Walker among governors meeting with Obama
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 30, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Gov. Scott Walker is among a group of governors who will be meeting next week with President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss the looming so-called “fiscal cliff.” Walker announced Friday that he would be among the group meeting with Obama on Tuesday ...Read more, view comments (42) »
Wis. job agency heads: Issues serious but fixable
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 30, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Serious but fixable problems have been uncovered in Wisconsin’s 17-month-old quasi-public economic development agency that failed to carefully track $56 million in loans to businesses, leaders of the agency said in a Friday memo. The memo to Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. board members was a status ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Wis. reports increase in flu case numbers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 30, 2012
Wisconsin health officials are encouraging residents to get their flu shots and to tell their family and friends it's not too late to get protection against the flu.
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Wisconsin judge denies reporter subpoenas
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 30, 2012
BARABOO—A judge has refused to authorize subpoenas for three Madison reporters in a raw milk dispute. The case revolves around Amish farmer Vernon Hershberger of Loganville. He was charged a year ago with selling raw milk without a license. The Baraboo News Republic reports a reporter from The Capital Times, ...Read more, add a comment »
Number of deer killed during annual hunt up in Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 30, 2012
MADISON—While the number of deer killed in Wisconsin during this year’s hunt went up nearly 8 percent, Gov. Scott Walker wasn’t among those attributing to the increase. Walker said Friday he went hunting but failed to bag a deer. Walker says he “didn’t even see anything” when he went hunting ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wisconsin state park stickers go on sale soon
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 30, 2012
MADISON—Next year’s Wisconsin state park admission stickers are set to go on sale this weekend. The stickers grant year-round admission to more than 60 state parks, forests and recreation areas. They’ll go on sale Saturday at state park facilities and Department of Natural Resources service centers around the state. They ...Read more, view comments (12) »
Trial date scheduled for former Big Brother
Posted by STAN MILAM on November 30, 2012
ELKHORN--The former president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rock, Walworth and Jefferson counties is scheduled to face trial in April on charges he repeatedly sexually assaulted two boys he mentored in the program. Rodney Meiller, 51, Elkhorn, is charged with three counts of first-degree repeated sexual assault of the ...Read more, add a comment »
Cullen: I-90/39 project on track
Posted by JIM LEUTE on November 30, 2012
JANESVILLE--A state lawmaker who represents Rock County said he has been assured that the planned Interstate 90/39 expansion project will go on as scheduled, at least through the middle of 2015. Reports surfaced last week that the state Department of Transportation had requested a two-year delay in the project, which ...Read more, view comments (8) »
2 Minn. refineries object to 'pay-for-pipeline'
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two Minnesota oil refineries say they shouldn’t have to help pay for a pipeline from North Dakota to Wisconsin that they won’t use. Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge Energy this month proposed a surcharge to finance the $2.5 billion, 618-mile “Sandpiper” pipeline, which will carry more oil from the ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Justice Dept. settles Wis. discrimination case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has settled a lawsuit that alleged racial discrimination against a La Crosse apartment complex and its manager. Under the proposed settlement, the manager and owner of Geneva Terrace Apartments agreed to pay $57,500. The lawsuit alleges the manager of Geneva ...Read more, view comment (1) »
A rematch over proposed mining bill
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A rematch is shaping up at the Wisconsin Legislature over proposed streamlining of Wisconsin’s mine permitting laws this winter. Leaders from northern Wisconsin communities pleaded for environmental protections at a hearing of a special legislative committee Thursday. Officials with the Wisconsin Mining Association also testified before ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Milton schools appoints Rusch as interim superintendent
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 29, 2012
The Milton School District is moving forward with a temporary replacement for Superintendent Mike Garrow, who was placed on leave in October. The school board in a special meeting Thursday night named longtime Milton East Elementary School Principal Theresa Rusch interim superintendent. In a news release, the board said it ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Mich. Gov.: Build trail from Detroit to Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
IRONWOOD, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says the state will work to create a 599-mile hiking and biking trail stretching from Belle Isle park in Detroit to Ironwood on the Wisconsin border in the western Upper Peninsula. Snyder’s proposal would build on existing trails. He’s directing the Michigan ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Wis. gov's former aide pleads in theft case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
One of Gov. Scott Walker’s former aides has pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from a nonprofit group in a deal with prosecutors.
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Wis. woman charged with neglect in daughter death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
A Wisconsin woman is charged with felony child neglect in the death of her 2-year-old daughter who allegedly drank gasoline.
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Drought worsens after weeks of improvement
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
ST. LOUIS—A new report shows that the nation’s worst drought in decades has worsened for a second straight week, after conditions had improved for more than a month. The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows that 62.7 percent of the continental U.S. was in some form of drought ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Rock County unemployment rate drops
Posted by JIM LEUTE on November 29, 2012
JANESVILLE--Rock County’s official unemployment rate reached a four-year low in October, but whether that’s cause for celebration remains to be seen. The state’s Department of Workforce Development reported last week that the Janesville Metropolitan Statistical Area—which includes all of Rock County—had an October unemployment rate of 7.1 percent. That’s still ...Read more, view comments (17) »
Wisconsin has $1 million Lottery winner, 10 other big winners
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 29, 2012
MADISON—Wisconsin had 11 major winners in the Wednesday, Nov. 28 Powerball drawing, including a $1 million winner, while tickets sold in Arizona and Missouri claimed shares of the record jackpot. According to a Wisconsin Lottery news release the jackpot came in at $587.5 million ($384.7 million cash). Wednesday night’s historic ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wisconsin governor's former aide set to plead in theft case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 29, 2012
MADISON—One of Gov. Scott Walker’s former aides is set to enter a plea deal to settle an embezzlement case. Tim Russell worked on and off for Walker between 2002 and 2010 during Walker’s stint as Milwaukee County executive. Prosecutors charged Russell in January with stealing at least $21,000 from a ...Read more, add a comment »
UW-Milwaukee to offer 4 flexible-degree programs
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 28, 2012
MILWAUKEE—The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will be the first school in the UW System to offer a so-called flexible degree, in which students will be able to earn college credit for knowledge already gained through work or life experience. UW System officials outlined the program over the summer. On Wednesday they ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Wis. tourism starts updating snow report
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 28, 2012
It’s that time of year again in Wisconsin — for the state’s snow conditions report.
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Firefighters battling grain elevator fire
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on November 27, 2012
AVALON A fire at the Gavilon grain elevator in Avalon temporarily shut down Highway 140. The highway has been reopened but access to Avalon Road is being restricted. At 7:58 p.m., firefighters were called to Gavilon for a fire in maintenance shop. It was initially reported as a dryer fire, ...Read more, add a comment »
Highway 59 near Milton closed until tomorrow morning
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on November 27, 2012
Highway 59 near Milton will be closed through Wednesday morning while officials work to clean up after an accident, according to a news release from the Wisconsin State Patrol.
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Deer kill higher than last year
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 27, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Preliminary data from the state Department of Natural Resources shows hunters killed nearly 244,000 deer during Wisconsin’s nine-day gun season. The DNR’s tally showed hunters killed 243,739 deer between Nov. 17 and Nov. 26. That’s up 7.7 percent from last year’s preliminary count of 226,260 deer. ...Read more, view comments (12) »
UPDATE: Authorities allowing ethanol tank truck spill to continue
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 27, 2012
MILTON–Authorities are allowing an overturned tank truck at the Highway 59 roundabouts to fully spill out its 8,000 gallon load of ethanol into a nearby retention pond. According to a news release from the Milton Police Department, state and local emergency crews determined it would be safer to let the ...Read more, view comments (49) »
Facebook video leads to arrest of 2 Wis. teens
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 27, 2012
Madison police say two young teens have been arrested after video of their street fight was posted to Facebook.
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UPDATE: Tipped ethanol tanker closes Highway 59
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 27, 2012
MILTON–Police and Fire departments have shut down traffic and are working to stem an active ethanol spill after a tank truck overturned while negotiating a roundabout on Highway 59 east of Milton. Milton Police Chief Dan Layber said the tank truck was on the way out of the United Ethanol ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin man convicted in child’s death gets probation
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 27, 2012
FOND DU LAC—A Fond du Lac man convicted of causing injuries that led to the death of an 18-month-old girl may avoid prison. A judge on Monday sentenced 24-year-old Tyler J. Jackson to 10 years of probation. An additional 10-year prison sentence was stayed, meaning Jackson won’t serve the time ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker to deliver comments at dairy meeting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 27, 2012
MADISON--Gov. Scott Walker plans to speak at the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association. Walker is scheduled to talk at the group’s meeting Tuesday in Madison. Walker has been boosting his Wisconsin profile in recent days. On Monday, he took questions from listeners to a radio talk show ...Read more, view comments (53) »
Janesville man arrested on multiple charges
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 27, 2012
Janesville police Monday night arrested William L. Dixon, 58, of 4437 Oakley Road, on charges of operating while intoxicated, reported to be his fourth offense; operating after revocation and nonregistration.
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City council approves 2013 budget
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on November 27, 2012
JANESVILLE--The Janesville City Council on Monday passed the 2013 budget on a 5-2 vote, and council member Russ Steeber said work on the 2014 budget should begin in January in an effort to control future spending. Steeber and fellow council members Sam Liebert, Jim Farrell, Kathy Voskuil and Deb Dongarra-Adams ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Local man wins $1 million in Powerball drawing
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on November 26, 2012
On Monday morning, Roger Cobb, a route driver for The Gazette, came to work in Janesville carrying an oversized check in the amount of $1 million.
