamie County judge John Des Jardins will determine in May whether Schmidt should ever be eligible for parole.

Jury deliberating in Schmidt trial

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:26:00 CST

The fate of a former Appleton firefighter is now in the hands of a jury.

Earlier this afternoon attorneys gave their closing statements in the Scott Schmidt murder trial. Schmidt killed his estranged wife, Kelly Wing Schmidt, and shot his mother-in-law in the chest last April during an argument at Wing Schmidt's home.

Schmidt's attorney, Greg Petit, argues that his client may be guilty of first degree reckless homicide, but he doesn't think he committed the more serious offense of first degree murder. Petit says the difference is that Schmidt intent to kill his wife.

Outagamie County District Attorney Carrie Schneider says Wing Schmidt's injuries show he intended to kill her.

Schmidt also faces a charge of first degree attempted homicide for shooting his mother-in-law, Barb Wing. Petit is asking jurors to consider the lesser charge of first degree recklessly endangering safety. He claims that Schmidt didn't intent to kill her either.

The jury is now deliberating the case. It's made up of eight men and four women.

Wis. Ave. businesses preparing for work zone

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:24:00 CST

Orange construction barrels and "Road Closed" signs will be going up along a stretch of Wisconsin Avenue within two weeks, and businesses along the busy street are bracing for the potential impact.

Mark Dougherty of Mark's East Side says he's more concerned about next year, when access could be more difficult because crews will be pouring concrete. He says things shouldn't be as bad this year, while workers replace the utilities under the street.

Dougherty says they're going to have some "construction specials" and reach out to their customers.

Chad Van Daalwyk is the owner of The 10th Frame. He says he's thinking positively, and focusing on what the street will look like when the project is done.

The city and state will rebuild the street between Richmond Street and Ballard Road.

State to require more carbon monoxide detectors

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:23:00 CST

People who live in single-family homes and duplexes will need to have carbon monoxide detectors, under a law signed by Governor Doyle today.

Sen. Dave Hansen of Green Bay was a co-author of the measure, and he says it was modeled after the rules for smoke detectors.

The law requires that people have CO detectors on every floor of their home, including the basement. Attics and storage areas would be exempt.

Hansen says they're not creating a fine, but when someone sells their house, home inspectors will have to check for the detectors.

In a new house, the detectors need to be hard-wired, with a battery backup.

The new law takes effect next February.

DNR wants to boost deer numbers in more areas

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:23:00 CST

Plenty of hunters were upset after last year's gun deer season, and now, the DNR is raising population goals in nearly a third of the state's deer management zones.

The latest plan calls for increases in 43 zones. The agency originally wanted to boost the population in only 13 of the 131 zones, but the assembly fish and wildlife committee shot down that idea.

DNR officials believe the changes will increase the state's deer population by about 92,000 before the fall hunt.

Anti-obesity federal funding coming to Wis.

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:21:00 CST

Wisconsin will be getting a "sizeable" federal grant to fight obesity among children. That's according to Jon Hisgen with the state department of public instruction.

He says kids are packing on the pounds because they're not active enough.

The federal grant will be used in Wisconsin to help 20 school districts set up programs to get kids more physically active during the day, and after school.

Wisconsin Ave. work starting soon in Appleton

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

In less than two weeks, much of Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton will be shut down for the first part of a major reconstruction project.

Keith Curran is an engineer for the city's public works department. He says they're going to start on the first segment, between Erb St. and Union St., on Monday, March 22. The rest of the work will get under way about a month later.

Crews are going to install new sewer, water and other utilities this summer between Erb Street and Ballard Road. Curran says the work will continue through September.

He says they'll be back at it again next year, with the DOT taking over to reconstruct the street, using concrete.

Curran says just like when the College Avenue bridge was out, people will have to find other ways to get where they're going.

Strauch running for Outagamie Co. exec

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

A possible primary is 11 months away, and the first candidate for Outagamie County executive is entering the race.

County supervisor Anne Strauch officially threw her hat in the ring, in hopes of succeeding the retiring Toby Paltzer.

Strauch says economic development is her top priority.

She says the next county executive should currently be involved in the county's decision making. She says that's because it would take time for someone to get up to speed with the budget situation.

The primary election for the office would be in February of next year.

ThedaCare leader supports transparency law

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

A new law requires hospitals to post the prices of their more frequently performed procedures, and the leader of a local health care organization says that's a good thing.

ThedaCare President Dean Gruner says patients deserve to know how much they'll pay when they go to the doctor. He says right now people can't compare prices, and it's even difficult for healthcare organizations to know where they stand.

Under the bill signed yesterday by Governor Doyle, health insurance companies will also have to give patients an estimate of out-of-pocket expenses.

State BBB saw fewer complaints

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:21:00 CST

The number of complaints coming in to the state's Better Business Bureau bucked a national trend.

State director Ran Hoth says while complaints were up almost nine percent across the country last year, they were down nearly eight percent in Wisconsin.

While the cell phone industry generated the most complaints nationwide last year, new car dealers ranked number one in Wisconsin. Mail order and catalog companies were second.

