WHBY

Four dead in De Pere shooting

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:20:00 CST

Four people were found dead this afternoon at a house in De Pere, including two children.

Police Chief Derek Beiderwieden says a man called 911 around 3 p.m. and told a dispatcher that he killed three people, and he was going to shoot himself. He says the dispatcher heard a gunshot, and the line went blank.

Beiderwieden says officers found four bodies at the house in the 1200 block of S. Erie Street, and a gun was nearby. A woman and two children were killed, and they believe the man committed suicide.

Beiderwieden says detectives are trying to find out why the man did it.

Beiderwieden says the community is safe, because they identified the suspect. He calls it a sad and tragic day for the community.

It's De Pere's first murder since 2004, and Beiderwieden says it might be the first multiple homicide in the history of the city's police department.

Gov. Walker to meet with Milwaukee Co. DA

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:39:00 CST

Governor Walker says he's going to voluntarily meet with the prosecutor overseeing an ongoing John Doe investigation.

His campaign issued a statement from the governor this afternoon, saying his representatives contacted Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm last year, to arrange a time to discuss any outstanding issues.

Walker says his cooperation extends beyond a willingness to supply any and all requested documents.

Three of Walker's former staffers, when he was the Milwaukee County Executive, are facing criminal charges, along with one of his appointees.

VT funding fix included in House bill

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:45:00 CST

A proposed federal solution to Valley Transit's future funding issues is taking a step forward in Congress.

Congressman Reid Ribble included a provision in a transportation bill that changes the eligibility criteria. The Sherwood Republican says the transportation and infrastructure committee approved the package this morning, sending it to the floor of the House of Representatives.

Valley Transit spokeswoman Nikki Voeltzke says right now, the funding is based on population, and the Fox Cities area topped the 200,000 threshold in the last census.

Voeltzke says under the new proposal, systems that have fewer than 100 buses on the streets during peak hours could still receive federal dollars. She says right now, Valley Transit has up to 16 busses running at peak times.

The bus system currently gets $1.5 million in federal funding each year, and that's about 30 percent of its overall budget.

The change would also preserve funding for Green Bay Metro.

Audit finds possible fraud in FoodShare

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:44:00 CST

A state audit found potential fraud in the state's food stamp program.

The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau report shows that $33 million from the FoodShare program was spent in other states.

People enrolled in the $1.1 billion program are allowed to use their benefits in other states, but the report shows that some accounts were used to buy food in Wisconsin, and other states, on the same day.

The card numbers for the out-of-state transactions were entered manually.

The bureau is expected to release a more detailed report in the spring.

Dems expect primary in recall race

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:43:00 CST

Wisconsin Democrats are expecting a primary in the anticipated recall election against Governor Walker, even though only one candidate is officially in the race so far.

Sen. Tim Cullen of Janesville was expected to be the second candidate, but he took a pass this week, saying he couldn't raise enough money. That means former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk is the only Democrat in the race right now.

Democratic Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski says even if no more Democrats jump in, he believes Falk will face a primary opponent, in the form of a "phony" Democrat, supported by the Republican Party.

The GOP ran fake candidates to force primaries in most of last year's recall elections that targeted Republican senators.

Madison makes last-minute pitch for WIAA hoops

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:42:00 CST

Officials in Madison are sweetening their deal to keep the WIAA basketball tournaments in the city, after Green Bay area officials laid out an attractive offer late last month.

UW-Madison is now trying to make sure the Kohl Center is available on the WIAA's preferred dates. Hotels are also preparing a proposal to make the event more affordable to visitors.

Green Bay area officials want to bring the tournament to the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon in 2013, and hotels are offering special rates.

The boys and girls tournaments generate about $9 million in visitor spending.

Madison has hosted the boys tournament for 90 of the last 91 years, and the girls since its debut in 1976.

CO detector saves 3 Appleton kids

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:41:00 CST

A recently installed carbon monoxide detector is credited with saving three Appleton children.

Fire department Battalion Chief Shannon Young says the kids were home alone when the alarm went off shortly after midnight. They called their parents, who then called 911 on their way back to the southside apartment.

One of the children went to St. Elizabeth Hospital as a precaution.

Young says the children's grandparents recently bought the CO detector for the family.

Conference focusing on economic development

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:40:00 CST

An event in downtown Appleton today is focusing on growing the economy in northeast Wisconsin.

Brian Rasmussen of InSight Publications helped organize the InDevelopment Conference at the Radisson Paper Valley hotel. He says they're bringing together developers, municipal leaders, construction companies and financial institutions to talk about various site possibilities and projects.

Rassmussen says people at the event seem to be optimistic about the economy.

State economic development corporation CEO Paul Jadin is one of the speakers at today's conference.

Dentists donating time, resources for kids

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:59:00 CST

Dentists across the country are donating their time and resources today, to help low-income children get dental care.

Bob Glass is the executive director of the Tri-County Community Dental Clinic in Grand Chute. He says his office, and many other dentists across the Fox Cities are participating in the "Give Kids a Smile" program.

He says they'll be doing cleanings, filling cavities, and in some cases, pulling teeth. Glass says many of the kids don't get regular dental checkups. He says they find many of them throughout the year.

Glass says more than 20 local dentists participate in the "Give Kids a Smile" program.

Oshkosh-based Nat. Guard unit leaving

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:25:00 CST

Family and friends of troops in an Oshkosh-based Wisconsin Army National Guard unit are gathering tomorrow, for a sendoff ceremony.

The 1157th Transportation Company will spend several weeks training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, before the 130 soldiers learn their ultimate destination.

Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie says they've been planning to go to Kuwait, but U.S. Central Command might make a change. She says no matter where they go, they'll be on active duty for about a year.

Tomorrow's sendoff ceremony is at the EAA's Eagle Hangar, at 11 a.m.

There's a second ceremony in the state tomorrow, in Hartford, for 60 soldiers with the 82nd Agribusiness Development Team. They're going to Afghanistan, to teach farmers.

Whooping cough still spreading in Appleton

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:24:00 CST

Appleton's public health officer says whooping cough is continuing to run its course in the city.

Kurt Eggebrecht says so far there are 64 confirmed cases of the disease in 13 public and private schools, and several more suspected cases. He says that's a lot more than the city usually sees.

Eggebrecht says most of the children who are catching the disease have been vaccinated for it. He says the vaccine is important, because it makes the symptoms less severe

Super Bowl a big time for betting

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:23:00 CST

It's a big week for the betting crowd, leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.

Rose Gruber is the executive director of the Green Bay-based Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. She says many people will get in on the action.

Gruber says people will wager billions of dollars on the game, and a lot that money goes down the tube.

A survey estimated that 90 percent of those making Super Bowl bets in the past, ended up losing money.

Bergstrom receiving major award from Ford

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:22:00 CST

A local Ford dealer is receiving a major community service award from the car company.

John Bergstrom is in Las Vegas today, to accept the "Salute to Dealers" honor. He's one of six winners, out of 8,500 dealers around the world.

Bergstrom says helping the community is a part of the company's philosophy. He says they especially try to help young people by supporting the Boys and Girls Club, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, among others.

Ag secretary finds opportunity in Vietnam

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:21:00 CST

The state's agriculture secretary is back from a recent trade mission to Vietnam, and he says there's potential for business partnerships in the future.