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UPDATE: Garrow put on leave following complaint
Posted by NEIL JOHNSON on November 26, 2012
MILTON—The Milton School District placed Superintendent Mike Garrow on paid leave in October while a school board-appointed attorney investigated a complaint filed against him, officials said. According to district records obtained by The Gazette through an open records request, Garrow was placed on leave with full pay and benefits effective ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Governor to visit Lake Geneva on Tuesday
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 26, 2012
MADISON -- Gov. Scott Walker will visit Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly in Lake Geneva on Tuesday, according to a news release. The event is part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign, conducted by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Walker is ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Arraignment set for fatal OWI crash near Janesville
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on November 26, 2012
A Janesville woman accused of causing a fatal car crash while intoxicated is scheduled next month for arraignment.
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2012 could be Wisconsin's warmest year
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 26, 2012
Wisconsin is on pace to be the hottest year on record.
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UW-Stevens Point mulls banning alcohol from dorms
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 25, 2012
STEVENS POINT—One year after a student drowned in a river after a night of drinking, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is considering banning alcohol consumption in the dorms, even for students of legal drinking age. The school currently requires incoming freshmen to complete an online alcohol-education program. Students caught committing ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin, Minnesota tuition reciprocity stokes rivalry
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 25, 2012
MILWAUKEE—The longtime tuition reciprocity agreement between Wisconsin and Minnesota is stoking a cross-border rivalry as the two states compete for a declining number of top college prospects. The decades-old agreement allows students from either state to pay in-state tuition across the border. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the University ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Governor’s mansion open for holiday tours
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 25, 2012
MADISON—The governor’s mansion will be open for holiday tours next month. According to the governor’s office, the tours include a view of the main rooms on the first floor and a brief description of the decorations, including six Christmas trees. The 2-hour tours, which are free, start Dec. 5 and ...Read more, view comments (38) »
Deadline for Wisconsin turkey applications approaching
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 25, 2012
MADISON—Wisconsin wildlife officials are reminding turkey hunters the deadline for applying for a spring permit is quickly approaching. Hunters have until the close of business on Dec. 10 to enter a drawing for permits held in late January or early February. Permit winners can buy start buying their licenses on ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin boy, 11, accidentally shoots brother, 9
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 25, 2012
SPRING VALLEY—The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department says an 11-year-old boy accidentally fired a handgun and struck his 9-year-old brother in the leg at their home in Spring Valley. The incident happened Saturday afternoon. The sheriff’s department says the 11-year-old was unloading the gun when he accidentally fired it. The 9-year-old ...Read more, add a comment »
$1 million Powerball sold in Delavan
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 25, 2012
No one won Saturday night's $325 million Powerball lottery jackpot, but the Wisconsin Lottery reported Sunday that a Powerball ticket purchased in Delavan is worth $1 million.
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East Troy man injured in plane crash
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 24, 2012
EAST TROY—An East Troy man was taken to a Waukesha Hospital with head injuries after crashing his plane Saturday afternoon on the runway at Air Troy Estates. According to a Walworth County Sheriff’s Office news release: Deputies from the sheriff’s office and officers from the East Troy Police Department responded ...Read more, add a comment »
Researchers trace activity of rare whooping cranes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 24, 2012
NEW ORLEANS—Whooping cranes introduced to the wild in southwestern Louisiana are the focus of intense research aimed at finding out where they go, what they eat and what else they do with their time. Whoopers are among the world’s largest and rarest birds. Just over 500 exist. Twenty-six have been ...Read more, add a comment »
Packers send out bills for playoff tickets
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 24, 2012
GREEN BAY—The Packers aren’t trying to jinx themselves — they’re just trying to be prepared. Green Bay hasn’t clinched a playoff spot yet but the team has already mailed bills for playoff tickets to season ticketholders. As usual, the team is billing season-ticketholders for possible divisional playoff and NFC championship ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Two killed in single-vehicle Milwaukee car crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 24, 2012
MILWAUKEE—Milwaukee police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed two people, along with a pair of apparently unrelated shootings that left one teen dead and a man injured. The police department says the car crash happened Saturday about 12:45 a.m. Officers say the occupants were a 49-year-old Milwaukee man and ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATE: Fire destroys a vehicle, damages two houses
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on November 23, 2012
MILTON TOWNSHIP--A vehicle fire Friday afternoon spread to two Milton Township homes, causing an estimated $17,000 in damage. The fire was reported at 5:09 p.m. Friday, said Milton Fire Chief Loren Lippincott. When Milton and Edgerton firefighters arrived on scene they discovered the fire had spread from a 1997 Chevy ...Read more, add a comment »
Firefighters responding to multiple structure fire
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 23, 2012
MILTON TOWNSHIP—Janesville and Edgerton firefighters have responded to a house, garage and vehicle fire at 1716 E. Road 2 in Milton Township. The fire was reported at 5:10 p.m. Friday, according to scanner chatter. The reporting person reported hearing some sort of explosion and seeing smoke and flames from the ...Read more, add a comment »
Parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin hit by up to 1 foot of snow
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 23, 2012
CORNUCOPIA—Parts of eastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin have been buried by up to a foot of snow, complicating travel for shoppers heading to stores on Black Friday. The National Weather Service says parts of Bayfield and Douglas counties have been hit with 12 inches of snow since late Thursday night. ...Read more, add a comment »
Delay in I-90 widening project proposed
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 23, 2012
MADISON – The project to widen Interstate 90/39 would be delayed two years if the state Department of Transportation’s budget proposal becomes law. Cullen Werwie, spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker, confirmed Friday that the delay is part of the department’s request, but he noted that agency budget requests are just ...Read more, view comments (16) »
State wants to delay Zoo Interchange project
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 23, 2012
State officials want to delay reconstruction on the busiest interchange in Wisconsin: the Zoo Interchange in the Milwaukee area.
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Milk truck strikes, kills 2 cows in southern Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 23, 2012
Authorities in southern Wisconsin say a man driving a milk truck collided with and killed two cows that had wandered onto a road.
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Sheboygan man wins chance to take Lambeau Leap
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 22, 2012
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A Sheboygan man has won the Lambeau Leap Sweepstakes, earning the right to become the first non-player to perform the storied leap during a game. Cory Uttech was one of 10 randomly selected finalists who came to Lambeau Field on Tuesday to show off their ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Wis. spends $26k on new Capitol police uniforms
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 22, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two Milwaukee uniform companies have charged Gov. Scott Walker’s administration nearly $26,000 for new state Capitol police outfits. Invoices show Lark Uniform Outfitters, Inc., billed the state Department of Administration $1,279 for gold and silver buttons and caps. Badger Uniforms billed the agency $24,500 for shirts ...Read more, view comments (37) »
Tribal commission OKs night deer hunt
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 22, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A commission that oversees Chippewa tribes’ off-reservation rights quietly authorized tribal hunters on Wednesday to go after deer at night across much of northern Wisconsin, sparking another bitter clash with state wildlife officials. The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission issued the authorization for tribal ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Edgerton man arrested after pursuit
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 22, 2012
EDGERTON—Edgerton police and Rock County Sheriff’s Office teamed up to end a 12-mile vehicle chase that started in Edgerton early today, authorities reported. According to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Edgerton police saw Christopher J. Barrett, 22, Edgerton, driving a vehicle with no headlights at about ...Read more, add a comment »
Thanksgiving to be warm, but windy with chance of rain
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 21, 2012
JANESVILLE--For anyone sticking around Janesville for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday should bring more unseasonably warm weather. But a chance for afternoon showers and wind could keep post-meal hikes or Nerf football at bay, according to forecasters. Although forecasters expect highs in the low to mid-60s Thursday, Accuweather.com and other weather outlets ...Read more, add a comment »
Dems appoint Wirch, Shilling to state's Joint Finance Committee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Senate Democrats have appointed Sen. Bob Wirch and Sen. Jennifer Shilling to serve on the Joint Committee on Finance for the upcoming legislative session. Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, made the announcement Wednesday. He says Wirch and Shilling have shown they are committed to ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Wis. regulators delay new Wisconsin area code
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State regulators have again delayed implementing a new area code for northeastern Wisconsin. The Public Service Commission in 2008 decided to give new telephone customers in the 920 area code a 274 prefix to ensure an adequate supply of numbers for the region. The PSC had ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Iowa fruit distributor recalls cherry tomatoes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
NORWALK, Iowa (AP) — A central Iowa fruit and vegetable distributor is recalling several lots of cherry tomatoes after the grower notified the distributor that Salmonella was found in random sample testing by the Food and Drug Administration. Capital City Fruit Inc., of Norwalk says the recalled cherry tomatoes from ...Read more, add a comment »
O'Brien child abuse case put on hold
Posted by STAN MILAM on November 21, 2012
ELKHORN - The case against a Lake Geneva couple facing felony charges of abusing their adopted Russian children is on hold. Walworth County Judge James Carlson on Wednesday granted a defense motion to halt the proceedings pending a decision by the District 2 Court of Appeals, which could take months. ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock Co. Coroner gives safety tips for hunters, holiday travelers
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
JANESVILLE—With the hunting and holiday travel seasons underway, the Rock County Coroner’s Office is urging travelers and hunters to use caution and common sense in the coming weeks. In a news release, the coroner’s office reported that this fall in Wisconsin five people have been killed in hunting-related incidents. The ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Tribes consider deer hunting at night
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A commission that oversees Chippewa tribes’ off-reservation rights on Wednesday quietly authorized night deer hunting across most of the northern third of Wisconsin. Sue Erickson, spokeswoman for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, told The Associated Press that the commission issued the authorization but ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Report: Wis. temple shooter had no drugs in system
