SAMPLE: WisPolitics News Summary
8/22/2011
The News Summary is sent to subscribers each weekday morning at 10 a.m. The sample below was sent on Aug. 22, 2011
WisPolitics News Summary
22 August 2011
Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers
TOP STORIES
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LEGAL FEES SOAR FOR WISCONSIN TAXPAYERS OVER BARGAINING, REDISTRICTING. GOP SKIPS BIDS, PAYS UP TO $395 PER HOUR: So far this year, two firms with strong Republican connections [MB&F, Troupis] have racked up more than $700,000 in invoices and payments [on no-bid contracts] authorized by Gov. Scott Walker and GOP lawmakers to help represent the state in cases such as legal challenges over Walker's legislation ending most collective bargaining for public employees. More payments on the ongoing cases and another likely case are still to come, as Walker considers a request by the Department of Justice to appoint one of the firms to represent the state in a federal lawsuit over redistricting legislation. Gov. Doyle awarded similar no-bid special counsel contracts in one tribal gambling case. Werwie said Walker followed rules for special counsels, checked 3 firms on expertise, availability and price before choosing MB&F, noted savings worth cost. State DOJ had declined defense, in part, due to staff lawyers’ union, which was affected by changes. DOJ EA Means, Dem atty Pines, CC/CI’s Heck comment. By JASON STEIN and PATRICK MARLEY, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/128136113.html
AFTER RECALL ELECTIONS, COLLABORATION IS KEY FOR LEGISLATURE: recall survivor GOP Sen. Olsen “hoping, that the really contentious stuff is done," but GOP Rep. Litjens-Sen. Lazich bill would require ultrasound for abortion-seekers, add regs to clinics. Assembly Minority Leader Barca said GOP must be "true to their rhetoric,” focus hearings on bipartisan economic development. Werwie said Walker agreed, focused on new CAPCO bill, Northland mining bill, “making it easier for Wisconsin's private sector economy to grow." Jagler, Welhouse for Fitzgerald Bros. agree. Dem Sen. Jauch doubts “they know what the word means.” Dem Sen. Risser said smaller GOP majority makes Walker less “dictatorial.” Dem Rep. Hulsey said GOP Rep. Vos’ recall amendment “ proves they are more interested in protecting their own jobs than creating jobs for working families.” By MARY SPICUZZA, WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_cc732354-cbef-11e0-8ab1-001cc4c03286.html
related stories:
- After Bruising Political Fights, 2 Governors Alter Their Tones: Walker, Kasich sounding more moderate, cooperative, after pushing aggressive agenda at outset of terms. Walker, facing potential recall: “My thought is, you start out with small things, you build trust, you move forward, you keep working on things and you try and pick as many things that are things that people can clearly work together on. … I’m not thinking that just because we snap our fingers that suddenly everybody’s going to run out and work together and it’s all going to work perfectly.” Senate Minority Leader Miller: “It’s all P.R. — none of it is substantive.” DPW’s Zielinski: “This is totally phony — a totally unbelievable act of desperation.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/22/us/22states.html
- Wisconsin Voters Narrowly Against Walker Recall, But poll results also show voters favor Feingold over Walker … [Public Policy] Poll results show that voters are not particularly upset with Wisconsin's recall election results. Forty-three percent are happy with the outcomes, and 39 percent are unhappy. Since they took two seats but were unable to win a third for the majority, 17 percent of Democrats are happy, but 64 percent unhappy, and 19 percent not sure what to feel. Republicans are more unilaterally elated (73-13), and independents split at 41-38.
