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Halbach arrested on 13 charges

By GAZETTE STAFF   Monday, June 30, 2008 - 3:49 p.m.
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JANESVILLE

James R. Halbach, co-owner of Screamin’ MeeMees, was arrested Monday morning on 12 felony charges of keeping a place of prostitution and one misdemeanor charge of prostitution.

He was released with a court date.

Halbach’s arrest was the most prominent and significant in the Janesville Police Department’s year-long investigation into alleged prostitution at Screamin’ MeeMees, 402 W. Delavan Drive, Janesville, the city’s only strip club.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a separate but related investigation into possible prostitution at Diamond Jim's & The Isabella Queen, a tavern and strip bar at 6530 S. Highway 51 in Rock Township.

Halbach and his wife, Rebecca, own both establishments.

While at least two sexual acts and several solicitations for oral sex have been charged in previous cases, most of the alleged prostitution involves physical contact, but not intercourse, between dancers and patrons at the two clubs.

On Friday, Screamin’ MeeMees manager Randy Peterson, 49, of 3626 Falcon Ridge, Janesville was arrested on five felony charges of keeping a place of prostitution.

Previously, 18 people had been arrested on misdemeanor prostitution charges. Three cases resulted in guilty pleas to prostitution; one in a guilty plea to disorderly conduct.

The other cases are pending.




reader COMMENTS
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(101)
whitewater
Jul 7, 2008 at 6:12 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
gazettefan
Jul 2, 2008 at 8:02 a.m.
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Yeah, that's it.

backgurl
Jul 2, 2008 at 2:43 a.m.
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the city manager kept geting raises and we couldn't get our streets plowed. The city messed up and is now trying to take Jim to the cleaners. I guess somene has to pay for the new police station.

backgurl
Jul 2, 2008 at 2:39 a.m.
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wake up and smell the coffee! this type of business is consumer generated. It wouldn't be there if no one came to watch the girls dance. The girls are not all whores or prostitutes. There is nothing illegal about "gentleman's clubs" The law that is being used stating that if you pay for any physical contact it is considered prostitution. What a joke If a man buys a girl dinner and gets a kiss or more she has just become a prostitute. Daters beware!!!

snarly
Jul 2, 2008 at 12:42 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:44 p.m.
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str8..., I will met you anytime, anywhere, except at your house.

str8shtr
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:41 p.m.
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gfan lets put our differences aside lets meet a screemin mee mees and whatch your family dance. I will by the juice say 5:00 tomorrow

toad
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.
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to tweetpot or what evere you call your self yes the jaycees have issues along with any other non profit organization less members and less cash flow and more compeition jaycess where the only ones doing the fire works and the haunted house in town but others decied to give it a run maybe the jaycees should start a ski show next year and a fancy church

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:18 p.m.
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You're babbling.

str8shtr
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:15 p.m.
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its not a bother just a reply to a narrow minded person that does not understand. Your words or thoughts will never hurt me.You lack of sense and direction of your Idea of guilt will hurt a lot of people. Please for the sake of mankind DO NOT BECOME A JUDGE OR BE ON A JURY. Your kind scares me a lttle.

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:04 p.m.
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See? You don't like it, do you?

str8shtr
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:02 p.m.
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sorry if I forgot your sister. I hope she is not covicted

str8shtr
Jul 1, 2008 at 11 p.m.
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gazette fan sorry you can not read have somebody read this for you and tell you what it means. My family is not like yours they have 9-5 jobs some may have tipped you or you wife daughter mother or girlfriend that is possible they are not so shallow minded. And they pay for what they get. OK

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 10:52 p.m.
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str8sht, thanks for letting us know that your wife, mother, daughters, and sisters are whores and that your father, sons, and brothers pay for their services.

str8shtr
Jul 1, 2008 at 10:28 p.m.
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ease up you small minded people he has not been convicted yet. He ran a business not a whore house. He never told anyone to break the law ?.He was not involved with the dancers himself. they did what they felt would earn them the most money. not a whole lot different than being a GM employee or any other job like JPD.
You people are so narrow minded. I only hope someday that this big goverment of ours pays you a visit for what you feel is right and a way of income, Please tell me who are the victims the dancers paid well some traveled 100 miles plus for thier pay. The patrons you sons, brothers, husbands , fathers. They paid to be entertained and were who does this hurt. you because you aren't the one that is enjoying it or making a profit you people are really pretty hopeless. Jim saw a way to make money and you can't handle that. or is it your daughter.wife.girlfriend or mother works there don't blame the owner.