Schmidt takes stand in own defense

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:20:00 CST

The former Appleton firefighter charged with killing his estranged wife says he went to her Grand Chute home to confront her, and her boyfriend.

Scott Schmidt testified in his own defense this afternoon in Outagamie County court. He says when Kelly Wing Schmidt ran outside, he remembers pushing the door open, and hearing a gunshot. He says he doesn't remember shooting her.

Schmidt says he parked his car at a nearby fire station because he thought he was going to punch Wing Schmidt's boyfriend in the nose, and he might go to jail for a couple of days.

He says he got the gun out of the garage because he was going to bring it home with him or store it in a construction trailer. Schmidt says it fell out of his waistband while they argued in the house, and that's how it ended up in his hand.

Schmidt will be back on the stand tomorrow morning. His attorney argues that Schmidt didn't intend to kill his wife, so jurors should consider a lesser charge of reckless homicide.

The jury could get the case sometime tomorrow afternoon.

Defense starts presenting case in Schmidt trial

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:45:00 CST

They used to be his colleagues at the Appleton fire department, and a number of firefighters testified today in the Scott Schmidt murder trial.

They said that in the months before the shooting death of Schmidt's estranged wife, Kelly Wing Schmidt, they were concerned that Schmidt might be suicidal.

The jury could start deciding Schmidt's fate tomorrow.

Flag Day parade route changing

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:44:00 CST

For the next two years, Appleton's Flag Day parade is going to take a detour.

Organizer Greg Otis says they have to change the route, because construction crews are going to be working on Wisconsin Avenue. He says the parade is going to start at the corner of College Avenue and State Street, and head east on College, before turning north on Drew Street.

The route continues on Drew Street to Erb Park, where the 5th Quarter event will be held.

The staging area is moving to the area around Arbutus Park.

City gets DNR grant for Pierce site

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:43:00 CST

Appleton city planners are eyeing the former Pierce Manufacturing site just west of the downtown for redevelopment, and the DNR is going to help with the demolition costs.

Community development director Karen Harkness says the city received a $100,000 dollar grant.

Pierce Manufacturing still owns the property at the corner of Spencer Street and Pierce Avenue, but the city is talking with the company about taking over the site.

Harkness says the location would be a good one for a residential project, since the properties that surround it are residential.

Foggy commute brings back memories of pile-ups

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:42:00 CST

This morning's foggy commute probably had people thinking about last Friday's pile-ups on Highway 41 near Kaukauna.

Lt. Nick Scorcio is with the state patrol, and he says that's especially the case for people who know those involved in the accidents, and people who were close to the scene when the pile-ups happened.

Scorcio says when it's foggy, drivers need to slow down and keep their distance from the vehicle in front of them. He says they should also turn on their low-beam headlights and stay vigilant.

There were two separate pile-ups on Highway 41 near Kaukauna last Friday. 31 cars were involved in the largest one, and seven were in the second.

A 52-year-old Greenville man suffered the most serious injuries and he was released from a local hospital yesterday.

DNR urges people to test well water annually

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:41:00 CST

A staffer for the DNR says people need to test their private wells every year.

Drinking water program supervisor Steve Ales says a study by UW-Madison researchers found that only 11 percent actually test their water annually.

Ales says there are as many as 1 million private wells in the state.

Ales says most people probably take their water for granted. He says they need to watch out for bacteria and high nitrate levels.

Appleton school board files layoff notices

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:24:00 CST

More than two dozen teachers in the Appleton school district could face layoffs.

The school board agreed to issue notices to 27 teachers last night.

Asst. superintendent Mark Huenink says they make up 16 full-time positions that need to be reduced because of budget cuts and a decline in high school enrollment.

He says last year, 44 teachers received notices, but some were called back throughout the summer to offset additional retirements. He says the same thing could happen this year.

Huenink says the school board didn't want to impact the elementary schools, and administrators were able to avoid laying off any classroom teachers at that level.

City panel hears from public on Google Fiber idea

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

Google wants to test a new ultra high-speed Internet service, and people in Appleton got to have their say on whether bringing it to the city is a good idea.

The city's community development committee held a public hearing on the proposal yesterday, and most were excited about the possibility of having Google Fiber. The technology provides speeds that are a thousand times faster than regular high-speed service.

Ald. Jim Clemons is the chair of the committee, and he says if Appleton decides to pursue the service, there will be plenty of competition.

Last week, the mayor of Topeka, Kansas decided to rename the city "Google, Kansas" for a month to generate attention for the city's bid.

Study: School vending machines much healthier

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

School children are getting 88 percent fewer calories from drinks that are available in school vending machines. That finding is part of a new national report.

Kelly McDowell of the Wisconsin Beverage Association says kids should have better choices. She says they're replacing soda with vitamin water, juices, or other low- or no-calorie drinks.

McDowell says they're also reducing the size of the portions that are available, to cut down on calories.

Beverage companies started working with the American Heart Association and other health-conscious groups on the effort in 2006.