http://ashlandcurrent.com/article/11/08/21/wisconsin-voters-narrowly-against-walker-recall
- What's next for the Walker recall effort? Q&A with a Madison activist [Sara Sell]
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/blog/article_bac33eb2-cc14-11e0-b612-001cc4c03286.html
$60,000 SPENT ON GOV. SCOTT WALKER'S TRAVELS: Walker's expenses on par with previous administrations. Gov. Scott Walker spent more than $59,000 flying around Wisconsin during his first six months in office, with the bulk of the travel coming during the contentious battle over the Republican governor's legislative agenda and budget. In 17 trips between January and June 21, the date on which the Wausau Daily Herald requested Walker's travel records from the state, the governor and his staff members held news conferences, visited businesses in all corners of the state and joined other Wisconsin politicians at a celebration of the Packers' Super Bowl win in Green Bay. The expenses are about equal to those of Walker's predecessors of both parties, including Democrat Jim Doyle, who spent $55,649 on 27 flights in the first six months of 2010. By KATHLEEN FOODY, WAUSAU DAILY HERALD
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20110821/WDH0101/108210449
related story:
- Walker tours damage in northwest Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker boarded a helicopter and overflew parts of northwest Wisconsin on Friday where thousands of downed trees remain from a July 1 windstorm. [see Oshkosh]
http://www.superiortelegram.com/event/article/id/56915/
WALKER WILL APPOINT JUDGE TO BARRY'S SEAT: Gov. Scott Walker will be appointing someone to fill the Racine County Circuit Court vacancy created by Judge Dennis Barry's death, until an election can be held. Barry was found dead Thursday morning, after taking his own life according to the county medical examiner. Friday Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said the governor will likely issue a call for applications sometime next week, and his time line. The Wisconsin Judicial Selection Advisory Committee would narrow the list to three finalists and Walker would choose from those, he said.
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_37eecf6c-cab4-11e0-9310-001cc4c002e0.html
UW-MADISON TEACHING ASSISTANTS UNION VOTES AGAINST STATE CERTIFICATION: The 3,000-member teaching assistants union at UW-Madison has voted narrowly against seeking official state certification under a controversial new law that prohibits most collective bargaining for most public sector employees. [yearly recertification votes required under new law.] "Investing resources in this process would divert resources from other forms of activism," said Adrienne Pagac, co-president of the Teaching Assistants' Association. … Even though the uncertified union won't be recognized and won't have a legally binding contract to negotiate and enforce, it will continue to fight for good pay and working conditions for members through informal discussions with university managers and through other activism, leaders said. … For now, the university is informally following the provisions of the last labor contract. "They (the university) will abide by the contract until they don't," Pagac said. "Our membership will decide our response when the time comes." … Union leaders representing state and local government workers said they, too, are leaning toward forgoing certification. Only the Wisconsin Education Association Council, the state's largest teachers union, has indicated it plans to seek official union status with the state. By STEVEN VERBURG, WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_c1f4aa2c-ca8e-11e0-8066-001cc4c002e0.html
THE NAME GAME: WHO’S READY TO MAKE A SENATE RUN?: Feingold not running for US Senate or guv recall, “While I may seek elective office again someday, I have decided not to run for public office during 2012,” focusing on MU Law teaching and upcoming book, "While America Sleeps," to be published in February. Dem pollster Maslin said US Rep. Baldwin’s Senate bid “tough to beat.” UW Prof. Burden said Dem US Rep. Kind formidable in potential guv recall and could keep his House seat in Nov. 2012 election, but risks reputation, “There is a risk of getting into a nasty partisan fight and losing.” Kind could not be reached. Barrett mentioned but he happy as mayor. Sen. Erpenbach mentioned as replacement for Baldwin, if she wins Senate.