Secretary Ben Brancel says Vietnam's dairy industry is pretty small right now, but it is growing.

Brancel says Vietnam's population of about 90 million people grows by about one percent a year. He says that's a growth rate that their domestic dairy industry can't keep up with, and Wisconsin farmers could help.

LU's Beck to retire in 2013

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:00:00 CST

The leader of Lawrence University plans to retire next year.

President Jill Beck announced today that she's leaving her job in June of 2013.

She became the school's 15th president in 2004, and she's the only woman to hold that position.

A search will start soon for her successor.

Beck is unavailable for comment until next Monday.

Victim supports statute of limitations bill

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:45:00 CST

The victim of a brutal stabbing in an Appleton park in 1999 says lawmakers should get rid of the statute of limitations in certain cases.

Rep. Jim Steineke of the town of Vandenbroek is proposing a bill that would end the time limit on prosecuting cases of attempted murder and rape.

A woman who calls herself "Heather" was stabbed 23 times during a random attack in Hoover Park 13 years ago. If her attacker is ever found, he can't be prosecuted because of the statute of limitations. She says she doesn't want that to happen to other people. Heather says she still deals with the emotional impact of the attack everyday.

Retired Appleton police detective Randy Cook worked on the Hoover Park stabbing case. He says the statute of limitations was put in place because memories of an attack fade over time, but it's time for a change.

Any changes in the time limits would only impact future cases.

Statute of limitations issues are also a factor in a child sexual assault case that happened in Appleton in 1989. The cold case is just now making its way through the court system. DNA evidence helped prosecutors find the man they believe committed the crime.

Oshkosh police arrest two for D.Q. robbery

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:44:00 CST

Oshkosh police arrested two people in connection with a robbery last year.

Officer Joe Nichols says an 18-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were involved with the hold-up at the Dairy Queen on S. Main Street last September 9. He says the man waived a large knife in the faces of employees, and demanded money.

They were taken into custody yesterday, and they're in the Winnebago County jail.

The warm winter is rising in the record books

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:43:00 CST

This winter is shaping up to be one of the warmest ever in northeast Wisconsin.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Last says the average temperature for Green Bay through December and January is 26.4 degrees. That ranks as the sixth warmest in over 100 years. He says the numbers are similar for the Fox Cities. Last says it's the third warmest start to winter ever, if consider daytime highs.

Last says five of the last 15 to 20 winters rank among top 20 warmest winters in our area.

Last says the warmest start to the winter was in 2002, when the average temperature was 35 degrees.

Wall tops Ribble in latest fundraising period

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:42:00 CST

A Green Bay Democrat brought in more money during the fourth quarter of last year, than the incumbent in the 8th congressional district race.

Business consultant Jamie Wall is challenging Republican Congressman Reid Ribble of Sherwood.

Wall reported raising more than $240,000, while Ribble collected more than $180,000. Ribble has the advantage in cash-on-hand, with nearly $600,000. Wall reported having $223,000.

Wall made an unsuccessful bid for the seat in 2006.

Panel goes over Medicaid audit

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:41:00 CST

An audit of a major state program shows there are challenges ahead.

Sen. Rob Cowles of Green Bay is the co-chair of the Legislature's joint audit committee. He says the in-depth look at the $7.5 billion Medicaid program highlights the need for lawmakers to see important data.

The Republican lawmaker says Medicaid is expanding faster than the rate of inflation, and it's threatening to surpass the state's ability to fund it, and other programs.

The joint committee held a hearing on the audit yesterday.

Group reacts to Asian carp proposal

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:40:00 CST

A conservation group is reacting to a study showing three ways to try to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.

Joel Brammeier is the president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. He says the plans call for separating Lake Michigan from the Mississippi River, at the Chicago canals.

The price tag for the recommendations range between $3 billion and $9.5 billion.

Brammeier says that's a lot of money, but the financial impact to the tourism industry, and the ecosystem, would be worse.

Prof: Behavior of chimps, politicians is similar

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:59:00 CST

One of the top primate researchers in the world believes the behaviors of chimpanzees, and politicians, are very similar.

Professor Frans de Waal spoke at Lawrence University today. He wrote the book "Chimpanzee Politics" in 1994.

de Waal says all of the male chimps want to have power, and they have their strategies to get it. He says the "alpha male" also knows he needs to do favors for the others, to keep his friends, and stay in power.

He's been studying primates since the 1970s, and he's written 13 different books on their behavior. de Waal is currently a psychology professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

Local businesses 'guardedly optimistic'

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:25:00 CST

The head of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce says it appears businesses are guardedly optimistic about the upcoming year.

The results of the group's annual economic survey are more positive than last year. Forty-six percent of businesses believe the local economy will grow, while 47 percent predict it will stabilize. Another seven percent think it will decline.

Chamber President Shannon Meyer says it's nice to see that companies are optimistic. She says they're probably looking at moderate growth.

The survey found 74 percent believe the quality of life in the Fox Cities is better or much better than other similar-sized communities. Meyer says that's an important message to spread across the country.

Nineteen percent think the quality of life is about the same as other similar communities.

Rosenthal challenging statements, evidence

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:24:00 CST

A Brillion man accused of killing his mother is asking a judge to throw out evidence and statements in the case.

34-year-old Randal Rosenthal is charged with murdering 52-year-old Kathleen Remter last July. He's set to stand trial in May, but his attorney doesn't want the jury to hear what Rosenthal told police, or find out about his clothes.

During a motion hearing in Outagamie County court yesterday, Rosenthal claimed the statements he made weren't voluntary and that investigators should have read him his rights when they talked with him. He also argues detectives didn't have consent to search his clothes and guns.

Rosenthal testified during the hearing that he smoked marijuana shortly before authorities came to talk with him, and that he was also using Xanax and Adderall at times, without a prescription.

Rosenthal is accused of shooting his mother in Rapide Croche Park near Wrightstown, and dumping her body in the Fox River. Court records say she had a large life insurance policy.

Wis. losing residents to other states

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:23:00 CST

Wisconsin doesn't have the appeal that it used to, for people looking to move.

The state gained an average of 3,000 people each year, between 1994 and 2004, but that trend has now reversed.

A study of income tax returns by the Wiscosnin Taxpayers Alliance shows that since 2005, more people have been leaving the state, than coming here, costing the state up to $8 billion in lost tax revenue.

Alliance research director Dale Knapp says the state lost almost 10,000 people in 2010 alone. He says retirees seeking warmer weather are one of the main groups leaving. But he says they're also seeing young college grads leave the Badger State.

Knapp says the only way to reverse the trend is to improve the state's economy.

Knapp says many of the college grads leaving Wisconsin are settling in neighboring states.

Cullen out of possible recall race for governor

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:01:00 CST

One of the Democrats expected to run against Governor Walker in a possible recall election is out of the race.

Senator Tim Cullen of Janesville made the announcement this afternoon.

Cullen has been saying for months that he'll challenge Governor Walker, but now says that he can't raise enough money to compete with better-known candidates.

Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk is the only Democrat officially in the race now, but others are expected to join.

Cullen is a moderate Democrat, and he's been in the Senate since 2010. The 67-year-old previously served in the Senate from 1974 to 1986.