MDCCLXXVI
Jul 1, 2008 at 9:35 p.m.
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So what are your feelings on scum?

It is truly amazing to me to see how judgemental so many of you are. Think whatever you want, but the people you call scum are still people. You could try a little compassion instead of so much hate.

Bufferbob
Jul 1, 2008 at 7:19 p.m.
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Wow, Snarly you have quieted right down. Did you find someone who actually knows something. Come correct or be corrected.

want2knowmore
Jul 1, 2008 at 3:53 p.m.
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Just because someone brings business to the area doesn't mean they get a "free pass" on the law! ARE YOU PEOPLE SERIOUS?! He broke the law, now he should pay for it! Plain and simple. That is the whole problem these days, HIGH AND MIGHTY BUSINESS MEN AND WOMEN THINK THEY ARE ABOVE THE LAW BECAUSE OF WHAT THE DO! GIVE ME A FLIPPIN BREAK!

As for the jobs Halbach may bring to the area, come on for crying out loud! These are not the kind of people we should be looking to attract. With these types of people, only bad things will follow them (the drugs, domestic fights, etc.) Get the guy that owns the business and is allowing it to happen and the icky clientele will go elsewhere. Hopefully, FAR AWAY!

Of course we would all like arrests to be made in a timely fashion, but we need to realize that obtaining enough evidence is crucial. Without it, scums like this will walk. Maybe there are so many people involved that they had to document it all first beforce tipping anyone off about the investigation. Maybe those that are worried about their family and friends finding out that they frequent this type of place SHOULD BE SCARED, they may be next!

By closing down Halbach's operations, maybe we can get rid of the "rif raf" that goes with it. I bet you would all be surprised at how many of those involved, dancers, workers, patrons, owners, etc. are part of other crime in the area. By eliminating this, I bet we eliminate alot of other unwanted issues.

And let's not drag Ken Hendricks name into this for heavens sake! The man is dead, let him rest in peace. I highly doubt he had any part in prostitution of any kind! Show some class people!

rlms
Jul 1, 2008 at 3:52 p.m.
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YOU know if Bush could get away with it he would. He and cheney it a dark corner with baseball caps, staring at the floor every time someone looked their way. I put nothing passed Bush anymore.

Bufferbob
Jul 1, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.
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Bush had nothing to do with it. It was that gall darn Sasquatch.

mytake4u
Jul 1, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.
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wow!! it's a record! not one person has mentioned it's george bush's fault! i think cheney was behind it too.

Bufferbob
Jul 1, 2008 at 2:22 p.m.
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I am not fighting the fact that Jim and Ken were friends or partners in some ventures. The point I am trying to make and it flew way over your head. Is that if Jim was such a crook Ken would not have been doing buisness with him. Or donated the truck, the trailer and the gas when they did all the trips down to Mississippi to help out all the Katrinia victims.

snarly
Jul 1, 2008 at 1:53 p.m.
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O yes ken did buisness with jim halbauch how do you think jimmy bought back bar,and the stip club in east dubuque Ill. O you did not no that he owne's one there. he do's and ken help him by it, a little history for you ken owned part of the tracks bar and it burn't down HMMMM. KNow you'r stuff first bufferbob.