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A white supremacist with a history of alcohol problems had no drugs in his system when he walked into a Sikh temple in suburban Milwaukee this summer and fatally shot six people before killing himself, according to a toxicology report released Wednesday. There were small amounts of ...Read more, add a comment »
Federal labor officials rule in Palermo’s dispute
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Federal labor officials say Milwaukee based-Palermo’s Pizza did not manipulate an immigration audit as retaliation for workers’ efforts to form a union. Voces de la Frontera had filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The immigrant-rights group has been trying to organize workers there. Irv ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Pretrial hearing held in death of 3 Wis. sisters
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
HUDSON, Wis. (AP) — A man charged with murdering his three daughters in River Falls last July has a few weeks to consider whether he will enter an insanity plea. At a pretrial hearing Wednesday, a judge told Aaron Schaffhausen’s attorney he has until Dec. 14 to file a motion ...Read more, add a comment »
Sentencing postponed again for former Walker aide
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The sentencing for a former aide to Gov. Scott Walker has been postponed for a third time, to help compel her cooperation in a separate case. Darlene Wink had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of working on a political campaign while she was supposed to be doing ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Pluess won't seek recount for state Assembly seat
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrat Justin Pluess has conceded defeat in his bid for a seat in the state Assembly. Unofficial results from the Nov. 6 election showed incumbent Republican Scott Krug held a 114-vote lead over Pluess in the race for north-central Wisconsin’s 72nd Assembly District seat. Both Pluess ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Wis. man pleads not guilty to child sex assaults
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
RACINE, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin college student accused of molesting six young children and videotaping the assaults under such titles as “Monster Unleashed” has pleaded not guilty to 49 felony charges. Twenty-nine-year-old Alexander R. Richter, of Racine, entered his plea Wednesday after waiving his preliminary hearing. Prosecutors say Richter ...Read more, add a comment »
Milwaukee officials want to join union lawsuit
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Milwaukee officials want to join a lawsuit alleging Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s collective bargaining law is unconstitutional. City attorney Grant Langley filed a request with the 4th District Court of Appeals on Wednesday to join a Madison teachers union and a Milwaukee city workers union as ...Read more, add a comment »
Unemployment drops across state cities
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
MADISON — Unemployment rates fell in all but one Wisconsin city and county last month. The state Department of Workforce Development released a report Wednesday that shows rates fell in 31 of the state’s 32 largest cities between September and October. The only city where unemployment didn’t drop was Superior, ...Read more, view comment (1) »
School dress code gets another look
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 21, 2012
A Janesville School Board committee discussed a contentious dress code proposal Tuesday but seemed to come no closer to resolving the issue.
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Gazette's size delays delivery in some areas
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 21, 2012
Production problems have delayed delivery of some copies of The Gazette today. The paper is the year’s biggest, and – despite weeks of planning and preparation – the newspaper’s production staff and equipment struggled to keep up with the task of inserting the mound of advertising circulars in today’s edition. ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Man guilty of sexually assaulting 2-year-old
Posted by STAN MILAM on November 21, 2012
A former Whitewater man could face more than 60 years in prison after being found guilty Tuesday of sexually assaulting a 2-year-old girl.
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DNR: Hunters have killed 90 Wisconsin wolves
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 21, 2012
It looks like Wisconsin’s wolf hunting season is winding down fast.
Department of Natural Resources officials say hunters had reported killing 90 wolves as of Tuesday afternoon. According to DNR data, hunters trapped 55 of the animals.
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More Wisconsin deer seasons on tap
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 20, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — State wildlife officials are reminding deer hunters they can still get out into the woods after the traditional nine-day gun season wraps up later this month. The state’s 10-day muzzleloader season opens Nov. 26, the day after the traditional firearm season ends. Department of Natural Resources officials ...Read more, view comments (9) »
Agency drops listing at request of victims’ mother
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 20, 2012
RIVER FALLS—A real estate agency has dropped a residential listing in River Falls after the mother of three slain girls urged it to cancel the sale of the home where her daughters died. In an email to an Edina Realty agent, Jessica Schaffhausen warned the sale of the house would ...Read more, add a comment »
Trial begins for man accused in sex assault
Posted by STAN MILAM on November 20, 2012
ELKHORN--A seven-woman, six-man jury was selected Monday to determine the fate of Scott L. Anderson, a former Whitewater resident charged with sexually assaulting a 2-year-old girl. The Walworth County Court trial is expected to end today. One juror will be designated a reserve and dismissed before the remaining 12 jurors ...Read more, add a comment »
Woman rescued Tuesday morning from Rock River
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on November 20, 2012
JANESVILLE—Janesville police and fire at 2:22 a.m. Tuesday rescued a 32-year-old Janesville woman from the Rock River, near Monterey Stadium. A passerby witnessed the vehicle drive into the river, said Sgt. Mike Blaser. Upon arrival, police found the car in the river and the driver sitting on the ledge of ...Read more, add a comment »
Delavan police hope to provide services in Darien
Posted by CATHERINE IDZERDA on November 19, 2012
The squad cars and uniforms will look different, but Darien residents will continue to get 24-7 police service under a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the city of Delavan.
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Opening-weekend deer kill higher than in 2011
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 19, 2012
MADISON--The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reports that the statewide deer harvest during opening weekend was up nearly 20 percent from last year. Hunters harvested and registered 134,772 deer during opening weekend of Wisconsin’s nine-day deer gun season. That tally is based on preliminary call-in numbers collected from registration tables ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Governor opposes Election Day voter registration
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 19, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says he thinks that it would "much better" if Wisconsin did not have same-day voter registration. Walker made the comments during a speech Friday in California. Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie had nothing to add Monday to what Walker said. Walker said in the ...Read more, view comments (111) »
Former Walker aide sentenced
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 19, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Milwaukee judge sentenced one of Gov. Scott Walker’s former top aides to six months in jail and three years of probation Monday for doing campaign work on the taxpayers’ time. Prosecutors accused 44-year-old Kelly Rindfleisch of working on Republican Brett Davis’ campaign for lieutenant governor ...Read more, view comments (26) »
Beloit man hospitalized after truck hits tree
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 19, 2012
TOWN OF YORK—A Beloit man was flown by helicopter to a hospital with injuries after his pickup truck crashed into a tree this afternoon in Dane County. According to a news release from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, a 74-year-old Beloit man was northbound on Highway 73 in a Dodge ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATED: Police identify Ill. father, daughter killed in plane crash near Burlington
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 19, 2012
An Illinois father and daughter are dead after a single-engine plane crash Sunday in far eastern Walworth County, according to a news release from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.
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Three hunters die during opening weekend of deer hunt
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 19, 2012
GREEN BAY—Wisconsin’s gun deer season opening weekend ended with at least three hunting-related fatalities. Authorities say 51-year-old Shawn Lemanski, of Green Bay, died from injuries suffered when he fell from a tree stand in the Marathon County town of Cassel. Also, 51-year-old Steven Jackson, of Antigo, died after he was ...Read more, add a comment »
Car crash closes Burger King in Milton
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 19, 2012
The Milton Burger King on Highway 26 at St. Mary Street closed early Sunday after a car crashed through the building’s north side into a restroom.
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Milton superintendent being paid for leave
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 19, 2012
MILTON—Milton Superintendent Mike Garrow is being paid while he is on administrative leave for the rest of the school year, school board President Rob Roy confirmed today. Garrow has been on leave since mid-October, and will remain on leave until June 2013. Garrow has said that that the leave has ...Read more, view comments (23) »
UPDATED: Cut gas line forces Janesville Mall evacuation
Posted by GINA DUWE on November 19, 2012
JANESVILLE—It’s back to business as usual at the Janesville Mall after a gas leak outside of Sears forced an evacuation this morning, Janesville Fire Department Shift Cmdr. Scott Morovits said. A contractor working in the north parking lot of the mall, 2500 Milton Ave., hit the 2-inch gas feed for ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Utility’s rate hike would also pay legal fees
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 19, 2012
MILWAUKEE—We Energies latest rate hike request includes more than $34 million in legal fees it wants customers to fund. The Public Service Commission will consider We Energies $242 million rate hike in the coming weeks. It would amount to about $5 more for the average residential customers beginning in January ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Plane in fatal crash registered to Illinois man
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 19, 2012
BURLINGTON—Federal investigators are beginning their work to find out what caused the fatal crash of a small plane in southeastern Wisconsin. Two people were killed when the single-engine Grumman crashed in a cornfield while attempting a landing Sunday afternoon at the Burlington Airport. Federal Aviation Administration records show the plane ...Read more, add a comment »
Judge set to sentence Wisconsin governor's former aide
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 19, 2012
MADISON—A Milwaukee judge is set to sentence one of Gov. Scott Walker’s former top aides for doing campaign work on the taxpayers’ time Kelly Rindfleisch pleaded guilty last month to one felony count of misconduct in office in a deal with prosecutors. She faces up to three-and-a-half years in prison ...Read more, view comments (9) »
UPDATE: West Racine Street now open, power restored
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 19, 2012
JANESVILLE—A vehicle crash that closed West Racine Street, from Park to Cherry Streets, for more than five hours early Monday morning has reopened. According to Janesville police, a car at 2 a.m. Monday crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of West Racine and Lincoln Streets causing the pole ...Read more, add a comment »
2013 Southern Wisconsin AirFEST canceled
Posted by STAN MILAM on November 18, 2012
JANESVILLE - There will be no Southern Wisconsin AirFEST next year. AirFEST Executive Director Tom Morgan announced Sunday the 2013 show was canceled because no national jets teams are available. 'We are unable to secure the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds for 2013," Morgan said. "We are also faced with ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Passenger injured in Saturday car accident
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 18, 2012
A one-car accident early Saturday resulted in minor injuries to the passenger and an alcohol test administered to the driver.