Woman robs Menasha Shopko pharmacy

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:00:00 CST

Menasha police are looking for a woman who robbed the Shopko pharmacy on Appleton Road this morning.

Police department spokesman Aaron Zemlock says it happened around 8:30 a.m. He says the woman threatened the pharmacy clerk with a silver handgun, demanded drugs, and ran out of the store.

Zemlock says investigators aren't sure how many drugs the woman was able to take, before she fled.

The suspect is described as a petite white woman who is about five-foot-three inches tall. She was wearing a green winter jacket with a hood, and had a white scarf over her face. The woman was also wearing black leggings and brown boots.

Most local firms think economy will grow, stabilize

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:45:00 CST

Most companies in the Fox Cities are predicting the economy will be better, or at least the same, this year.

The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce released its annual survey this morning, at a breakfast meeting.

Forty-six percent believe the economy will grow, 47 percent think it will stabilize, and 7 percent are predicting a decline.

David Francis of Thrivent Asset Management was this morning's speaker, and he says it's not going to be a great year, but an OK one. He says consumer confidence is crucial.

The survey found 44 percent think they'll add jobs this year. Fifty percent predict they'll stay at their current levels, and 6 percent are projecting a decline.

Francis says for the economy to continue to grow, we have to stay away from major things that can halt the progress. He says government debt is the only possibility he can come up with. Francis says it's possible the debt problems in Europe could impact the economy in the U.S.

Salvation Army narrowly tops goal

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:44:00 CST

The Salvation Army Fox Cities norrowly reached its Christmas campaign fundraising goal.

Spokesman Robb Waugus says they collected $800 more than the goal of $1.2 million.

The Red Kettle campaign is a large part of effort. Waugus credits the commitment of volunteers and the business community, especially through their match days.

Waugus says he's always amazed by the generosity of people in the Fox Valley, especially given the economy.

Waugus says they money raised through the Christmas campaign will pay for programs for the needy, throughout the year.

First part of Eagle Flats development open

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:43:00 CST

The first piece of the Eagle Flats development, in the Appleton flats, is opening today.

The Landing at Eagle Flats, is a 54-unit affordable apartment complex near the Fox River. Karen Harkness is Appleton's community development director. She says there's a lot of interest in the new apartments.

Another piece of the Eagle Flats development is also under construction. The project that will create 70 apartments for the Appleton housing authority project should be finished by August.

Harkness says it's great to see a neighborhood popping up, where a vacant mill previously stood.

Appleton hit by two power outages

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:42:00 CST

About 2,800 We Energies customers in and around downtown Appleton lost power for a short time this morning.

Utility crews are looking for the cause. The outage lasted about 20 minutes.

Another large outage last night kept some people on Appleton's southeast side in the dark, for about 1-1/2 hours. More than 1,400 customers were impacted. A problem with an underground cable was to blame, and crews are fixing it today.

Schools preparing for longer open enrollment

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:41:00 CST

Students and parents will get more time to take advantage of open enrollment, but the new law will make it tougher for school districts to together their budgets.

Governor Walker signed a bill today that extends the open enrollment period from three weeks in February, to three months, from February through April.

The new deadline will apply for the upcoming school year. Appleton school district chief financial officer Don Hietpas says the change complicates their budget planning a bit, because it will take longer to know how many students to expect, and how many teachers to hire.

There is a provision in the law that helps school districts deal with that uncertainty. Hietpas says in the past, they had to let teachers know about possible layoffs by mid-February, and make a final decision by mid-March. The law changes the deadlines to May and June.

He says every time a student participates in open enrollment, it costs their home school district nearly $7,000.

Outagamie Co. launches new website

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:40:00 CST

The Outagamie County website has a new look.

County Executive Tom Nelson unveiled the new design this morning, and he says it's a one-stop shop for people who do business with county government.

Nelson says the redesign was long overdue. He says the former design was about 12 years old.

Former County Executive Toby Paltzer included the funding for the redesign in his final budget.

Nelson says county staffers spent a year on the project. He says they're under their projected budget of $50,000.

State reveals Top 10 list of consumer complaints

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:59:00 CST

Violations of the state's Do Not Call list were the top complaint to the state's consumer protection department last year.

The agency just released its annual Top 10 list.

Administrator Sandy Chalmers says most of those calls from telemarketers were pre-recorded, so-called "robo-calls."

It was the ninth year in a row that the No Call list was at the top of the list. Other major issues included phone billing errors, identity theft, and home improvement scams.

Top 10 consumer complaints, with number of cases
1. Telemarketing (No-Call) - 1,669
2. Telecommunications - 1,272
3. Landlord/Tenant - 837
4. Home Improvement - 338
5. Identity Theft & Gasoline Pump Accuracy - 225
6. Motor Vehicle Sales - 211
7. Furniture/Home Furnishings - 198
8. Motor Vehicle Repair - 189
9. Satellite Dish - 185
10. Dentistry & Contest/Sweepstakes/Prize Promotions - 173

Cause of large Pulaski fire 'undetermined'

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:24:00 CST

Local, state and federal officials haven't figured out what caused a large fire that damaged five buildings in downtown Pulaski.

It started at a bowling alley last December.

Pulaski Police Chief Randal Dunford says they're classifying the cause of the fire as "undetermined." He says the investigation was a very methodical process.

Dunford says it could have been an electrical issue or something as simple as a cigarette, but the heat from the fire destroyed all of the evidence. They do know it started in or above the men's bathroom at Wood Lanes.

More than 30 area fire departments fought the blaze that spread from the bowling alley to four neighboring buildings.

Another Hwy. 41 project starting today

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:23:00 CST

The Mason Street interchange with Hwy. 41 in Green Bay closed at midnight, and it won't reopen for several months.

DOT spokesman Kris Schuller says construction crews are replacing the overpass there, widening Hwy. 41, and building three roundabouts on Mason Street.

He says drivers need to find alternate routes to cross Hwy. 41, or get to stores in the Mason Street area.

Schuller says the DOT hopes to finish the project by August.

Health program for farmers expands

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:21:00 CST

Farmers in rural Outagamie and Waupaca counties will get a chance to get medical checkups in their own homes.

The Rural Health Initiative is expanding from Shawano County.

ThedaCare is one of the sponsors, and executive director Rhonda Strebel says many farmers are self-employed, and self-insured., so they have high deductibles that don't cover routine checkups.

Strebel says some rural farmers would also have to travel a large distance to see a doctor. She says through their program, a professional visits farmers in their kitchens, and provides a health screening.

The non-profit program is supported by sponsors and fundraising.

Fox Cities Book Festival lands several authors

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:20:00 CST

The first event in the Fox Cities Book Festival kicked off yesterday, with the sixth annual Fox Cities Reads project.

Over the next 2-1/2 months, people all over the Fox Valley will read William Strickland's book "Make the Impossible Possible." Strickland will make appearances at local libraries during the festival, to talk about the book.

Fox Cities Book Festival board member Michael Kenney says a number of other prominent authors will speak at local libraries from April 11-18. The list of authors includes Carol Higgins Clark, Diane Ackerman, Rachel Simon, and Patrick Rothfuss.

Kenney says libraries in the Fox Cities have hundreds of copies of Strickland's book, for those who want to participate in the community read.