Bufferbob
Jul 1, 2008 at 1:35 p.m.
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Ken Hendricks had an excellent name in Janesville and Beloit. If Halbach was such a "Crook" they would not have been friends for so long and he definitly would not have given Jim money. So what you are saying makes no sense, to anyone with common sense.

snarly
Jul 1, 2008 at 1:14 p.m.
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he owen's a club in the dell's its called wisconsin dolls

karenjis41
Jul 1, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.
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I agree with snowfether. The man (Halbach) has the smarts to run a business but he should choose a different line of work in this city. My daughter used to dance in the Dells and she never, ever did anything more than that (with clothes on!). The Dells has some bad clubs too, but I am just saying that maybe if Halbach can't or won't get out of this business, make it more appealing and entertaining and not sleazy and degrading for these girls and women. Kind of like Blue Suede Shoes in Loves Park used to do. Girls danced in cages with clothes on and men and women frequented that bar(myself included).

snarly
Jul 1, 2008 at 12:26 p.m.
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the DA and his family have represented him in court before O'leary law office ??? Makes you wounder

RoadKing
Jul 1, 2008 at 12:02 p.m.
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Why is it that the DA slaps child molesters on the wrist and then wants to put this guy in the hooskow for life? Quite interesting in some strange sick way.

snarly
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.
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all taxes free so his buisness savey is not that great

snarly
Jul 1, 2008 at 11:13 a.m.
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ken hendriks and jim halbauch were freinds for a long time people were do you think jim got his money half the time to start a buisness ????? Jim is a crook, and remember those girls had to pay to dance at his place so guess what they had to get their money back some how.

rosewood
Jul 1, 2008 at 10:35 a.m.
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Thank You for finally getting Halback and his slimey friends arrested-We have alot of problems in Janesville now and we don't need his kind around. Any decent people do not want that kind of business in janesville.Again THANK YOU JVPD.

snowfether
Jul 1, 2008 at 10:13 a.m.
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I don't have near the business savvy Halbach has, but I'll tell you this... if I did, it sure wouldn't be in this kind of dealings. I wish I DID have his business talent!!

As for letting him do what he wants....look where it's landed him!! I'm not going to get into an argument here. I'm only saying how much of an asset he COULD be to this community if only he went in a different direction with his capabilities. I didn't say he SHOULD!

jmac420
Jul 1, 2008 at 10 a.m.
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snowfeather why dont YOU do the things you said and let halbach do what he wants.

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 9:45 a.m.
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Well said, snowfether.

snowfether
Jul 1, 2008 at 9:44 a.m.
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It's probably true that Halbach has been through a lot, but that's not the point. The point is, his filthy businesses are a blemish on our beautiful city. True, Janesville has problems like any other city, but this is one we do not need. Other places with similar business practices did not survive here and there's no reason for these to linger here either.

On Halbach's behalf (snicker)....this man has so much going for him. He has the know-how to build businesses, make a lot of money, win friendships.....he could do so much more for this community in a positive manner (e.g.: Ken Hendricks) if he'd only channel his efforts in a different direction. Look what he did for the fireworks situation last year!!! What a waste of good business talent!!! Wake up, Halbachs! You could still turn this around....get rid of the filth and replace it with positive. Do something for teens.....for the elderly.... for the homeless....We'd all support you in those endeavors!!!

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 9:40 a.m.
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Yeah, it must have been that darn brothel thing.

cocktail848
Jul 1, 2008 at 9 a.m.
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Looks like Halbach finally pissed enough people off in the city so they had him arrested.

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
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Misdemeanor prostitution seems to be the physical contact made during lap dancing.

leostime36
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:31 a.m.
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I understand the 12 charges of prostitution, but don't understand the 1 misdemeanor charge....can anyone tell me how that is different than the 12??

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:21 a.m.
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You have a big problem with cause and effect.

jmac420
Jul 1, 2008 at 8:03 a.m.
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i cant believe i live in a town with such a big group of winers, rednecks and idiots. lap dances have been going on forever. that is all it is. it is far from prostitution. every strip club owner in america should be shacking in there boots over this. you never heard word one from this place until some pissed off employee cried to jpd about what she "thinks" was going on there. if the high and mighty steve and the concil would have let him open a bar like he wanted NONE of this would have happened. way to go guys. you got just what you deserved.

gazettefan
Jul 1, 2008 at 7:47 a.m.
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He healed the sick and raised the dead.