State's first lady talks about Wis. Covenant

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:20:00 CST

Eighth-graders around the state can start signing up for a program that provides access to a higher education.

First Lady Jessica Doyle was at Wilson middle school in Appleton to talk with students about the Wisconsin Covenant. She says the first group of "Covenant students" will start graduating next year, and the popularity should continue to grow.

When students sign up for the Covenant, they agree to maintain a "B" average, help in the community and stay out of trouble.

If they do that, they're guaranteed access to a higher education in Wisconsin. They can also receive scholarships for their first two years of school.

Prosecution rests in Schmidt murder trial

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:20:00 CST

The defense began presenting its case in the Scott Schmidt murder trial.

Schmidt faces first-degree murder and attempted murder charges for killing his estranged wife, Kelly Wing Schmidt, and shooting her mother, Barb Wing, last April.

Wing testified for the prosecution Monday morning. She says when she arrived at Wing Schmidt's Grand Chute home, her daughter was in a bathroom and Schmidt was holding a gun and blocking the bathroom door.

Wing says when she yelled at Schmidt to leave, her daughter ran past Schmidt and out of the house. She says Schmidt chased her and shot Wing Schmidt in the driveway.

Wing says she then ran outside and saw her daughter on her hands and knees on the driveway, and Schmidt was standing over her with the gun.

She says she ran toward him yelling, "what have you done?," and he turned and shot her in the chest. Wing says he then turned back to Wing Schmidt and shot her daughter again.

The defense called one witness Monday afternoon and is expected to wrap up its case Wednesday.

Schmidt's attorney says his client went to his estranged wife's house to try to reconcile their marriage, and he didn't intent to kill anyone. He wants jurors to consider lesser charges.

The jury could get the case on Wednesday.

Murder suspect pleads not guilty to obstruction

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:11:00 CST

The Chilton man who is accused of hiding the body of his long-time girlfriend is pleading not guilty to a different charge in Calumet County.

Roger Rosenthal is also charged with obstructing officers during the investigation into Michelle Jaeger's disappearance. Rosenthal entered the not guilty plea to the misdemeanor count this afternoon.

He will stand trial in Manitowoc County on a felony charge of concealing a corpse, after a landowner found Jaeger's body east of Brillion. The body was not far from the tree stand that Rosenthal used during the deer hunting season.

Prosecutors haven't filed formal murder charges against Rosenthal yet.

Former lawmaker seeking senate seat

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:06:00 CST

A former member of the state assembly wants to become a senator.

Republican Frank Lasee of Bellevue is running for the first-district seat that's opening this fall with the retirement of longtime senator Alan Lasee.

Frank Lasee says getting people back to work needs to be the top priority in Madison. He says his experience in the legislature should help.

Lasee lost his bid for an eighth term in the assembly in the fall of 2008.

Another former Republican lawmaker is also running for the senate seat. Dave Hutchison left the assembly almost a decade ago.

There's one democrat in the race too -- Kimberly school board president Monk Elmer.

Shooting victim's mother expected to testify

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:25:00 CST

The murder trial of a former Appleton firefighter continues today, and the mother of the victim is expected to take the stand.

Scott Schmidt is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the shooting death of Kelly Wing Schmidt in April of last year. Her mother, Barbara Wing, was also shot, but she survived.

Outagamie County district attorney Carrie Schneider told jurors during opening statements last week that Wing watched as Schmidt shot her daughter in the head.

Schmidt's attorney says his client did kill Wing Schmidt, but he didn't intend to do that when he went to her Grand Chute home, in hopes of working on their marriage. He's asking the jury from Portage County to consider a lesser charge of reckless homicide.

Report shows drop in school bullying

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:24:00 CST

An official with the state Department of Public Instruction is applauding news that there's been a sharp drop in the number of kids who report they've been bullied or beaten up by their classmates.

Jon Hisgen says it indicates anti-bullying programs in schools are paying off.

Astudy funded by the Justice Department finds reports of bullying nationwide are down more than 30 percent in recent years.

Hisgen helped create an anti-bullying curriculum that was offered to school districts around the state.

'Tim's Law' requiring blood draws advances

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:23:00 CST

A proposal to require blood draws from drivers involved in any serious or deadly crash is going to Governor Doyle's desk.

Rep. Dan LeMahieu of Cascade introduced the bill in memory of Tim McKee. McKee lost his life in November of 2008, in a Washington County crash, and the driver who hit him didn't have his blood drawn until three hours had passed.

LeMahieu says McKee's family was on hand last week, when the assembly approved "Tim's Law."

Under the proposal, blood would be drawn even if authorities don't suspect that a driver was under the influence, as long as that driver broke a traffic law.

Group believes $3 gas coming soon

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:22:00 CST

The price of gas will hit the three dollar a gallon mark before long.

That's the feeling of Craig Thompson, the head of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin. He says he hasn't seen any predictions that prices will reach the four dollar level, and he hopes that's not the case.

Thompson says higher crude oil prices are to blame, thanks to an increase in demand in China. He says refiners are switching to a more expensive summer blend of gas, and that's playing a role as well.