Zahirudin gets probation for abandoning baby

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:06:00 CST

A 17-year-old girl will spend three years on probation, after she reached a plea deal in an abandoned baby case.

Nadia Zahirudin of the town of Buchanan entered guilty pleas yesterday to three misdemeanor counts -- child neglect, obstructing police, and disorderly conduct.

Outagamie County Judge Michael Gage agreed to defer the prosecution of a felony child abandonment charge, and he'll give her the chance to clear her record, if she successfully completes her probation. The judge complimented Zahirudin for being an "exemplary person" who made a bad decision.

She was arrested last May, along with the baby's father, after they decided to leave the child next to a dumpster outside of the Fox Valley Christian Fellowship Church.

Deputy District Attorney Melinda Tempelis says Zahirudin will have to perform 20 hours of community service each year, talking to teens about what happened.

The father, 18-year-old Benjamin LaMarche of Kimberly, apparently also reached a plea deal, and he'll be in court in March.

Prosecutors say the baby survived, and is doing well.

Cause of Pulaski fire ruled 'undetermined'

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:05:00 CST

Local, state, and federal officials say they can't find what caused a fire at a Pulaski bowling alley on December 2, that damaged much of the village's downtown.

Investigators from the state fire marshal's office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and firearms, and the Pulaski fire and police departments say the blaze started in, or above, the men's bathroom at Wood Lanes, but they don't know what sparked it.

More than 30 fire departments fought the blaze, that spread from the bowling alley to four neighboring buildings.

Van Hollen calls for recall signature posting

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:04:00 CST

The state Government Accountability Board isn't saying if or when it will post the petitions seeking the recall of Governor Walker, online, but the attorney general is now weighing in.

Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says they need to be made public.

The GAB decided not to post them yesterday, as planned, because of concerns from domestic violence victims about having their names and addresses made public.

J.B. Van Hollen says all state agencies need to balance the responsibility for open government with safeguarding citizens. But the signatures should go on the website, after appropriate measures are taken.

There are about 150,000 pages of petitions, and recall organizers say there are more than a million signatures on them.

Outagamie Co. airport pays off terminal bond

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:03:00 CST

Outagamie County paid off the bonds for the 10-year-old airport terminal expansion project, five years early.

County and airport staff celebrated this morning, by holding a "bond burning" outside of the main entrance.

County Executive Tom Nelson says they're saving $234,000 in interest, and they'll pass that along to airport tenants and passengers.

The county borrowed $4 million for the $10.7 million project. Grants from the federal and state governments covered about an additional $6 million.

Before the project started in 2001, the airport didn't have boarding bridges, so passengers had to walk outside, onto the tarmac, to board their plane.

The work also included a new, 30-thousand square foot gate area.

No aid coming for September wind storm

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:03:00 CST

The state and federal governments won't help cover the cost of damage left by a wind storm that hit the Fox Cities last September.

Outagamie County emergency management director Christina Muller says the storm caused $2.9 million worth of residential property damage, and $2.5 million in losses for businesses.

Muller says communities also had to spend nearly $500,000 to clean up from the storm. She says that came close to the threshold for qualifying for state disaster relief aid, but it was still far from the limit to get help from FEMA.

Outagamie Co. airport gets body scanners

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:01:00 CST

A new body scanning machine is now in place at the Outagamie County Regional Airport.

TSA crews started using it this morning, at the security screening checkpoint.

Airport Director Marty Lenss says it's more efficient than the metal detectors that used to be in place. He says that's especially the case for people with knee or hip replacements.

The machines created a lot of controversy when they were first put in airports more than a year ago. Lenss says Outagamie County has what's considered the next generation of the scanners. He says they produce a less graphic image than previous versions of the scanners.

The TSA installed the scanners at Austin Strabel International Airport in Green Bay earlier this month.

Book chosen for Fox Cities Reads

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:00:00 CST

A motivational book is the subject of this year's Fox Cities Reads event.

Fox Cities Book Festival board member Michael Kenney says libraries across the area have hundreds of copies of "Make the Impossible Possible" by William Strickland. He says the book is different than the ones they picked during the first five years of the community reading event.

Strickland's book includes his story of growing up in a Pittsburgh ghetto, becoming a Harvard lecturer, and serving on the National Endowment for the Arts board.

He'll come to several local libraries in April, to talk about the book.

Teens in abandoned baby case in court today

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:25:00 CST

The teens accused of abandoning their newborn baby by a dumpster will be in Outagamie County court today.

18-year-old Benjamin LaMarche of Kimberly faces a felony charge of child abandonment, and a misdemeanor count of child neglect. 17-year-old Nadia Zahiruden of the town of Buchanan faces four charges, including a felony county of child abandonment, and misdemeanor charges of child neglect, obstructing an officer, and disorderly conduct.

Court records says the teens planned to drop the baby off at St. Elizabeth Hosptial, shortly after Zahirudin gave birth, last May, but they were afraid of getting in trouble. They're accused of leaving the newborn next to a dumpster behind the Fox Valley Christian Fellowship Church in Kimberly instead.

LaMarche is scheduled to have a jury trial today, while Zahirudin will be in court for a plea hearing.

Attorneys for both teens have been trying to work out a plea agreement with prosecutors for months.

GAB holds off on posting Walker petitions online

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:24:00 CST

The state Government Accountability Board is delaying plans to post the recall petitions against Governor Walker, online, after some raised concerns about privacy.

The petitions are considered public records, but Stacy Harbaugh of the ACLU in Wisconsin says the state takes some precautions in other areas. She says victims of stalking, sexual assault, and domestic abuse are able to keep their names confidential when other papers are released.

There are about 150,000 petition pages for the Walker recall.

The GAB already posted the signatures from the four Senate recalls, and did the same for all of the senate recalls last year.

Governor Walker says he likes the idea of having the petitions online, so people can see them and look for duplicates.

Lawmaker proposes wolf hunt

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:23:00 CST

Less than a week after the state took over the management of Wisconsin's gray wolf population, a lawmaker wants to create a hunting season for the animals.

Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder says the state needs help to effectively manage the wolf population.

The Abbotsford Republican says the state's population goal is 350, but right now, there are about 800 of the animals.

The gray wolf was removed from the endangered species list last week.

Suder wants to let hunters target the animals between October and February.

Walker touts manufacturing careers

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:21:00 CST

In order to help create jobs in manufacturing, Governor Walker says more people need to pick a career in the industry.

He says there are decent, high-paying jobs that they can be proud of.

The governor was in Green Bay yesterday to talk with workers at the Lindquist Machine Corporation.

Walker says it's important to reach out to young people. He says the state can be competitive, if there's a good, qualified workforce in place. He says that goes for other countries too, like China and Mexico.

The governor's stop was part of his post-"State of the State" tour.

Jacobsen gets five years for stealing $500k

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:20:00 CST

A town of Menasha woman will spend five years in prison for stealing nearly $500,000 from the Community Blood Center.

50-year-old Tina Jacobsen took the money by falsifying nearly 290 transactions, while she worked in the Grand Chute blood center's finance department.

Court records say she spent more than $400,000 of the stolen money at the Oneida Casino.

Jacobsen blames the thefts on a gambling addiction, and she's getting treatment for it. Before receiving her sentence, Jacobsen said she's sorry for stealing the money, and letting so many people down.

Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis says Jacobsen hasn't shown remorse for the crime.

Jacobsen will also spend 13 years on probation, and she'll have to pay more than $500,000 in restitution to cover the money that she took, and expenses incurred by the Community Blood Center.

GOP reviewing petitions in Appleton area, G.B.

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:45:00 CST

The process of reviewing about 1 million signatures from the effort to recall Governor Walker got under way in the Appleton area, and around the state over the weekend.

The state Republican Party opened 13 offices where volunteers are going over the petition pages.

The state Government Accountability Board finished scanning the 150,000 pages last Friday, and spokesman Ben Sparks says they had about 2,000 people help out in the first 24 hours.

Sparks says people are going over the signatures, looking for fraudulent names and addresses. He says they're also watching to make sure multiple signatures don't have the same handwriting.

Sparks says he doesn't have an accurate count on the number of signatures they already plan to challenge.

The GOP's office in the Appleton area is on Waterford Lane in Grand Chute, near the Outagamie County Regional Airport. The party also has one on S. Webster Avenue in Green Bay.

Panel holding hearing on home brew bill

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:44:00 CST

Home brewers want to tip a pint of their brew outside of their own homes, and a bill before a Senate committee would let them do that again.

The state department of revenue determined last year that existing law prohibits people from taking their home brews anywhere.

Sen. Mike Ellis of Neenah says the bill he co-sponsored with Rep. Dean Kaufert would change that.

Ellis say anyone who wants to weigh in on the bill can email his office before tomorrow's public hearing. He says he hopes the Senate committee votes on it immediately after the hearing, and sends the bill onto the Senate.

New emergency shelter leader starts today

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:43:00 CST

The Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley has a new leader.

Former Grand Chute police lieutenant Jerome Martin is starting his first day, today, as the shelter's executive director. John Russo is the chair of the shelter's board of directors, and he says Martin is a good fit, because of his police work.

Martin says there is a lot of crossover in the skills needed for police work, and running the shelter.

Martin says he hopes to start new collaborations between communities and other organizations that serve the less fortunate, to help people get back on their feet.

Martin takes over for Debra Cronmiller, who left the emergency shelter last year.

Petri: Troops to Teachers program working well

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:42:00 CST

Before they leave the military, soldiers can get the training they need, if they want to become teachers later on.

Congressman Tom Petri of Fond du Lac says the Troops to Teachers program has been working well. He says so far, over 10,000 soldiers transitioned into the classroom.

The program was a part of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Petri says instead of having to go back to school for a year or two, the soldiers are ready to get into the classroom as soon as they're discharged from the military. He says they hope to attract a wider range of participants.

Petri was a guest on the Bill Sebastian Show this morning on WHBY.

Woman reaches deal in deadly hit-and-run

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:41:00 CST

A Sheboygan teen entered no contest pleas this morning, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident.

19-year-old Kayla Bowers was charged with driving drunk and hitting three women during Brat Days in Sheboygan last summer.

60-year-old Barbara Jahnke of Sheboygan was killed, while her daughter, and her daughter's friend, were both hurt.

Bowers reached a plea deal with prosecutors this morning on one count of homicide by driving drunk, and two counts of causing injury by driving drunk.

Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of six years in prison, and 12 years of extended supervision.

Bowers will be in court for her sentencing hearing on April 9.

Experts predict big sturgeon season

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:40:00 CST

If the ice holds out, next month's sturgeon spearing season could be the largest ever on the Lake Winnebago system.

DNR officials say nearly 12,700 people bought licenses to spear a sturgeon. That breaks the previous record by nearly 300.

The spearing season starts February 11, and runs until February 26, unless harvest caps are reached. DNR officials are raising those caps slightly on Lake Winnebago, and the upriver lakes.

The warm weather this winter is leading to poor ice conditions in some areas.

PAC ranked 20th on national list

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:59:00 CST

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is outperforming similar-sized venues across the country.

Executive vice president Maria Van Laanen says the PAC ranked 13th nationwide in the "Top Stops" list for "Venues Today" magazine. She says the ranking is based on ticket sales for venues with 2,001 to 5,000 seats.

Van Laanen says the PAC is on the lower end of the capacity range, and outperformed many larger venues, in bigger cities.

She says that could help bring in bigger, and newer shows in the future.

Van Laanen says it's the fourth time the PAC made the list's top 20.

Lamers makes list of top motorcoach companies

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:58:00 CST

A national magazine is again including a Green Bay-based company as one of the best in the motorcoach business.

Metro Magazine ranked Lamers Bus Lines 13th, among the top 50 in the country. That's up two spots from a year ago.

A Dallas company was the top-ranked motorcoach company for the second year in a row.

Lasee drops out of GOP race for U.S. Senate

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:25:00 CST

One of the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate is getting out of the race.

State Sen. Frank Lasee announced yesterday that he's dropping his bid for the federal office.

The De Pere Republican issued a statement, saying it's not the right time to make a run.

Lasee was elected to the state Senate in 2010. He had spent 12 years in the Assembly, before he lost that seat in 2006.

The decision leaves three other Republicans in the September primary -- former Congressman Mark Neumann, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, and former Governor Tommy Thompson. There's only one Democrat in the race -- Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin.

The winner of the November election will succeed the retiring, longtime Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl.

Reedsville man killed in rollover crash

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:24:00 CST

A rollover crash in Manitowoc County early yesterday morning claimed the life of a 22-year-old Reedsville man.

The State Patrol says he was on Highway JJ near Valders a little after 1:30 a.m., when he missed a curve with his pickup truck. They say the truck rolled over, and landed in the ditch.

A 22-year-old Brillion man suffered non-life threatening injuries. He was flown to Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, by Theda Star.

Hansen calls on GOP to keep voucher promise

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:23:00 CST

In the wake of a Republican lawmaker's comments about Green Bay Preble high school last week, a Green Bay Democrat is urging the Assembly to approve a bill on school voucher expansion.

Sen. Dave Hansen says Senate President Mike Ellis of Neenah should keep his word, and insist that the Assembly take a vote, without any amendments to the proposal.

Hansen says Ellis and Sen. Rob Cowles of Green Bay promised they would fix a provision in the state budget, and limit the program to Milwaukee County and Racine. He says any expansions should go through the normal process.

Ellis was caught on tape calling Preble high school a "sewer" last week, during a conversation with lawmakers on school vouchers.

Farm bureau cries foul over child labor rules

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:22:00 CST

A state group is concerned about proposed changes to child labor laws on farms.

Spokesman Casey Langan of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation says it's another attempt by the federal government to make new rules.

Langan says one proposal would make it illegal for anyone under 16 to use power equipment. He says the move would drastically change the face of the family farm, and make it more difficult for them to stay in business.

In pushing for the tighter rules, the U.S. department of agriculture says 40 percent of all on-the-job youth fatalities are connected to agriculture.

Three rescued from Shawano Lake

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:21:00 CST

A car went off the ice on Shawano Lake over the weekend, and all three people were able to get out safely.

The Shawano County sheriff's department says they were in the water for about 15 minutes, before deputies got them onto an airboat.

Authorities say a 24-year-old Illinois woman was trying to drive off the lake near a channel, and she went into open water, around 7 p.m. Saturday. A 29-year-old man and a 10-year-old were also in the car.