SHYKRIS8
Jul 1, 2008 at 7:28 a.m.
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ITS ABOUT TIME HE WAS ARRESTED BUT WHAT ABOUT HER???

MY2CENTS
Jul 1, 2008 at 2:22 a.m.
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you know what who cares about jim and how much money he makes. the guy has broken the law and now must pay for the crimes he commited. screamin me-me's is a dump to begin with and queens ain't much better. this town will be so much better without his bars. he hires a bunch of goons to be bouncers that think their tougher than they really are and a bunch of so called dancers who are nothing more than a bunch of lazy women that can't get real jobs or that just refuse to work a real 9-5 job. so yea go ahead and remove my comment but you know what, its the truth. so lock him up and throw away the key. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. and thats my2cents... like or leave it cause i don't care.

gazettefan
Jun 30, 2008 at 11:45 p.m.
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He once read all The Great Books just because he loves the smell of leather.

str8shtr
Jun 30, 2008 at 11:25 p.m.
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I have known jim for more years than you have been talking about him. He has been thru alot and has become a business man that knows what people want sorry you small minded people. I mean in a legal way. He has several businesses that are very profitable. Is there a little jealousy somewhere. When you people can't do what he has ?? And a question for JPD'S david Moore. It must get lonely at the top you have to arrest Friends The little people know

tweetpea
Jun 30, 2008 at 11:06 p.m.
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I knew it would only be a matter of time before Halbach got arrested for prostitution I still think they need to close both places down and NO I am not one of his employees thank goodness I also wonder why his wife wasn't arrested it would be no big deal if there were no fireworks this year Jim was paying a lot of $$$ maybe just to keep the Jaycees mouth shut I guess the Jaycees can't have Jim's $ anymore I wonder how the Jaycees feel now having been a part of Jim's circle

snarly
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:37 p.m.
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when he go's to court the jury should be able to see all the videow's of what was happening and see who all is on them ???????a lot of people are worried about this big buisness people in janesville,beloit.

accountingguy
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.
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Hopefully the JPD will work their way down the street and shut down the drug hotel. I live near meemees and the prostitutes don't get anywhere as much action as the drug traffic at the bar/hotel in my neighborhood.

snarly
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:32 p.m.
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why it took so long is alot of his patron's were prominent janesville people

screamin_harley
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:18 p.m.
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Yes... Lets pass the plate... maybe then we will get some fireworks.

Yooper
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:13 p.m.
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Let's all pass the basket and help out the good Rev. in his time of need and legal troubles.

Zoom
Jun 30, 2008 at 9:44 p.m.
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So Janesville does prostitution better than Beloit? After all the bad GM news, at least we have that going for us.

JohnDoe
Jun 30, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.
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Not even close.

Zoom
Jun 30, 2008 at 9:33 p.m.
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I didn't have a another word for it. By major, I meant more than one ho on a corner.

JohnDoe
Jun 30, 2008 at 9:29 p.m.
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That Bear Chest thing was an even bigger joke.
.
MAJOR prostitution? LOL

Zoom
Jun 30, 2008 at 9:18 p.m.
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Well, Beloit had a major prostitution problem years before Janesville (Bear Chest).

paisleysdaddy
Jun 30, 2008 at 9:14 p.m.
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Hmm, Beloit isn't sounding so bad these days....

Zoom
Jun 30, 2008 at 9:14 p.m.
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It's JPD!!!

Thank you JPD, and Rock County Sheriff's.

nurse4u
Jun 30, 2008 at 8:27 p.m.
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Heidi Fleiss is probably pretty upset, she missed out on making all the millions of dollars here in Janesville!!

marymac4
Jun 30, 2008 at 8:17 p.m.
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About time they nail him!!! he is the one who had the business that ran the house of ill repute and knew what was going on. Now it is his turn to face the courts. One question where is his and his managers picture????