TGT tops GOP field, Neumann possible after loss in guv primary. Burden: Speaker Fitzgerald too “polarizing” for statewide race. GOP Sen. Grothman: Neumann or Thompson could beat any Dem, “Gov. Thompson has traditionally seen a lot of good in what government can do. I think he’s a heck of a politician.” DPW, Dem leg leaders did not return calls. By Kittle, WISCONSIN REPORTER
http://www.wisconsinreporter.com/the-name-game-whos-ready-to-make-a-senate-run
related story:
- Ex-Wisconsin Gov. Thompson explores run for US Senate
http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20110818/OSH0101/110818001
WISCONSIN
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WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL
- New coinsurance payment will cost state workers, retirees … up to $1,000 a year. ETF on Thursday rolled out a series of videos and fact sheets meant to educate members about changes to health insurance benefits, some of them beginning as early as this week.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_c664d9fa-ccab-11e0-a05f-001cc4c002e0.html
- The Scott Walker blues … [two recalls lost, 12,500 private sector jobs lost] … Then, adding insult to injury, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, and his brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, both skipped out on the governor’s big bipartisan meeting on Thursday with Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller, D-Monona, and Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha. Also, looks like Tommy vs. Tammy for US Senate.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_d18de54c-caad-11e0-8a4c-001cc4c002e0.html
- At issue: Should local fire codes be overridden by state standards? … State Senate Bill 32 would prohibit local standards that don't strictly conform to the state code.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_223b222e-ca50-11e0-8298-001cc4c002e0.html
- WSJ editorial: Paul Ryan should run … Ryan doesn't have all the answers, and sometimes his partisan edge gets the best of him. But he's prepared and capable and knowledgeable - more so than most of the GOP pack. Run, Paul, run for the White House! [more in Nation section]
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/editorial/article_cb000fdc-cb72-11e0-a018-001cc4c002e0.html
- WSJ editorial: Don't sink slice of Americana http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/editorial/article_cd5b2d7e-cbf5-11e0-a086-001cc4c03286.html
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
- Wisconsin's photo ID law for voters to face lawsuit, Group says law violates state constitution; GOP rebuts claim: LOWV atty Pines said law violates right to vote provisions of state constitution, "It is absolutely clear that the Legislature paid no attention to the (right to vote) provisions of the Wisconsin Constitution when it passed voter ID. I'm not aware of any point in which they came up." MU Law Prof. Esenberg called it “interesting argument.” Ex-Justice Geske agreed, but "Do I think it's going to be successful? No." GOP Sen. Lazich said it did not come up in hearing, but “"They're grabbing at straws." OWN’s Ross said constitution enshrines “sacred” right to vote.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/128162923.html
- West Bend School District divided by politics, Local, national upheaval affecting proud district http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/128162928.html
- Some cities act to ban guns from government buildings: Municipalities across the Milwaukee region are moving to ban weapons in public buildings just months before the state's new concealed carry law goes into effect.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/128132258.html
- Darling-Pasch recall fight is a portrait in polarization: Take a look at the returns from Alberta Darling’s race in the Aug. 9 recalls and you can see why Republicans have given her a dramatically different – and safer – seat in 2012.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/128093138.html
- Milwaukee crime numbers continue downward trend: Total reports down 12% in first half of year, 26.5% since '07. The Milwaukee Police Department reported continued declines in crime numbers during the first half of the year, according to new figures released Friday http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/128084888.html
- Barrett gets little clarity on pension law: Gov. Scott Walker's chief lawyer has refused to step into a legal dispute over whether the state can require Milwaukee to raise city employee pension contributions, leaving Mayor Tom Barrett and the Common Council in a dilemma.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/128160178.html
- Teachers, families bear burden of school supplies: Teachers feeling pressured from a down economy say they're planning on spending less on their students this year - a trend that may worsen in winter and spring, when supply sales end and teachers resist pumping more of their own money into the classroom.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/128134498.html
- Medical College of Wisconsin earns $45 million grant: The Medical College of Wisconsin has received its largest grant ever, just under $45 million in federal money over six years, to fund and analyze large clinical research trials aimed at answering fundamental questions surrounding one of medicine's best weapons against certain cancers.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/128111143.html
- Tour celebrates Harambee turnaround: Considerable firepower, both local and national, has gone into improving the north side Harambee neighborhood over the last several years.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/128099228.html
- Borsuk column: Charter management group just might help Milwaukee schools: … Which brings me to Rocketship Education, a small group of charter schools in San Jose, Calif., that is causing a big buzz in education reform circles nationwide. Four reasons for that buzz: One: The schools are getting great results with low-income students. Two: They use an eye-catching program that includes blocks of time in which students learn basic skills from tutors and from computer programs. Three: Rocketship leaders have big ideas for expanding and closing race and income gaps in education achievement wherever they go. And four: There is a major push going on among some key education figures in Milwaukee to make this the first place outside of California for Rocketship to land - and there's a strong chance they'll succeed.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/128131223.html
- MJS editorial: A new centrist ‘caucus,’ This summer's recall elections may force more bipartisanship in the state Senate, which would be a good thing http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/128103888.html
- WisEye’s Walters column: Should recalls be recalled?