They were all able to climb out of the roof.

Authorities say they were wet, and very cold, but they weren't hurt. They were checked out at Shawano Medical Center.

Lack of snow not hurting tourism industry

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:20:00 CST

The state's winter tourism industry is doing well, despite the lack of snow in most of the state.

Tourism department spokeswoman Lisa Marshall says the snowmobile trails in the far northern parts of Wisconsin are open, and in good shape. And ski hill operators are also reporting good conditions.

Marshall says the state's indoor winter attractions, like spas and indoor water parks, are also doing well this winter.

One person killed in crash near N.L.

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:25:00 CST

One person was killed in a head-on crash early this morning, just east of New London.

The Outagamie County sheriff's department says the accident happened on Highway 54, at Liberty Hall Road, in the town of Liberty, just after 2:30 a.m. One driver died, and the other was taken to New London Family Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Authorities are still investigating.

Recall signatures delivered to Walker campaign

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:20:00 CST

Governor Walker's campaign can start challenging signatures in the recall effort targeting him, Saturday.

The Government Accountability Board turned over copies of more than 150,000 petitions Friday, to the Walker campaign, but didn't release how many signatures are on them. Recall organizers say there are about one million.

Starting Saturday, the Walker campaign has 30 days to challenge signatures that they feel should be thrown out.

The GAB will post the petitions on its website on Monday.

Walker responds to new staffer charges

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:50:00 CST

Governor Scott Walker says his campaign is cooperating with an ongoing John Doe investigation.

Two former aides to Walker when he was Milwaukee County executive were charged yesterday with doing campaign work while they were supposed to be working for the county. Walker says his office made it clear that wasn't allowed.

The criminal complaints against Kelly Rindfleisch and Darlene Wink also detail a secret, private Internet hookup in the county executive's office. The governor declined to comment on other details of the case because of the ongoing investigation.

Rindfleisch is charged with four felonies, on accusations that she was doing fundraising work for former Lt. Gov. candidate Brett Davis, while on county time. Wink faces two misdemeanor counts, and court records say she worked to organize a potential fundraiser for Walker.

The governor says he does not believe the investigation is targeting him directly.

Manitowoc man changes plea in murder case

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:45:00 CST

A suspect in a Calumet County murder ischanging his plea.

30-year-old Robert Saurbeir of Manitowoc is one of two men charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the beating death of 37-year-old Joseph Baer.

Court records say Saurbeir and James Loewe beat Baer to death, using a hammer, pipe, stick, and chain, in March of last year.

All three men knew each other, and the beating happened outside of the town of Rantoul farm house that Loewe rented.

Saurbeir earlier entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge, but changed it to not guilty by mental disease or defect yesterday, in Calumet County court.

Loewe is expected to enter into a plea agreement next month. Saurbeir is scheduled to stand trial in late April.

Pro-FVTC referendum campaign kicking off

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:44:00 CST

Supporters of the proposed expansion at Fox Valley Technical College are looking for volunteers to help educate voters about the benefits, before the upcoming referendum.

TechWorks campaign director Jane Frantz says they're kicking off their effort at two places tomorrow.

The $66.5 million referendum will be on the April 3 ballot.

France says it's important for voters to understand that even though the price tag seems high, the Fox Valley area would benefit immediately, by putting people to work on the construction projects.

France says once the new facilities open, the local economy will continue to benefit. She says that's because more students will be able to learn important job skills, in areas employers need workers.

The owner of a $100,000 home would pay about an extra $12.50 a year in property taxes, if the referendum passes.

Tomorrow's kickoff for volunteers starts at 10 a.m. at Miron Construction in the town of Menasha. There's also an event at Miles Kimball in Oshkosh, at 2 p.m.

Billionaire fails to take over Oshkosh Corp. board

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:43:00 CST

A billionaire from New York lost his bid to gain more control of the Oshkosh Corporation's board of directors.

Stockholders elected 12 of the company's 13 nominees, and officials say the other race is still too close.

Billionaire Carl Icahn had a group of his own nominees on the ballot, in hopes of possibly merging the Oshkosh Corporation and Navistar International. He recently acquired a larger share of the Illinois-based truck maker.

Most of fire dept. calls for medical emergencies

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:42:00 CST

Appleton's fire department responded to almost 10 calls per day last year.

Most of them were medical emergencies, according to the department's year-end report.

Fire Chief Len VanderWyst says all firefighters are trained as first responders, and they try to get to the scene as soon as possible, in case a Gold Cross ambulance crew is farther away.

Firefighters were called to 120 fires, including 40 where flames were already showing. Only one person was hurt in a fire.

The department also had to deal with nearly 500 false alarms. VanderWyst says that's always a concern, and a big reason they now charge a fee for multiple false alarms at the same location.

Credit union opening first middle school branch

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:41:00 CST

For the first time, a local credit union is teaming with an Appleton middle school to help students start good financial habits.

Community First Credit Union is opening a branch at Roosevelt middle school this afternoon. Spokeswoman Amanda Secor says it's an extension of their credit union program in Appleton's high schools.

She says the credit union also has a branch in an elementary school, and the students are excited about saving money.

Secor says the students who work at the credit union only take deposits, and they have adults supervising them, to make sure they are accurately counting the money.

Annual LU trivia contest kicks off

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:40:00 CST

For 50 straight hours this weekend, Lawrence University is hosting its annual trivia contest.

Senior Jake Fisher is this year's "Grand Trivia Master," and he helped write the questions for the competition. He says his sources vary from Internet searches, to books, to anything he may come across.

The contest starts at 10 p.m. tonight, and runs through midnight on Sunday, on Lawrence's online radio station.

It's the 47th annual competition, and last year, it drew nearly 70 off-campus teams, and 15 from on-campus.

Fisher says he won't reveal his plans, but he will add some new wrinkles to this year's contest.

Impact of charges against Walker aides unclear

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:25:00 CST

Four former aides of Governor Walker, from when he was Milwaukee County executive, now face criminal charges from a John Doe investigation. But two political science professors say it's still not clear how it will impact his chances in a recall election.

UW-Green Bay professor Michael Kraft says the news won't change the minds of Walker supporters and opponents.

Lawrence University professor Arnold Shober says unless Governor Walker is implicated in the investigation, independent voters may not care too much.

The charges against the Walker aides range from stealing from a military charity, to campaigning on county time.

Walker's campaign released a statement yesterday, saying that using county resources or time for political work was prohibited in the county executive's office.

Ellis apologizes for comment about G.B. school

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:24:00 CST

A Neenah lawmaker is apologizing for comments that he recently made about a northeast Wisconsin school.

While talking about expanding the state's school voucher program at a Madison restaurant recently, someone secretly video taped a conversation, where Sen. Mike Ellis called Green Bay's Preble high school a "sewer." That led to an outcry from Preble students and staff, and an apology from Ellis.

During the conversation, Ellis pointed to Preble as a reason that he's easing his stance on expanding the school choice program.

When the budget passed last summer, Ellis vowed to limit the voucher program to schools in Milwaukee and Racine. Now he says he wants to let school districts opt in, if it's determined they're failing, and they want to participate.

The Legislature will likely take up the issue later this year.