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No. 6 Buckeyes beat Wisconsin in OT, 21-14
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 17, 2012
Carlos Hyde scored on a 2-yard run in overtime Saturday, giving No. 6 Ohio State a 21-14 victory over Wisconsin and keeping the Buckeyes' hopes of a perfect season alive.
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Racine man convicted in toddler death sentenced to 30 years
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 17, 2012
RACINE, Wis. (AP) — A Racine man convicted of killing an infant through abuse so severe that her skull fractured and her pancreas tore in half has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. A Journal Times of Racine report (http://bit.ly/SUrMrX ) says 23-year-old Andre O. Knighton pleaded no contest ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Probe defendant on Walker, GOP payroll
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A court document says a former aide to Gov. Scott Walker who pleaded guilty to felony misconduct in office has been on the payroll of Walker’s campaign and the Wisconsin Republican Party. Kelly Rindfleisch is to be sentenced Monday for doing campaign work from her office at ...Read more, view comments (55) »
Deer hunting licenses up
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State wildlife officials had sold more than 500,000 gun deer hunting licenses as of Friday afternoon, easily outpacing sales at the same point on the day before the opener last year. The gun deer season begins Saturday at dawn. The Department of Natural Resources reported that ...Read more, view comments (3) »
UW-Madison to continue hosting high school championships
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — UW-Madison and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association have agreed to a seven-year contract extension to host state high school athletic tournaments on the Madison campus. The WIAA will hold tournaments for high school boys’ basketball, football, golf, wrestling, and softball at UW facilities in Madison through ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wisconsin agency making dent in jobless-claims backlog
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
MILWAUKEE—The state Department of Workforce Development says it’s making progress on backlogged unemployment claims, some that dated back to July. The agency has processed about 1,400 claims in the past three weeks, although it still has just under 8,000 remaining. A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report says most of the claims ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Walker says Wisconsin won’t set up health exchange
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
MADISON—Gov. Scott Walker says Wisconsin will not set up a health insurance exchange under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Instead, Walker told the Obama administration Friday that Wisconsin will leave that responsibility to the federal government. Walker’s highly anticipated decision was not unexpected given his long opposition to the ...Read more, view comments (137) »
Student facing dozens of child assault charges
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
RACINE—Prosecutors in Racine County say the title of one DVD they say was made by a college student accused of sexually assaulting and videotaping children best characterizes him — “Monster Unleashed.” Gateway Technical College student Alexander Richter is facing 49 charges involving at least six children. Bond was set at ...Read more, add a comment »
Students back to school after lockdown
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
HARTLAND—Police will be patrolling the neighborhood around a Hartland elementary school as students head to class. Officers armed with assault rifles searched a 3-acre wooded area around Hartland North Elementary Thursday afternoon after two students reported seeing a man in a dark hooded sweat shirt holding a rifle-size weapon. Police ...Read more, add a comment »
Walker to announce decision on health exchange
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 16, 2012
MADISON—Gov. Scott Walker plans to announce whether he will implement a state-run health insurance exchange or turn that responsibility over to President Barack Obama’s administration. States faced a Friday deadline to notify the Obama administration of their plans. Numerous groups, including the state’s chamber of commerce and the Wisconsin Hospital ...Read more, view comments (52) »
New data shows 1.5 percent job growth in Wis
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 15, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — New data released by Gov. Scott Walker’s administration shows private sector job growth in Wisconsin increased 1.5 percent over the 12-month period ending in June. Walker’s Department of Workforce Development on Thursday released quarterly employment data it was submitting to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Wisconsin wolf hunt reaches limit in 2 zones
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 15, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin is closing the wolf hunt season in two zones in the northeastern part of the state after quotes have been reached. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said Thursday it was closing the zones Friday when hunting and trapping hours end. The quota for Zone ...Read more, add a comment »
Governor rejects Obamacare rebellion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 15, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker does not agree with nine Republican state lawmakers who say they would support arresting federal officials who try to implement President Barack Obama’s health care law in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported Tuesday that the lawmakers told the Campaign for Liberty ...Read more, view comments (61) »
Fake reporter calling prep female athletes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 15, 2012
MILWAUKEE—Police say a man posing as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter and photographer has been calling high school female athletes at home and asking to take their pictures and interview them. Journal Sentinel security chief Robert Maldonado says reports about the impostor have been filed with law enforcement officials in ...Read more, add a comment »
UPDATE: Police seek robbers after home invasion
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 15, 2012
TOWN OF BELOIT--More details have been released about Wednesday night’s armed robbery/home invasion in the 3100 block of S. Madison Road. According to a Town of Beloit Police Department news release two elderly residents were home at 7:37 p.m. when two Halloween-masked men, armed with tree branches, entered their home ...Read more, add a comment »
Heating costs likely to rise in Wisconsin this winter
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 15, 2012
MADISON—Wisconsin residents can expect to pay more to heat their homes this winter. Most residents paid less last year because of the unseasonably warm winter. This winter is expected to be colder. Madison Gas and Electric expects heating costs to rise 18 percent this year, or about $75 for the ...Read more, view comments (24) »
Darien Police chief, village OK separation agreement
Posted by STAN MILAM on November 15, 2012
DARIEN--For reasons that remain unclear, Hunter Gilmore, on paid administrative leave, has signed a separation agreement removing him as Darien police chief. The agreement, released Wednesday after a closed meeting of the village board, includes a “whereas” clause indicating the village “intends to eliminate its police department.” “The village board ...Read more, add a comment »
Early morning fire destroys apartment building
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 15, 2012
ALBION TOWNSHIP—Fire destroyed a vacant two-flat apartment building early Thursday morning. Dane County deputies along with Edgerton, Stoughton, Evansville, Cambridge and Footville fire departments plus Alliant Energy responded at 12:03 a.m. Thursday to 594 Albion Road in Albion Township for a fully engulfed fire that was reported by a passerby, ...Read more, add a comment »
Former coach faces 21 more charges
Posted by MARGARET PLEVAK on November 15, 2012
ELKHORN--A former Williams Bay High School girls junior varsity basketball coach could be facing three more child sexual assault charges and 18 more counts of possession of child pornography based on evidence found on his computer, a prosecutor said Wednesday. Shane S. McKinley, 27, formerly of Delavan and now living ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. DOT: State road work wrapping up
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 14, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Transportation says most major road construction projects have completed for the year and won’t be a problem for Thanksgiving travelers. However, DOT official Don Greuel says there are still a few locations where lane restrictions are in place. The heaviest travel days ...Read more, add a comment »
Police: Robbers hit man with a stick during apparent home invasion
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 14, 2012
TOWN OF BELOIT--Police are investigating an apparent home invasion that left one man with possible injuries after robbers beat him with a stick this evening, authorities said. Rock County 911 dispatch, which was calling the incident a “robbery,” said police were called to a residence on the 3000 block of ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. corn slammed by drought, Minn. harvest strong
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 14, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Corn production is down by double-digit percentages in Wisconsin and other Midwestern states, but Minnesota is one of the few states where this year’s corn harvest has improved. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says most corn farmers saw their yield per acre decrease, mainly because of a ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Alliant subsidiary seeks approval for Iowa power plant
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 14, 2012
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Interstate Power and Light Co. has filed paperwork for regulatory approval for a new natural-gas fired power plant in Marshalltown, Iowa. IPL, a subsidiary of Wisconsin-based Alliant Energy Corp., on Wednesday filed applications for construction and ratemaking principles with the Iowa Utilities Board. IPL President ...Read more, add a comment »
On-scene investigation of fatal Wis. fire complete
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 14, 2012
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — Inspectors have completed their on-scene investigation into an off-campus apartment fire that killed two University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students from Minnesota last month. Fire Inspector Gary Puljas says in a news release Wednesday that physical evidence gathered at the scene will now be analyzed. He ...Read more, add a comment »
BMO Harris being sued by Petters bankruptcy case trustee
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 14, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The bankruptcy trustee recovering money for victims of the $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme operated by now-imprisoned Minnesota businessman Tom Petters filed a lawsuit Wednesday that accuses a bank of aiding the fraud by ignoring “astronomical” deposits. The lawsuit filed in federal bankruptcy court accuses M&I Bank of ...Read more, add a comment »
Authorities: Rural residents a ‘lightning rod’ for apparent repair scam
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 14, 2012
JEFFERSON—Authorities are warning that rural area residents are being shocked by a price gouging scam involving work on their rooftop lightning rods. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reports that at least three people in rural Jefferson County have been “swindled” in the past several weeks by workers charging a “greatly ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Wisconsin gun deer hunting season starts Saturday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 14, 2012
MILWAUKEE—The Wisconsin gun deer hunting season starts Saturday and hunters could see more active deer. Department of Natural Resources spokesman Ed Culhane says this year’s season is at its earliest possible date because it’s tied to Thanksgiving, which is early. He says deer will still likely be mating and therefore ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Milton School Boards OKs temporary fix for class sizes
Posted by NEIL JOHNSON on November 14, 2012
MILTON--The Milton School Board has approved a staffing plan that officials are viewing as a short-term fix for burgeoning class sizes in district elementary schools. The board Monday approved a recommendation from district administrators to add reading and math specialists and tap existing staff for extra duties as “data managers” ...Read more, add a comment »
Domestic partners must prove commitment, city council says
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on November 14, 2012
JANESVILLE--Just what is a domestic partner? The question might come to mind after the Janesville City Council voted 6-1 Monday in favor of extending health care benefits to employees with domestic partners. DuWayne Severson was the “no” vote. The term applies to same-gender and opposite-gender couples. But that doesn’t mean ...Read more, view comments (28) »