Spunkmeyer
Jun 30, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.
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Amen Jacmarien.

screamin_harley
Jun 30, 2008 at 7:23 p.m.
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Does this mean the Fireworks are cancelled? All that money he spend on bail...How is he going to afford the fireworks now? Dang and I blew off Rhythem and Booms this year.... If I only would of known...

Jacmarien
Jun 30, 2008 at 7:02 p.m.
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I think a business openly supporting crime like this is a bit arrogant. I can see where it gives them a much larger bullseye than the scattered street crime that goes on everyday, especially when you know who's responsible and you have proof. I am grateful that our police department is looking out for all of us. Prostitution is degrading to everyone who participates. There is no honor in it at all, and no one should be treated like that.

NeuroMed
Jun 30, 2008 at 6:03 p.m.
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From what I have heard, if the JVPD and others would put as much effort into decreasing drug activity, vandalism, etc. as they have into bringing down Halbach (which should be done to him or anyone running illegal operations), Janesville would be a much better place. I grew up here, and recently moved back from the east coast...I was a little surprised and how Janesville just keeps getting trashier and trashier. Maybe the city manager has spent too much money in the wrong places. ;-) I don't know, I can't talk much since I haven't kept up on Janesvillian politics!

Kenbjammen
Jun 30, 2008 at 5:51 p.m.
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Some of these comments are just a hoot! Thanks to Mr. Halbach to adding jobs to the community! Yeah more prostitutes! I am sure that other crimes are not overlooked intentionally, unless...... I can't see how anyone could support a man of this caliber. BTW if he is such a community supporter why the heck is he listed at an address in Orfordville?

janesvillean
Jun 30, 2008 at 5:29 p.m.
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JVPD? Do we now live in Janes Ville?

gamblerone
Jun 30, 2008 at 5:07 p.m.
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It just goes to show you, that when a group of people are after you for some reason, that they will go to all extremes to make it happen. Leave the guy alone. And no I don't work there. Never even been there.

ask11
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:47 p.m.
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Wow, haven't heard that one before.

ask11
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:43 p.m.
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I am assuming all of you "Bloggers" are Halbach's employees!

nurse4u
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:23 p.m.
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Rocky-
Are you suggesting an Economic Stimulus Plan?

Rocky
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:22 p.m.
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Oh - by all means leave him alone. With quality jobs like GM leaving town, we need more high-paying jobs like prostitution to define this wonderful city. Perhaps we can also increase drug dealing to boost average income. Then, perhaps, a casino to top it all off!

nurse4u
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.
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thekid3477...
That was too funny! LMAO..

nurse4u
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:13 p.m.
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oops, sorry only 12 felonies, AND one misdeamenor.

thekid3477
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:11 p.m.
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if anyone unemployed would like to come work with me, please drop me an email. i have decided to start a construction company specializing in building glass houses. we'll make a million and never run short of work.....

nurse4u
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:11 p.m.
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Whoa, 13 felonies and released with a court date? The dancers had to at least spend the night in jail!!

nurse4u
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:09 p.m.
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Will all this be done with now so we can worry about the gang problem in Janesville??

rlms
Jun 30, 2008 at 4:07 p.m.
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Excellent job by J.V.P.D . The D.A. and anyone else that is helping to put a end to this joke.
He has thought for some time now that he is above the law. G.M. is closing so we should just let other business's do what ever? Don't think so.

007
Jun 30, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.
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JVPD is doing their job and I am glad they are finally getting this scum place closed down. How embarassing for Janesville that this type of business was allowed to stay open. Good job....no, GREAT job, JVPD !!!

progressive6
Jun 30, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.
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You have an auto assembly plant closing that will affect 2700 jobs in this community. Leave Mr. Halbach alone. Any added jobs for this community the better!

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