Assembly passes mining bill

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:23:00 CST

A proposal to streamline the permitting process for an iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin cleared the Assembly last night.

Rep. Sandy Pasch of Whitefish Bay was among the Democrats who argued the bill removes key environmental protections.

But South Milwaukee Republican Mark Honadel says the bill does not guarantee the approval of a mine, it simply gives them more certainty about the process.

Supporters say the bill could help create thousands of jobs in a region with high unemployment.

The measure passed on a party-line vote and now heads to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.

Appleton police focus on street crimes

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:22:00 CST

When Appleton police are focusing on fighting street crimes, they're mainly targeting drugs, gangs and prostitution.

Lt. Steve Elliot covered those three issues yesterday afternoon, in a presentation to the city's safety and licensing committee.

Elliot says many of the women involved in prostitution are coerced into it. He says it's also tied to drug and property crimes.

Elliot says drugs can also lead to other crimes, like break-ins and burglaries.

When it comes to gangs, he says there's a very active task force in the area, and police work hard to deal with problems.

Elliot says Appleton is fortunate that it doesn't have any bad neighborhoods. He says they may have problem houses, but they're able to deal with them effectively because neighborhoods don't tolerate them.

Zareczny cold case still in limbo

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:20:00 CST

A court commissioner says he needs more information, before he can decide the fate of an Appleton cold case.

Prosecutors charged 55-year-old Roman Zareczny with two 1989 attacks on young girls, but the defense argues the first incident is beyond the statute of limitations, and the entire case should be dismissed.

Court Commissioner Brian Figy heard from attorneys on both sides for about a half-hour yesterday afternoon, before ordering them to do more research, and file another set of legal briefs.

Court records say investigators tied Zareczny to the April 1989 assault of a young girl at Reid Golf Course, through DNA. The second incident was outside of Lincoln elementary school that November.

The defense contends if Zareczny can't face charges for the April incident, prosecutors don't have evidence to connect him to the second one.

Two more Walker staffers facing charges

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:45:00 CST

Prosecutors are charging two more former workers for then-Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, as part of a secret investigation.

Former policy analyst and deputy chief of staff Kelly Rindfleisch is facing four felony counts of misconduct in office, while one-time constituent services coordinator Darlene Wink is charged with two misdemeanors.

Rindfleisch is accused of raising campaign funds for former Lt. Gov. candidate Brett Davis, while she was in the county executive's office, on county time.

Jay Heck of the watchdog group Common Cause says the situation sounds just like the caucus scandal at the Capitol a decade ago. He says anybody that was engaged in that kind of behavior had to know it was wrong.

Court records say Rindfleisch actually worked for the Republican senate and assembly caucuses before they were disbanded, and she was interviewed during the caucus investigation.

Records say Rindfleisch worked on a personal laptop, using a private Internet hookup that was set up by former chief of staff Tim Russell.

They say over several months, during work hours, she sent nearly 1,400 emails about the Davis campaign from a private email account. She's also accused of communicating more than 1,000 times with staffers for Walker's campaign for governor.

While she was getting paid by the county, she also received $1,000 a month for her fundraising work.

Wink is accused of posting online comments on news stories, touting Walker, and criticizing his opponents.

Heck says Governor Walker should tell everyone what he knows, now. He says he would hope the governor and his staff would be proactive. He says the worst thing would be to be secretive, and in denial, and then have someone else who worked close to you, be arrested.

The secret John Doe investigation is ongoing.

Ellis: Political divide in Madison runs deep

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:44:00 CST

A leader in the state Senate says the political climate in Madison will limit how much work lawmakers get done this year.

Senate President Mike Ellis says the deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans were clear during last night's State of the State address, when protesters repeatedly interrupted Governor Walker.

The Neenah Republican says he hopes to hold votes on a handful of bills.

Assembly to vote on mining bill Thursday

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:43:00 CST

The Assembly is preparing to vote on a controversial mining bill on Thursday.

Republican Majority Leader Scott Suder is disputing claims from environmental groups that the measure strips away water protections.

Suder and other supporters argue the changes in state mining laws will result in a big boost for the economy, especially in Iron and Ashland counties. That's where the large iron ore mine would be located.

Census takers find two homeless sleeping outside

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:42:00 CST

Twice a year, volunteers take part in a census of the homeless population in the Appleton area, and overnight, they found two people sleeping outside.

Chris Lashock of the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley says it's always his hope they won't find anyone living outside in the cold of winter. He says there wasn't anyone last year, so it's disheartening.

Lashock says they also found several camps that are used by the homeless. He says he believes some homeless people are trying to survive outside because there isn't room for them at area shelters. He says others are afraid to seek shelter for a variety of reasons.

Lashock says in recent years the face of homelessness in the Fox Valley has changed. He says they have served newborns and even a homeless 86-year-old World War II veteran. He says the veteran is now in stable housing, and paying his own way.

State already has law to keep students in school

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:41:00 CST

President Obama proposed a new law during his "State of the Union" address this week, to make sure kids stay in school.

He wants to make it illegal for students to drop out before they're 18, while forcing school districts to serve them until they reach that age.

Appleton school Sup. Lee Allinger says Wisconsin already has a law like that on the books. When students are expelled, Allinger says it's rare that they're banned through the age of 18.

If students are expelled at some point, Allinger says they try to stay connected to them, and provide them services. He says that helps when they return.

Allinger says it's not just about making sure students stay in school until they're 18. He says many of them know they'll need some sort of post-secondary education, if they want to reach their career goals.

Walker touts accomplishments in 'State of State'

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:25:00 CST

Governor Walker pointed to his record during his annual "State of the State" address last night.

He says Wisconsin added thousands of new jobs last year, and he balanced the budget. Walker pointed to the reforms in the collective bargaining law that saved school districts on their insurance costs.

The governor asked small businesses to each hire one more person this year. He says many more people could get to work, if everyone pitched in.

Walker also announced a new task force to follow up on the recommendations in a report on waste, fraud, and abuse in government.

The topic of the possible recall election didn't make it into the governor's speech, but some people in the Assembly gallery did try to interrupt him several times.

There were hundreds of protesters outside of the chamber, in the Capitol rotunda, listening to the speech on speakers.

Some local Dems react to governor's speech

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:24:00 CST

Some local Democrats are weighing in on Governor Walker's "State of the State" address.

Sen. Dave Hansen of Green Bay says Wisconsin was the only state in the country to lose jobs in each of the last six months, so he's taking the governor's claim of creating jobs with a grain of salt.

Rep. Gordon Hintz of Oshkosh says he noticed that the governor didn't mention anything about the political divide.

Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber of Appleton says she wanted Walker to talk about ways for everyone to work together.

(Pictured: Sen. Dave Hansen, top right; Rep. Gordon Hintz, bottom right; Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber, bottom left.)

G.B. tourism officials hope to land tourney

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:23:00 CST

A Green Bay tourism officials says having the WIAA state basketball tournaments at the Resch Center would be a great boost for the community.

Several officials from the Green Bay area made their pitch to WIAA officials yesterday, as the organization decides what to do when its current contract with the Kohl Center ends in 2013.

Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Brad Toll says the event generates about $9 million, and it would give the area another reason to be proud.

Toll says the state boys and girls basketball tournaments usually draw about 135,000 people, over two weekends.