LCD buyers have until Dec. 6 to join settlement
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 14, 2012
MADISON—The Wisconsin attorney general says those who bought a TV, monitor or laptop with an LCD flat screen have about three weeks left to claim part of a settlement in a class action lawsuit. The billion dollar settlement was reached with 10 electronics manufacturers who were accused of conspiring to ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Janesville company pondering expansion
Posted by JIM LEUTE on November 14, 2012
JANESVILLE--A growing Janesville manufacturer will ask the Rock County Board for an option to buy five acres in case it needs to make a multimillion-dollar expansion that could lead to 70 new jobs in Janesville. Josh Gray, president of GOEX Corp., said the company should be able to decide before ...Read more, view comments (14) »
Law enforcement union sues over Walker’s law
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 13, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A law enforcement union filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the constitutionality of a Wisconsin law effectively ending collective bargaining for most public workers. The lawsuit brought by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association seeks to strike down the law, championed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker, as a ...Read more, view comments (46) »
Milton School Board stays mum on whether district is paying for Garrow's leave
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 13, 2012
MILTON--The Milton School District has no legal basis to withhold information about whether Superintendent Mike Garrow is being paid while on leave, a media attorney told The Gazette today. “There should be no question that the public is entitled to know whether he is being unpaid or if he’s sitting ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Dems elect state Senate leader
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 13, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Sen. Chris Larson of Milwaukee has been elected as Democratic leader in the state Senate. Larson was chosen Tuesday during a closed-door meeting of Democrats who are in the minority in the Senate heading into the 2013 session. Larson was challenged by state Sen. Jon Erpenbach ...Read more, view comments (16) »
Rivard told he’s always welcome in GOP caucus
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 13, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican majority leader of the state Assembly says a fellow GOP lawmaker who lost re-election after recounting advice his father had given him that "some girls rape easy“ is always welcome in the Republican caucus. Rep. Roger Rivard of Rice Lake gave a tearful farewell ...Read more, view comments (31) »
Republican Vos elected speaker of Assembly
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 13, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican state Rep. Robin Vos of Burlington has been elected speaker of the state Legislature. He ran unopposed Tuesday and was elected to the post by his Republican colleagues. The 44-year-old Vos was first elected to the Assembly in 2004. He served the past two years ...Read more, view comments (7) »
Congressional Democrats send Walker letter
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 13, 2012
MADISON—Democrats in Wisconsin’s congressional delegation are calling on Gov. Scott Walker to implement a state-run health care exchange under the federal law championed by President Barack Obama. Walker faces a Friday deadline to notify the Obama administration as to whether Wisconsin will run its own exchange, have the federal government ...Read more, view comments (87) »
Assembly Democrats, Republicans to pick leaders
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 13, 2012
MADISON—State Rep. Robin Vos of Burlington is expected to be elected as the next speaker of the state Assembly when Republicans meet to choose their leaders for the next session. Both Assembly Republicans and Democrats are meeting separately on Tuesday to elect their leaders for the session that begins in ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Forester to assess city ash trees
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on November 13, 2012
JANESVILLE--A city forester could tell residents whether to remove trees on private property after a unanimous vote Monday from Janesville City Council members. The city does not have the power to do that now. The forester would be able to inspect for dead or dying trees and order them removed ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Council continues with sidewalk saga
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on November 13, 2012
JANESVILLE--The Janesville City Council will send notices to homeowners affected by the planned construction of 8.4 miles of sidewalk, adopting the unanimous recommendations of a council-appointed sidewalk committee. A public hearing for those residents will be Monday, Dec. 10. The council also will send notices to homeowners who were on ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Milton Schools superintendent to remain on "approved leave"
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 12, 2012
MILTON—Milton School District Superintendent Mike Garrow will be on hiatus for the rest of the school year, district officials announced Monday night. After a nearly two-hour closed session to discuss Garrow’s employment, the board released a news release stating he will not return during the 2012-13 school year. The release, ...Read more, view comments (20) »
Mercury Marine hiring more workers in Fond du lac
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — Mercury Marine plans to hire about 170 new employees at its Fond duc Lac facilities this month. The Fond du Lac-based manufacturer of recreational boat motors says most of the available positions are in manufacturing areas. Mercury Marine says it is ramping up production ...Read more, view comments (19) »
Milwaukee metro home sales jump in October
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A report says sales of existing homes in the Milwaukee metro area jumped almost 33 percent in October from a year ago. Metro MLS Inc. said Monday there were 1,386 homes sold last month in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. That compares with 1,044 in October ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Manitowoc mayor flooded with beer banner emails
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) — The mayor of Manitowoc says his office has been flooded with emails to bring back the beer bottles. So, the iconic Anheuser Busch bottles that have been part of the landscape in downtown Manitowoc for nearly 20 years could be preserved. Riverland Ag Corp. bought the ...Read more, view comments (2) »
UW Health requires employees to get flu shots
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — UW Health is trying to reduce the number of influenza cases caught in hospitals by requiring employees to get flu shots. The Wisconsin State Journal reports employees will be put on unpaid leave if they don’t get vaccinated by Dec. 1. They can submit a religious ...Read more, view comments (32) »
Evers proposes increase in aid to Wisconsin schools
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
MADISON—Wisconsin’s state superintendent Tony Evers is proposing a $615 million increase in state aid for the state’s schools at the same time he wants to redo the formula used to determine how much money each district gets. Evers released his latest plan for redoing the state aid formula on Monday. ...Read more, view comments (7) »
More than 100 wolves killed during hunt
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The state says more than 100 wolves have been killed during Minnesota’s first managed wolf hunt. The Department of Natural Resources says 109 wolves have been taken in the first eight days of the hunt, which includes 47 in the northeast hunting zone. The Duluth News Tribune says ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Teacher benefit cuts offset some school aid losses
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
MADISON—A new study shows controversial cuts to teachers’ benefits in Wisconsin last year offset about two-thirds of the losses in state aid to school districts. The report by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance released Monday shows school districts across Wisconsin collectively cut spending on health and pension benefits by about $287 ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Gov. Scott Walker seeks applicants for judicial opening
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 12, 2012
MADISON—Gov. Scott Walker is looking for someone to fill an upcoming judicial vacancy in central Wisconsin. Marathon County Circuit Court Judge Vincent K. Howard plans to retire on Feb. 1. Walker is searching for someone he can appoint to fill the vacancy. Anyone who is interested should submit a cover ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Parker extends ‘Miss Saigon’ run
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 11, 2012
JANESVILLE—Parker High School got such a positive response to “Miss Saigon” this weekend that officials have decided to extend its run. “Miss Saigon School Edition” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 in the Parker auditorium, 3125 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville. Tickets ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Governor pressured on health-care exchange
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 11, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An array of interests, including business groups and liberal health care advocates, is pressuring Gov. Scott Walker to create a state-run exchange under the federal health care law. Walker faces a Friday deadline to tell President Barack Obama’s administration what he intends to do. The governor ...Read more, view comments (98) »
Car damages Janesville bridge
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 11, 2012
JANESVILLE – A Janesville woman was accused of driving drunk after the car she was driving jumped the curb on the Milwaukee Street Bridge and severely damaged the bridge railing, according to a Janesville police report. The accident occurred at 2:23 a.m. Sunday. The driver and a passenger were taken ...Read more, add a comment »
Two motorcyclists hurt in accident Saturday
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 10, 2012
TOWN OF FULTON--A woman was flown to University Hospital in Madison, and a man was treated at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville after two motorcycles and a car collided Saturday afternoon on a county road. According to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office: Brenda Erickson, ...Read more, add a comment »
UW researcher accused of growing pot on campus
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 10, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former plant researcher at the UW-Madison is accused of growing marijuana in a university lab. A Wisconsin State Journal report says 45-year-old Christopher J. Schwartz was charged Friday with two felony counts of marijuana manufacturing and possession. Prosecutors said someone discovered 12 marijuana plants being ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. WWII veteran gets medal after 65 years
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 10, 2012
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who left the U.S. Air Force 65 years ago couldn’t keep away the tears when he finally received his World War II Victory Medal this week. George Michel of New Berlin thought the local school celebration Friday was just like all the other ...Read more, view comments (4) »
Wis. motorist drives 15 miles in wrong highway lane
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 10, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee County deputies have arrested a suspected wrong-way motorist accused of driving more than 15 miles in the wrong lane of the freeway. Authorities say the 21-year-old Waukesha man was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of I-43 near downtown Milwaukee on Saturday about 2:20 a.m. A ...Read more, add a comment »
Dress code for Janesville school employees proposed
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 09, 2012
JANESVILLE -- A proposed dress code was released to Janesville School District employees this week. The code bans employees wearing suggestive and offensive clothing and offensive tattoos. It endorses business and business-casual dress but contains exceptions for those who work in maintenance, technical education and certain other jobs. The school ...Read more, view comments (112) »
State schools superintendent seeks second term
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 09, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin state schools superintendent Tony Evers told The Associated Press that he will run for a second term. The 60-year-old Evers broke the news to AP on Friday. Evers was first elected to the nonpartisan position as superintendent of public instruction in April 2009. He is ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Madison officer shoots, kills burglary suspect
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 09, 2012
Madison police say an officer has shot and killed a burglary suspect.