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/128103893.html
- MU Law Prof. Esenberg op-ed: Democrats lost; there's no other way to spin it http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/128103903.html
- Eisen op-ed: A rebuke to Walker, even if effort fell short http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/128103898.html
- Wagner College’s Spivak op-ed: A recall of Walker could backfire on Dems, There are risks both political and practical
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/128103918.html
- Dem Rep. Kessler op-ed: Bipartisanship? It's a little too late for that, governor http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/128103913.html
- Locander op-ed: [Walker’s budget cutting] Tools in place, but whom do they help?
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/128103863.html
CAPITAL TIMES
- Campaign finance case puts Prosser in the hot seat – again: Wisconsin Prosperity Network vs. [GAB Chair] Gordon Myse is a challenge by several conservative groups to GAB rules requiring full disclosure of identity and donors to independent political ads. Rule is currently pending before Supreme Court. Attorney Troupis is arguing the Wisconsin Prosperity case, also represented Prosser in Kloppenburg recount. Nemoir says Prosser won’t recuse, instead writing to parties asking if he should.
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/crime_and_courts/blog/article_e88c6e8a-ca99-11e0-8c1e-001cc4c03286.html
- Thanks but no thanks, author says after Ron Johnson reads her book to kids. GOP US Sen. Johnson at local community health center read Jane Yolen’s and Mark Teague’s “How do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms?", but Yolen wrote, “"I wish he would help kids and not cut those programs that help them, rather than just reading a book chosen for him, and written by a progressive Massachusetts liberal like me.”
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/city-hall/article_caac1ac0-cb69-11e0-8fa3-001cc4c03286.html
- CT editorial: Soglin strikes right balance on budgeting, urgent matters
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/editorial/article_8ca7c729-8379-52c3-af84-330f160353a4.html
- John Nichols column: Feingold and our evolving progressivism
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/john_nichols/article_48e1bfc1-7345-5b23-818e-eb289788a0dd.html
- Zweifel column: Tea party’s focus on religion could hurt Republicans
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/dave_zweifel/article_9abd76c7-0471-5592-a91e-2ae0705bbbbe.html
SUN PRAIRIE STAR
- GOP Rep. Ripp op-ed: Protect yourself from identity thieves
http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=8197
BROOKFIELD PATCH
- Retiring City Clerk Nearly Became Mayor, Lost Recount, Brookfield City Clerk Kristine Schmidt retires Friday after 25 years of city service, including a mayoral bid before serving as alderwoman and clerk http://brookfield-wi.patch.com/articles/retiring-city-clerk-nearly-became-mayor-lost-recount
- Senator Zipperer to Meet with Brookfield Residents … Wednesday evening in the city and town.
http://brookfield-wi.patch.com/articles/senator-zipperer-to-meet-with-brookfield-residents
- WCIJ’s Lueders column: $45 a Vote...And For What?
http://brookfield-wi.patch.com/articles/45-a-voteand-for-what
BEAVER DAM DAILY CITIZEN
- Budget, economy topics at Petri town hall meeting: About a dozen people showed up for a town hall meeting with Rep. Tom Petri in Beaver Dam Friday and not surprisingly, the federal budget and the economy were on everyone's mind. Petri started by saying that while some people are discouraged that budget and spending problems have not been resolved, he believes the recent compromise in Congress is a step in the right direction.
http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/local/article_8887b584-caea-11e0-bc3e-001cc4c002e0.html
RACINE JOURNAL TIMES
- Complaints of harassment, tyranny at Mount Pleasant village hall: Secret records allege abuse: the late Mike Andreasen was removed from office, accused of having been verbally abusive, controlling and of creating such a hostile work environment with his "temper tantrums.”
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_139f3d58-cb41-11e0-9430-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1Vix2MjH4
- Reports: Trustees ignored Village Hall complaints: After months of repeatedly denied requests for more information regarding the abrupt removal of the late former village administrator, records obtained through a lawsuit settlement with the Village of Mount Pleasant suggest some board members may have turned a blind eye to various employees' pleas going as far back as late 2009.