G.B., Appleton areas lost jobs in 2011

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:22:00 CST

The Appleton and Green Bay metro areas saw a loss in jobs last year.

Figures from the state department of workforce development show the Appleton area lost 500 jobs in 2011, on a seasonally adjusted basis. The Green Bay metro was down 1,700 jobs.

The numbers would have been worse, if not for a boost in 400 jobs in Appleton last month, and 700 in Green Bay.

The Oshkosh-Neenah metro area saw an increase of 1,200 jobs in 2011, the second most in the state.

Appleton was one of three metro areas in the state to see the unemployment rate climb over the last month. It went from 5.8 to 5.9 percent. That's still a half-percent lower than a year ago.

The jobless rate in Green Bay was 6.3 percent, and 5.7 percent in Oshkosh-Neenah. Both were down 0.1 percent.

The metro unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Event raising money for Children's Hospital

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:21:00 CST

A group of radio stations is raising money for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin over the next two days.

This is the 12th year of the Woodward Radiothon, and over those years, listeners have donated more than $3 million.

Denise Hajos is a spokeswoman for the Children's Hosptial of the Fox Valley foundation. She says the money helps pay for patient care, research, and supplies.

Between donations, and an online auction, Hajos says the organization hopes to raise $150,000 during this year's radiothon.

WHBY and its partner radio stations that are taking part in the event.

G.C. house fire intentionally set

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:10:00 CST

It didn't take Grand Chute firefighters long to put out a house fire this morning, that investigators say was intentionally set..

Fire department spokesman Jesse Pickett says they were called to a home in the 3600 block of N. Shawnee Lane shortly before 11 a.m. He says smoke was coming from a second-floor bedroom.

Pickett says firefighters contained the blaze to one bedroom, and no one was hurt.

Pickett says investigators were able to determine that a 20-year-old man living in the house set the fire. He was arrested on a preliminary charge of arson.

The house has moderate smoke, and minor water damage.

Judge grants more time to review petitions

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:44:00 CST

The state elections board will get an extra 30 days to verify nearly two million signatures on recall petitions against Governor Walker and five other Republicans.

Dane County Judge Richard Niess says the Government Accountability Board faces an unprecedented task and needs more than the 31 days allowed under state law. The clock initially started ticking January 18.

Board officials say they're overwhelmed by the sheer volume of signatures.

Poll: Walker leads potential opponents

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:43:00 CST

A poll by Marquette University's law school shows Governor Walker has leads over several potential Democratic opponents in a recall election.

The governor was ahead of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, 50-to-44 percent, and the only announced candidate -- former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, 49-to-42.

He also led former Congressman Dave Obey, 49-to-43, and state Senator Tim Cullen 50-to-40.

Besides the Cullen match-up, the results are within the poll's 3.8 percent margin of error.

Walker's approval rating was at 51 percent, while 46 percent said they disapprove.

The Marquette poll also asked about a potential match-up in the November presidential election. It shows President Obama had a lead over Republican Mitt Romney of 48-to-40 percent.

That's just outside of the 3.8 percent margin of error.

Most of the surveys were done before last Saturday, when Republican Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina primary.

LWV hosting forum on voting changes

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:42:00 CST

Voting changes for 2012 are the topic of a forum tonight in Appleton.

City Clerk Cindy Hesse says the Appleton League of Women Voters wants to make sure people are up to speed on things like the voter ID law and the new residency requirements. She says people now have to live somewhere for 28 days before they can vote in a district.

Hesse says if people can't make it to the forum tonight, they can go online to see a list of the changes, or call her office.

The forum runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the lower-level meeting rooms of the Appleton public library.

Group launches ads against mining bill

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:40:00 CST

In an unprecedented move for the group, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is launching a statewide ad campaign against a proposed mining bill.

Program Director Anne Sayers says they're trying to spread the word about the possible changes in environmental regulations. She says the Assembly is expected to vote on the measure tomorrow, and they believe the Senate is the last chance to stop it.

Sayers says they want to make sure citizens know how dangerous the bill could be.

The bill would streamline the permitting process, to help Gogebic Taconite open a large iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties.

Sayers says it's possible arsenic, lead, and mercury could seep into the groundwater. She says a provision in the bill allows for the contamination of groundwater.

Sayers says the state has a long tradition of mining, and over the years, companies have been able to follow conservation laws.

NWTC starting welder-fabricator apprenticeship

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:59:00 CST

The state is partnering with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to start a welder-fabricator apprenticeship program.

The department of workforce development is using a federal green economy grant to help launch the initiative. It's the fourth of six new apprenticeship programs that will be developed using the $6 million grant.

Students at NWTC will be in the program for four years, or until they accumulate 8,000 hours.

K-C advancing in DNR's Green Tier program

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:58:00 CST

A local papermaker is taking its participation in a state sustainability program to the next level.

The DNR recently agreed to elevate Kimberly-Clark's experimental mill in Neenah to Tier 2 status, in the Green Tier program.

To reach that level, the company took a number of steps, including reducing the water used to wash equipment by about 50 percent, and installing new high-efficiency fluorescent lights.

Susan Tarr is the director of research and engineering at the facility on Commercial Street in Neenah. She says they're following their environmental management system to try to reduce their impact.

The experimental mill was at the Tier 1 level for more than five years.

Honor Flights group taking trip to Pearl Harbor

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:23:00 CST

The group that takes World War II veterans to Washington D.C. is planning a special trip this year.

Drew MacDonald of Old Glory Honor Flights says they're going to fly Wisconsin Pearl Harbor survivors to Hawaii. He says they have to meet the definition used by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association in order to go.

MacDonald says because the attack on Pearl Harbor was 70 years ago, the youngest veterans are 88 years old. He says leaders of the group wish they could have organized the trip sooner, but the group hasn't been around very long.

MacDonald says the trip is going to last four days, from June 14-18. He says it's a long way to travel, and they don't want to rush the veterans.

The "Return to Pearl" trip will be on top of the regular trips to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. The group is also holding a separate fundraising effort.

DNR to start managing state's wolves

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:22:00 CST

The DNR will soon take control of the state's wolf population.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service is taking the animal off the endangered species list in the upper Midwest states on Friday.

DNR regional manager Jeff Pritzl says there are about 800 wolves in Wisconsin, and that's well above the DNR's goal for the animal.

He says farmers who have lost animals to wolf attacks in the past two years, or people who live within a mile of a wolf attack in the past year, can get permits to kill problem wolves. People can also get permits if wolves are threatening people in their area. But Pritzl says permits won't be issued when wolves kill animals on public land.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tried to remove the wolf from the list two other times, but court challenges derailed those efforts. Pritzl says as of now, it looks like it will go through this time.

Mining bill advances to full Assembly

whbyam@wcinet.com (WHBY) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:39:00 CST

A Legislative panel is signing off on a mining bill, setting up a possible vote on the Assembly floor tomorrow.

The proposal would streamline the permitting process, to help Gogebic Taconite open an iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties.

The Assembly jobs committee debated how to share the revenue from a tax on mine profits.

Democratic Rep. Louis Molepske of Stevens Point says locals don't think the state should get 40 percent of it.

Republican Rep. Jeff Stone of Greendale says it's his job to represent the state's interests.

The committee approved the bill on a 9-5 vote.