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Missing sex offender arrested in home with children
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on November 09, 2012
JANESVILLE--A missing registered sex offender, who was arrested by Janesville police Thursday in a home with two children, is in custody at the Rock County Jail. The probation agent of Richard J. Hoyt, 24, of 212 ½ Linn St., notified police Hoyt had cut off his GPS tracking bracelet Oct. ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin DNR warns hunters to watch out for elk
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 09, 2012
MADISON—Wisconsin wildlife officials are urging deer hunters to keep an eye out for elk and moose. Elk now occupy parts of Ashland, Bayfield, Price and Sawyer counties. Moose have been sighted in the state’s northern counties as well. Department of Natural Resources officials say they wandered into the state from ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Three convicted of illegally shining deer
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 09, 2012
JANESVILLE--Three Rock County men will be paying fines, losing hunting licenses and serving jail time after being convicted of illegally shining deer, according to a news release from the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Law Enforcement. The conviction comes at the end of an investigation after the men were ...Read more, add a comment »
Suspect sought in Janesville high-speed chase
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 08, 2012
JANESVILLE—Police are looking for a man who led them on a chase at speeds of up to 70 mph on city streets early Thursday morning. The chase began downtown, exited the city on Rockport Road, returned to the city on Court Street and ended on Austin Road. Stop sticks deflated ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin-based Krones to pay $15 million in Le-Nature’s case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 08, 2012
PITTSBURGH—A Wisconsin bottling equipment firm has agreed to pay a $15 million penalty to avoid prosecution for its alleged role in the massive accounting fraud involving defunct western Pennsylvania soft-drink maker, Le-Nature’s. Officials with Krones Inc., in Franklin, Wisc., say they plan to release a statement later Thursday. Federal prosecutors ...Read more, add a comment »
4 teens in custody for Lake Geneva home invasion
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 08, 2012
LAKE GENEVA—Police say two adults were tied up by four boys who invaded their Lake Geneva home. Authorities say one of the adults was able to flee with two small children and call 911 from a nearby gas station Tuesday night. The second adult was found in the home and ...Read more, add a comment »
2 children dead, 2 others injured in Racine fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 08, 2012
RACINE—Two children have died in a house fire in Racine and two others have been seriously injured. Fire Chief Steve Hansen says firefighters responded to the burning home shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday. Firefighters were able to get one child out right away, but Hansen says bars on the windows ...Read more, add a comment »
Janesville police involved in two pursuits
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on November 08, 2012
JANESVILLE--Janesville police were involved in two traffic pursuits after midnight Wednesday. The first incident occurred at 12:32 a.m. Thursday when an officer tried to stop a speeding motorcyclist, said Sgt. Aaron Ellis. But when the motorcyclist accelerated up to speeds of 80 mph, “the officer discontinued the pursuit based on ...Read more, add a comment »
Falling trusses kill Dane Co. forklift driver
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
MAZOMANIE, Wis. (AP) — A forklift driver has been killed on the job in Dane County. The sheriff’s department says the 54-year-old Dodgeville man was operating the forklift in the yard at Wick Homes in Mazomanie (may-zoh-MAY’-nee) Wednesday morning when a load of trusses collapsed on him. The man was ...Read more, add a comment »
Appeals court upholds Wis. man’s murder conviction
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a Brookfield man convicted of killing his girlfriend, burning the remains and stuffing them under the ice of Lake Winnebago. Brandon Mueller is serving a life sentence for the 2009 murder of Renee Redmer. Mueller appealed, ...Read more, add a comment »
Recounts loom in handful of Wis. legislative races
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans couldn’t deliver Wisconsin for Mitt Romney or put former GOP Gov. Tommy Thompson in the U.S. Senate in Tuesday’s elections, but they still had a huge night by seizing the majority in the state Senate and retaking control of state government. The GOP erased the ...Read more, view comments (10) »
Cold weather ends Wis. deer-killing disease
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says a deadly outbreak of a disease that may have killed 350 white-tailed deer in Wisconsin is over. The DNR says the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, has run its course, thanks to hard frosts killing off the ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Wis. Senate Dem leader steps down
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Mark Miller has decided to step down from his post as Senate Democratic leader. Miller’s office issued a statement Wednesday saying he plans to quit his post when the current legislative session ends in December. The Monona Democrat ran unopposed in Tuesday’s elections. The statement doesn’t ...Read more, view comments (11) »
Johnson, Baldwin talk on day after election
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Sen. Ron Johnson says he’s spoken with Democratic Sen.-elect Tammy Baldwin and congratulated her on her victory in Tuesday’s election. Johnson said Wednesday that he wants to sit down with Baldwin and discuss areas where they can agree as they prepare to represent Wisconsin together ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Town of Delavan man died Monday in one-car crash
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 07, 2012
TOWN OF DELAVAN—A town of Delavan man died Monday while driving what was reported as a stolen car, according to police reports. Police found Robert L. Rodriguez, 21, of 4140 Fox Lane, Delavan, at 7:16 p.m. Monday in a car “wrapped completely around a tree” on Highway 50 near County ...Read more, add a comment »
Obama’s win forces Walker's hand on health care
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
President Barack Obama’s re-election is forcing the hand of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who had stopped all efforts to implement the federal health care reform law in the hopes that Republicans would take over in Washington.
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Ryan says he will return to Congress
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
BOSTON (AP) — Paul Ryan said Wednesday that he will return to Congress, but will spend some time with his family first. Ryan was re-elected Tuesday to his House seat from southeastern Wisconsin on the same night he and Mitt Romney came up short in their bid to unseat President ...Read more, view comments (21) »
Deputies looking for fake police vehicle
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 07, 2012
TOWN OF MAGNOLIA—Rock County Sheriff’s Office investigators are looking for a silver pickup truck that three people said flashed red and blue lights in an attempt to pull over drivers last week on a rural highway south of Evansville. The truck is described as a Ford F-150 or a Dodge ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock County voters set a new record
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 07, 2012
Rock County voters set a new record for ballots cast during Tuesday’s election, according to Lori Stottler, county clerk.
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Firefighters battle Milton apartment fire
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 07, 2012
MILTON—Fire crews are still working at the scene of a fire that broke out late Tuesday in an apartment complex in Milton, authorities said. According to Rock County 911 Dispatch: Firefighters from Milton Fire Department and three other area fire departments were called to a fire at a four-unit apartment ...Read more, add a comment »
Republicans win back control of Wisconsin Senate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
Wisconsin Republicans have reclaimed control of the state Senate, putting them a step away from free rein across state government once again.
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Kolste enroute to victory in 44th
Posted by JIM LEUTE on November 07, 2012
JANESVILLE--With 22 of 24 precincts reporting, Democrat Deb Kolste was well on her way to defeating Rep. Joe Knilans in the 44th Assembly District. With 92 percent of the precincts in for the district, which includes nearly all of Janesville, Kolste had 15,348 votes. Knilans, the Republican incumbent first elected ...Read more, view comments (25) »
Romney concedes defeat
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 07, 2012
Mitt Romney has conceded defeat in the presidential contest.
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Jorgensen likely winner in 43rd District race
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 06, 2012
MILTON—Andy Jorgensen is already getting used to his new turf. This evening, the veteran lawmaker was at the Junction Pub in Milton, toasting his win in the 43rd Assembly District race. Residents of Milton and other Rock County communities will get more used to seeing Jorgensen, the Fort Atkinson Democrat ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Voters pass Reek school referendum
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 06, 2012
LAKE GENEVA--Voters in Linn Joint 6 School District agreed Tuesday to allow the district to issue up to $2.8 million in general obligation bonds for repair and improvement projects to Reek Elementary School. Voters rejected a $3.9 million referendum for repairs to Reek Elementary School in April 2011 and October ...Read more, add a comment »
Democrat Tammy Baldwin wins US Senate seat
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin has won Wisconsin’s open U.S. Senate seat.
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Ringhand headed for victory in new district
Posted by GINA DUWE on November 06, 2012
EVANSVILLE--Rep. Janis Ringhand hopes the next session of the state Assembly is less volatile than the last. “I hope it’s a little calmer and that we actually accomplish more,” she said. “That’s what the residents of our district need.” Ringhand of Evansville, who represents the 80th District, is expected to ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Lake Geneva OKs office change
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 06, 2012
LAKE GENEVA -- Voters decided Tuesday to combine two positions in the city of Lake Geneva, treasurer and deputy clerk. Those two positions are now elected. The new, combined deputy clerk-treasurer will be appointed by the city council starting in 2014. The vote was 1,865 for the change in the ...Read more, add a comment »
Democrats maintain control of Senate
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
Democrats won a narrow majority in the Senate on Tuesday, snatching Republican-held seats in Massachusetts and Indiana and turning back fierce, expensive challenges in Virginia, Ohio and Connecticut to maintain the control they’ve held since 2007.