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/breaking/article_1aa854b4-cb40-11e0-9e7b-001cc4c03286.html
- Police seized administrator's computer, supervised his departure: Days before he was unceremoniously ousted as village administrator, Mike Andreasen had been locked out of his office and his computer was seized by police, records indicate. Trustees alerted authorities May 7 of allegations against the late Andreasen, and police raided the then-administrator's office, seizing his computer that afternoon, according to a May 22 communication from Mount Pleasant Police Chief Tim Zarzecki to Village President Carolyn Milkie http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_ebe9c818-cb41-11e0-92ab-001cc4c03286.html
- RJT EDITORIAL: [Mt. Pleasant/Andreasen] Records show need for public accounting
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_f5b60bae-cb5f-11e0-af94-001cc4c03286.html
- Say yes to recalls … [GOP Rep. Vos recall-restricting amendment] a poor postscript to recent political events in Wisconsin.
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_3b3c48e8-cc58-11e0-9cb1-001cc4c03286.html
JANESVILLE GAZETTE
- Radium creates challenges for clean drinking water … Genoa City is among several municipalities battling radium levels greater than the amount allowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A narrow band in the deep sandstone aquifer stretching from the southeastern corner of the state up to Green Bay contains high concentrations of radium.
http://gazettextra.com/news/2011/aug/21/radium-creates-challenges-clean-drinking-water/
- Janesville School District superintendent details potential budget cuts http://gazettextra.com/news/2011/aug/20/janesville-school-district-superintendent-details-/
BELOIT DAILY NEWS
- Town jolted again … In May, the township was ordered to pay $1.495 million to two Town of Beloit employees who claimed they were retaliated against for speaking out against racially insensitive remarks by former Police Chief John Wilson. With Monday’s ruling, that total now climbs to more than $1.8 million.
http://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/town-jolted-again/article_1827b0a6-caee-11e0-8929-001cc4c002e0.html
APPLETON POST-CRESCENT
- Outagamie County Clerk's office to end DNR services
http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/article/20110821/WOF08/308210063
- UW-Oshkosh gets $1 million grant for Great Lakes restoration project
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110821/APC0101/108210495
- Job losses renew double-dip recession worries: Manufacturing slow down could stymie state's economy: A preliminary state report this week showing the private sector shed 12,500 jobs in July as the unemployment rate ticked up for the third straight month to 7.8 percent is reviving fears of an impending double-dip recession. "We may already be in it," said Kevin Quinn, an economist at St. Norbert College in De Pere. "At the very least, we're going to be looking at some anemic growth between now and the end of the year. I really hope I'm wrong, but I'm not terribly optimistic."
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110820/APC0101/108200476
GREEN BAY PRESS GAZETTE
- Ribble of Wisconsin sees hope for bipartisanship, Looking at both sides will help solve debt issues faster, he says … Even reducing defense spending, an untouchable for many Republicans throughout the years, can be discussed. "We do it together, we might be able to get it done … I would submit back we have a massive spending problem, but we can close the gap faster if we're willing to look at both sides of it.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110822/GPG0101/108220491
- Wisconsin urged to apply for $8.9M Women, Infants and Children nutrition grants, Proposal to seek federal funds was rejected [WCIJ – see Ashland]
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110822/GPG0101/108220482
- Wisconsin ranks 19th nationally in child poverty
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110822/GPG0101/108220483
- Officials keep eye on municipal bond ratings: Individual investors aren’t the only stakeholders keeping a watchful eye on the roller-coaster ride that the financial markets have taken this month.
Local municipalities also are paying close attention to the market, where fluctuations could affect items ranging from the cost of borrowing to the value of pension funds.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110821/GPG0101/110821013
- Court rules prison can force-feed inmate on hunger strike: A state appeals court authorized Waupun Correctional Institution officials Thursday to continue force-feeding an inmate on a years-long hunger strike but ordered a Dodge County circuit judge to address the way he receives nourishment.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110819/GPG0101/108190616
- WPS asks for 6.8% rate hike to comply with new EPA regulations
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110820/GPG0101/108200633
- GBPG Editorial: Special interests need to be reined in
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110821/GPG0602/108210592
- Mike Nichols column: Judge Terry Evans left big public mark and a lot of little ones, too … He made a contribution and did it in a way that both accomplished something good and made us laugh. That was Terry Evans.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110821/GPG0706/108210591
OSHKOSH NORTHWESTERN
- Planned Parenthood hit hard by cuts, Rise in donors unable to offset budget slashes http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20110822/OSH0101/308220090
- Governor, others mull massive tree cleanup after storm in northwestern Wisconsin
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20110820/OSH0101/110819191
- Spending hot topic at Petri meeting: Reining in federal spending was the hot topic Thursday at a town hall meeting held by U.S. Rep. Tom Petri. About 20 people attended the meeting at Kohler Village Hall hosted by the Fond du Lac Republican, in his 33rd year in Congress, and much of the discussion centered on how to balance the federal budget, as well as what to do about the future of Social Security.
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20110820/OSH0101/308200053
- Wisconsin Public Service seeks rate increase
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20110820/OSH0101/110819193
- Fitzhenry column: The rise and fall of Randy Hopper
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20110814/OSH07/108140342
SHEBOYGAN PRESS
- Home-based Bettersweet Bakery raises neighborhood concerns in Town of Plymouth
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20110822/SHE0101/108220381
- Former Sheboygan alderman files second complaint against Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan: Former Sheboygan Ald. Patrick Gillette filed a second complaint Friday against Mayor Bob Ryan, this time seeking the mayor’s removal for his defiant interjections at Monday’s Common Council meeting.
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20110820/SHE010103/308200041
- Missteps in Africa end UW-Fox Valley dean's career: UW-Sheboygan students were part of trip to Nambia: The abrupt retirement of James Perry as dean and campus executive officer of the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley in February stemmed from misconduct weeks earlier in Africa, The Post-Crescent in Appleton has learned. … Records indicate Perry drank, swore, made crude remarks to women on the trip, overstepped his authority and got into a physical altercation with an assistant professor and her son, a student. … "I believe that Jim is a physical threat to the safety and well being of these students and (UWFV assistant professor) Tammy (Ladwig) and should be ordered removed from their presence immediately," Tim Urbonya, director of continuing education and outreach services for UW Colleges, wrote in a Jan. 17 email to administrators. Yet, The P-C found, UW Colleges tried to keep the public from knowing about the chaos in Namibia that sent students rushing to find earlier flights home, caused Ladwig to fear for her job, and ultimately forced the departure of Perry, whose name is on the main hall of UWFV's Communication Arts Center.
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20110821/SHE0101/108210440
- Dual language teaching is helping Sheboygan students in the classroom
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20110821/SHE0101/308210033
- SP editorial: Editorial: Job creation talk everywhere; jobs are not
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20110821/SHE06/108210434
MANITOWOC HERALD TIMES REPORTER
- Reedsville school tax rate could jump 17 percent: due to cap doffer referendum
http://www.htrnews.com/article/20110822/MAN0101/108220465
- Mayor Nickels signs resolution to call back workers: Mayor Justin Nickels has signed today a resolution the City Council adopted Monday evening that calls for five laid-off city workers to be reinstated immediately, according to a news release from the mayor’s office.
http://www.htrnews.com/article/20110819/MAN0101/110819130
- MHTR editorial: Walker the moderate? … Walker himself faces the specter of a recall election early next year. It is not surprising, then, that the governor is in a conciliatory mood … We continue to believe that any move toward bipartisanship, whatever the motive, is a welcome sign after all the acrimony of the past several months. How long the "peace" will hold is another matter, but we should enjoy it while it's here.
http://www.htrnews.com/article/20110819/MAN0601/108190506
FOND DU LAC REPORTER
- GOP Rep. Thiesfeldt op-ed: Budget Repair Bill already showing predicted savings
http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20110817/FON0601/108170367
WAUSAU DAILY HERALD
- Owners of Wis. historic homes can save on taxes: 25% income tax credit for work approved by state Historical Society, on homes listed in National Register of Historic Places http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20110822/WDH0101/110822020
- Telecom industry, UW System battle over broadband: Citing high costs, sluggish Internet speeds on public computers and limited bandwidth for researchers, University of Wisconsin System officials are building a $37 million high-speed Internet network across the state — a web of fiber stretching from Wausau to Superior. But a legal challenge is raising questions about the need and appropriateness of that effort. The telecommunications industry is suing to stop the project, arguing it not only violates state law, but it’s duplicative and a waste of public resources.