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Obama wins Wisconsin, state’s 10 electoral votes
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
President Barack Obama has won Wisconsin, capturing the state’s 10 electoral votes for a second time and defeating a Republican ticket that included Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan.
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GOP marches toward control of House
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
Republicans drove toward recapturing control of the House for two more years on Tuesday as the two parties traded gains from the Eastern seaboard to the Southwest.
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Emergency responders dealing with 2nd crash of night on I-90 near Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 06, 2012
JANESVILLE--A second injury accident is slowing traffic on Interstate 90/39 at the Highway 26 interchange. The Wisconsin State Patrol reported a semi versus car crash at 9:46 p.m. The right lane is block in the southbound lanes of traffic. An injury accident near the same place 3:46 p.m. stopped traffic, ...Read more, add a comment »
Albany voters approve school referendum
Posted by GINA DUWE on November 06, 2012
ALBANY--Albany School District Superintendent Steve Guenther is happy he won’t be trying to draft another referendum or starting to plan for massive cuts next year. District voters approved a referendum Tuesday by a vote of 796-692 to exceed the revenue cap by $1.64 million over three years. “I think the ...Read more, add a comment »
Edgerton school referendums on pace to pass
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 06, 2012
EDGERTON—With over half of the votes counted in Rock, Dane and Jefferson counties, it looks like Edgerton’s School Districts’ referendum spending plans—both of them—will pass. In recent weeks, district officials had blasted the public with an information campaign about the $9.3 million in proposed referendum spending for maintenance, technology and ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin exit poll: Lack of jobs a voter concern
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
The outcome of close races for president and U.S. Senate in Wisconsin remained undecided after polls closed Tuesday night.
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GOP Rep. Paul Ryan re-elected in southeast Wis.
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
Republican Rep. Paul Ryan has won re-election in Wisconsin, meaning he’ll have a job to fall back on if he and presidential candidate Mitt Romney don’t win the White House.
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Pocan wins, Democrats keep Madison-area House seat
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State Assemblyman Mark Pocan has won the U.S. House race for Wisconsin’s 2nd District, keeping the Madison-area seat with Democrats. The seat was held by Tammy Baldwin for seven terms, but she gave it up to run for the U.S. Senate. Pocan defeated Republican challenger Chad ...Read more, view comments (2) »
GOP Rep. Petri wins, extends 33-year US House run
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — Republican Rep. Tom Petri has extended his 33-year career in the U.S. House by winning re-election in east-central Wisconsin. The 72-year-old Petri was first elected to Congress in 1979. He won another two-year term Tuesday in Wisconsin’s 6th District by holding off a token ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Sensenbrenner wins 18th congressional term
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
BROOKFIELD, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s longest-serving congressman has been elected to his 18th consecutive term. Republican James Sensenbrenner cruised to victory Tuesday over a token challenge by Democrat Dave Heaster in southeastern Wisconsin’s 5th District. The reliably Republican district includes parts of Jefferson, Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties. The 69-year-old was ...Read more, add a comment »
Mazomanie man charged with murdering brother
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The stepbrother of a Mazomanie man who had been missing since June has been charged with killing him and burying his body. At a news conference Tuesday, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said Matthew Graville was tortured and abused by his stepbrother who killed him, froze ...Read more, add a comment »
Rock County investigating report of truck with imitation police lights
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 06, 2012
TOWN OF MAGNOLIA—Rock County Sheriff’s Office investigators are looking for a silver pickup truck that three people said flashed red and blue lights in an attempt to pull over drivers last week on a rural highway south of Evansville. The truck is described as a Ford F-150 or a Dodge ...Read more, add a comment »
Wis. mother rejects plea offer in 1957 death
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) — The case of a Sheboygan woman accused of killing her baby 55 years ago is heading to trial after an attempt at a plea agreement fell through. Ruby Klokow is charged with second-degree murder in the 1957 death of her 6-month-old daughter Jeaneen. Klokow’s attorney, Kirk ...Read more, add a comment »
Some voters voting incorrectly for president
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 06, 2012
JANESVILLE—Before the end of voting today, Rock County Clerk Lori Stottler expects thousands of people in Rock County could have to fill out a second or third ballot because of confusion over how the ballots were printed. The ballots include a hairline underneath the Republican, Democratic and Constitution party choices ...Read more, view comments (28) »
Don’t post photos of your completed Wis. ballot
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
In case you’re tempted to show your Facebook friends and Twitter followers how you voted, remember it’s illegal in Wisconsin to post photos of completed ballots.
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UPDATED: I-90 re-opened after crash near near Janesville
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 06, 2012
JANESVILLE--Interstate 90/39 is open after a Tuesday afternoon crash involving two semitrailer trucks and a car, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office. The crash with injuries was reported at 3:14 p.m. near the Highway 26 interchange. Multiple jurisdictions responded to the scene. The eastbound lane ...Read more, add a comment »
Voting heavy in Janesville; results could be late
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 06, 2012
Election results for the city of Janesville could be reported later than usual tonight, city Clerk Jean Wulf said.
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Elections officials say voting is going smoothly
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
The spokesman for the state board that oversees elections says there have so far been no major issues.
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Some voting in different districts
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
Redistricting could throw a curve ball to some Wisconsin voters who may have a new polling place or may be voting for different candidates in a new district.
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Stepbrother charged in death of missing man
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The stepbrother of an autistic Mazomanie man who had been missing since June has been charged with killing him and burying his body. At a news conference Tuesday, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said Matthew Graville was tortured and abused by his stepbrother who killed him, ...Read more, add a comment »
Voting lines begin to form in battleground Wisconsin
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 06, 2012
Eager voters lined up even before the polls opened at 7 a.m. in Wisconsin on this Election Day.
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Thousands vote early in Rock County
Posted by GINA DUWE on November 06, 2012
Thousands of area residents already cast their ballots over the past two weeks, but some clerks say it’s not as many as the last presidential election.
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Thursday meeting is to offer information on area sex offenders
Posted by GINA DUWE on November 06, 2012
ORFORDVILLE--Orfordville Police Chief Dave Wickstrum said he wants village residents to keep the pitchforks and torches at home. That’s why he’s organized a Thursday night meeting about sex offender registration and safety. The meeting is in response to residents complaining to Wickstrum that they weren’t notified about registered sex offenders ...Read more, add a comment »
1 dead, 1 arrested in Jefferson motel shooting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
CITY OF JEFFERSON, Wis. (AP) — A man is under arrest after a fatal shooting at a motel in the City of Jefferson. Police were called around 5:15 a.m. Monday to the shooting at the Hilltop Motel. Officers found a female victim dead at the scene. Police arrested a man ...Read more, add a comment »
Springsteen: 'A world that challenges hopefulness'
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen joined President Barack Obama at a rally in Wisconsin, playing the anthem "Land of Hope and Dreams."
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3 injured, 1 held in Sheboygan Falls shooting
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. (AP) — Three people are hurt and another is in custody after a shooting in Sheboygan Falls. Police Chief Steve Riffel tells The Sheboygan Press (http://tinyurl.com/a87gt9u ) police responded to an eight-unit apartment building about 6 a.m. Monday after a physical fight between three men and a ...Read more, add a comment »
Thompson says he’s optimistic about Senate race
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Tommy Thompson is expressing optimism about his chances in the race for the U.S. Senate against Democrat Tammy Baldwin. While Thompson was talking about the race Monday on WTMJ-AM radio in Milwaukee, Baldwin was speaking at a rally for President Barack Obama in Madison before ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Baldwin says election choice between 2 visions
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin says voters are being presented with two different visions for the future of America both in her race and for the presidency. Baldwin was the last speaker at a Monday rally near the Capitol before rocker Bruce Springsteen and President ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Wis. senator says Capitol crowd size like protests
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Democratic Wisconsin senator who fled to Illinois last year to block passage of an anti-union bill says the crowd gathered on the steps of the state Capitol to see President Barack Obama reminds him of the massive protests over the union proposal. State Sen. Jon ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Rain, 70 percent turnout predicted on Election Day
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
MILWAUKEE—The National Weather Service predicts voters likely will be greeted by rain and 40 degree temperatures across much of Wisconsin on Election Day. Despite the dreary forecast, the Government Accountability Board expects that nearly 70 percent of the state’s 4.35 million eligible voters will go to the polls on Tuesday. ...Read more, view comments (13) »
Presidential, Senate candidates make final push
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
MADISON—From President Barack Obama in the morning, to Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan at night, Wisconsin is in the campaign cross hairs the day before the election. Democratic Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin plans to appear at Obama’s rally Monday morning near the Capitol before heading out to Wausau, Green ...Read more, view comments (2) »
Thousands line up to see Obama in Madison
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 05, 2012
MADISON—Thousands of people are lined up waiting to get into a rally with President Barack Obama and rocker Bruce Springsteen near the Capitol in Madison. The stage for the rally is a block south of the Capitol, with its back to the city-county building facing the municipal building. Air Force ...Read more, view comments (41) »
Child advocacy center becoming a reality
Posted by STAN MILAM on November 05, 2012
ELKHORN--Even a labor of love can become tiring and frustrating. After years of planning and work, Walworth County child advocates are watching construction of a Walworth County Child Advocacy Center. It started 23 years ago with Robert Kennedy, who at the time was a Walworth County judge. His idea was ...Read more, add a comment »
Things to know about voting Tuesday
Posted by FRANK SCHULTZ on November 05, 2012
JANESVILLE--It’s one day before the big vote, and you’re not ready. You have questions. We have answers. This information comes from Rock County Clerk Lori Stottler, Walworth County Clerk Kim Bushey, city of Janesville Clerk Jean Wulf and the state Government Accountability Board: Q: How long will the polls be ...Read more, view comments (3) »
Beloit seeking suspect in fatal shooting
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 04, 2012
BELOIT—The man whom Beloit police consider a suspect in a Sunday morning fatal shooting is also a suspect from an attempted homicide in April. Tevon I. Marley, 28, is wanted on a charge of first-degree intentional homicide, according to a news release from the Beloit Police Department. Marley’s last known ...Read more, add a comment »
Milton police investigating break-in at Farm City Elevator
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 04, 2012
MILTON—The Milton Police Department is seeking the public’s help in the investigation of a burglary reported at a grain elevator. Entry was reported forced into an office, the basement and a utility shed at Farm City Elevator, 302 Vincent St., Milton, according to a news release from the Milton Police ...Read more, add a comment »
Beloit man in critical condition after Saturday morning crash
Posted by ANN MARIE AMES on November 03, 2012
JANESVILLE—Investigators think alcohol was a factor in a Saturday morning crash that left a Beloit man hospitalized in critical condition. Emergency responders found Samuel Timmons, 23, Beloit, unconscious at 2:43 a.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Timmons was driving south on County K ...Read more, add a comment »
Outsider to investigate spa shooter case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 02, 2012
VILLAGE OF BROWN DEER, Wis. (AP) — An independent investigator will review how police handled domestic violence incidents involving a man who later fatally shot his wife and two other women at a suburban Milwaukee spa, the Village of Brown Deer said Friday. Village Manager Russell Van Gompel said Brown ...Read more, add a comment »
Police rule out arson in fire at Milton bar
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 02, 2012
MILTON—Investigators found no evidence that a fire at a Milton bar was caused by arson, according to a news release from the Milton Police Department. The Milton Fire Department was dispatched at 8:54 p.m. Wednesday to Buckaroo’s BBQ and Bucked Off Saloon, 231 Front St., Milton. Fire fighters arrived to ...Read more, add a comment »
Trial for Former Gov. Walker aide starts Dec. 3
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 02, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A former aide to Gov. Scott Walker is set to go to trial. Tim Russell was Walker’s deputy chief of staff when Walker was Milwaukee County executive. Russell is charged with stealing more than $21,000 from a nonprofit Walker asked him to lead. Russell’s attorney asked the ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin Democratic leaders hosting Saturday rally
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 02, 2012
JANESVILLE—Wisconsin Democrats and progressives leaders will be in Janesville on Saturday to rally voters in advance of Tuesday’s election, according to a news release from the campaign office of congressional candidate Rob Zerban. Zerban, who faces Republican Paul Ryan in the race for the 1st Congressional District, will headline the ...Read more, view comments (60) »
Bart Starr joins Romney on Wis. campaign trail
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 02, 2012
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (AP) — President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney both have Green Bay Packers joining them on the campaign trail. Former quarterback Bart Starr appeared at a rally for Romney on Friday in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis. Starr told the audience about a book written ...Read more, view comments (30) »
Baldwin hopes for Obama boost in Senate race
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 02, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Barack Obama’s three visits to Wisconsin over five days are certainly designed to insure he wins the state and its 10 electoral votes. But Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin is hoping for a boost from Obama in her even tighter race against Republican Tommy ...Read more, view comments (15) »
Crowd gathers for Biden visit in Beloit
Posted by GINA DUWE on November 02, 2012
About 1,100 residents and students packed the Aldrich Middle School gym this morning to see Vice President Joe Biden. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, who is running against former Gov. Tommy Thompson for U.S. Senate, appeared with Biden. Biden spoke for about a half hour, explaining the plan he and President Barack ...Read more, view comments (35) »
Suspicious man seen at Sikh temple
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 02, 2012
OAK CREEK, Wis. (AP) — A police report says Oak Creek officers detained a man at the Sikh temple where six people were killed in August and found he had ammunition and notebook references to a mass shooting. Sikh members summoned police last Sunday when the man visited the temple ...Read more, view comments (5) »
Nevada jury: Wisconsin diocese to pay $500,000 in abuse case
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 02, 2012
LAS VEGAS—A Las Vegas jury has awarded $500,000 to a man who claimed he was sexually abused as a boy by a former Wisconsin priest working in Nevada at the time. The man alleged that when he was about 13, the Rev. John Patrick Feeney fondled him in 1984. At ...Read more, add a comment »
Former Gov. Walker aide due for pre-trial hearing
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 02, 2012
MILWAUKEE—A former aide to Gov. Scott Walker is scheduled for a final hearing, ahead of a trial next month on theft charges. Tim Russell was Walker’s deputy chief of staff when Walker was the Milwaukee County executive. Russell is charged with stealing more than $21,000 from a nonprofit Walker asked ...Read more, add a comment »
Thursday night fire destroys Janesville home
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 02, 2012
JANESVILLE—Candles left burning in pumpkins on a deck of a Rock Township home, caught on fire, eventually spread into the house and destroyed it. The fire caused $175,000 to the Janesville home valued at $200,000 just after 11 p.m. Thursday night, according to a Janesville Fire Department report. “It was ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Baldwin to meet with UW-W students Friday
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 01, 2012
WHITEWATER—After campaigning with Vice President Joe Biden in Beloit on Friday morning, Rep. Tammy Baldwin will speak with students at UW-Whitewater. Baldwin will have a student meet and greet from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Friday at the University Center, 800 W. Main St., Room 261. Democrat Baldwin is running for ...Read more, view comments (16) »
6 more whooping cranes now headed to Florida
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
HORICON, Wis. (AP) — Six more young whooping cranes are now on their way to Florida. The cranes are part of the project conducted by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership, which is an international coalition of organizations that is reintroducing the bird in eastern North America. The birds were released ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Dane County dealing with bacterial infection
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Dane County health officials are dealing with an outbreak of bacterial infection. Eighteen cases of Shigellosis have been reported in the county since Sept. 20. That’s one fewer case than all of last year. The bacterial infection is associated with consuming water or food contaminated with ...Read more, view comments (6) »
Former Milton train depot wracked in fire, state investigating
Posted by GAZETTE STAFF on November 01, 2012
MILTON--A piece of Milton’s railroad history stood in charred ruin as investigators sifted through the burned-out interior of Liberty Station, seeking clues as to how the former train depot caught fire late Wednesday. Milton police, the Rock County Sheriff’s office and a state Division of Criminal Investigation arson team today ...Read more, add a comment »
The Boss to join the president in Madison on Monday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Bruce Springsteen will join President Barack Obama for a rally in Madison the day before the election on Monday. Obama’s campaign spokesman Joe Zepecki confirmed Thursday that Springsteen, known as The Boss, will perform at the morning rally and introduce the president. It will mark a ...Read more, view comments (39) »
Early voting deadline is Friday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Absentee voting remained robust across Wisconsin with Friday’s deadline to cast early ballots in person approaching. More than 412,000 people had either requested absentee ballots or voted early at clerks’ offices through Wednesday, the state’s elections board reported Thursday. It’s impossible to know how that compares ...Read more, view comment (1) »
Driver arrested in buggy crash that hurt 5
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
CHETEK—Barron County sheriff’s officials say they’ve arrested a driver they say is responsible for a crashing a pickup truck into a buggy and injuring five people before fleeing the scene. Authorities say the driver was arrested Thursday. The hit-and-run crash happened about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday near Chetek. Deputies say two ...Read more, add a comment »
Teen found competent for trial in fatal fire
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
MADISON—An Argyle teenager accused of helping set a fire that killed his three nephews has been found competent to stand trial. WKOW-TV reports 18-year-old Jeremy Wand appeared in Lafayette County Circuit Court Thursday where a judge determined he would be able to assist attorneys in his defense. Wand faces three ...Read more, add a comment »
Wisconsin early voting ends Friday
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
MADISON—They’re lining up across Wisconsin to vote early as the deadline to cast ballots ahead of Tuesday’s election nears. Unlike past years when early voting ran through the day before the election, this year it ends statewide on Friday. There were as many people lined up waiting for the doors ...Read more, view comments (8) »
Toys for Tots holiday campaign kicks off Nov. 1
Posted by SHELLY BIRKELO on November 01, 2012
JANESVILLE--The 2012 Toys for Tots kick off to the holiday campaign, which continues through Saturday, Dec. 15, starts from 4 to 7 p.m. today--Thursday, Nov. 1--at Toys R Us, 2723 Milton Ave., Janesville. Featured will be refreshments, a 5 to 5:30 p.m. performance by Vocal Fusion, a ladies barbershop group ...Read more, view comments (2) »
3 hurt, including 2 deputies in Waukesha Co. crash
Posted by ASSOCIATED PRESS on November 01, 2012
WAUKESHA—Three people, including two sheriff’s deputies, have been hurt in a fiery crash on the interstate in Waukesha County. The State Patrol says the two deputies were inside the median along I-94 when a vehicle hit the back of their squad and caught fire about 3 a.m. Thursday. WTMJ radio ...Read more, add a comment »
Parking plaza reopens
Posted by MARCIA NELESEN on November 01, 2012
JANESVILLE--About 51 parking spots in Janesville’s downtown parking plaza reopened Wednesday after repairs to the plaza were finished. Workers still are working on two additional spots that affect about two stalls each, but those should be open by the end of the week, said Carl Weber, city director of public ...Read more, add a comment »