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20110821/WDH0101/110821069
- WDH EDITORIAL: Working poor rely upon food stamps http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20110819/WDH06/108190340
WISCONSIN RAPIDS DAILY TRIBUNE
- ex-mayor Verjinsky op-ed: Governor, let the city keep its tools … give the city of Wisconsin Rapids the [waste, fraud, abuse-fighting] tools that were developed locally; that have been used for many, many years; that are a good example of cooperation among municipalities; that we now have, and will, save taxpayers money; and that is a recommendation by the WFAC. It's the right thing for you to do.
http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20110820/WRT06/108200379
MARSHFIELD NEWS HERALD
- DNR starts website about chronic wasting disease
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/article/20110821/MNH0101/110821027
- Minnesota accepts removal of Wis. tuition subsidy: Under the new agreement, Wisconsin no longer will subsidize the tuition of residents who go to public universities and technical schools in Minnesota. … The reciprocity agreement, which has been in place since 1965, allows students from each state to pay their own in-state tuition rate even if they attend public schools across the border. So a Wisconsin student going to the University of Minnesota would pay Wisconsin in-state tuition. But because Minnesota tuition generally is more expensive, Wisconsin has been making up the difference to the Minnesota schools. Now students will have to pay that portion themselves, which this year would have been about $1,400 at the University of Minnesota.
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/article/20110820/MNH0101/108200567
- Schools renew anti-bullying efforts
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/article/20110820/MNH0101/108200564
MONROE TIMES
- Suggestions for city to save money pour in … The city ad-hoc committee tasked with gathering and evaluating the ideas has now dealt with about 100 of them, which came from the public, department heads and committee members.
http://www.themonroetimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=25910
LA CROSSE TRIBUNE
- Little-known Republican joins race against [Dem US Sen.] Klobuchar: St. Bonifacius city council member Joe Arwood joins ex-Sen. Seversen
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/state-and-regional/article_a08bd2de-ccc3-11e0-9e21-001cc4c03286.html
- LCT editorial: Region is health care model … also means Congress needs to act in the best interests of the country and not to protect areas of the country that get higher Medicare reimbursements even when the quality of care is lower. We know what the problem is, but does Congress have the political courage to fix it? The collaborative forums in our region provide reassurance that our quality health care in western Wisconsin could become a model for change.
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_7293a624-caa0-11e0-b7bb-001cc4c002e0.html
- Frydenlund op-ed: We need to inject sanity into politics … We need a word to describe deliberate and rational decision making other than the utterance that sends partisans gasping for air: “compromise.” … The idea, standing there in the person of Giffords, offers that we can overcome any obstacle given the willpower and singular purpose. We had better get acquainted with that idea soon before the forces of history compel us to.
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/opinion/article_9048a4e0-ca9f-11e0-8f39-001cc4c002e0.html
TOMAH JOURNAL
- Sand mine agreement meets resistance … The Greenfield Town Board [unanimously] took no action on a proposed agreement with Unimin, a Connecticut-based mining firm that wants to construct a sand mine west of Tunnel City.
http://lacrossetribune.com/tomahjournal/news/local/article_4cf09aa0-c9c2-11e0-8099-001cc4c002e0.html
- TJ Editorial: Private property libertarianism meets the sand mine
http://lacrossetribune.com/tomahjournal/news/opinion/editorial/article_5c7f0e6e-ca00-11e0-aefd-001cc4c002e0.html
EAU CLAIRE LEADER TELEGRAM (20 free-views/month)
- Jail staffing questions cloud budget picture: The debate among Eau Claire County officials over staffing levels at the new jail promises to have a significant impact on the county's 2012 budget, which faces a projected shortfall that could reach $1.8 million. The county Sheriff's Department is requesting an additional 17 correctional officers for the new jail, down from 22 in June. But some county supervisors say that figure might need to come down further. They're concerned about the roughly $1 million price tag attached to the new hires.
http://www.leadertelegram.com/news/daily_updates/article_14807682-cae3-11e0-8abf-001cc4c03286.html
CHIPPEWA HERALD
- Head of Medicare lauds three local health care providers … [CMS chief] Berwick [with Dem US Rep. Kind] toured both Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire and Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, offering praise to them along with the Marshfield Clinic.
http://chippewa.com/news/local/article_7e23606e-cad8-11e0-bb14-001cc4c002e0.html
PORTAGE DAILY REGISTER
- Federal budget, economy, key topics at [GOP US Rep.] Petri event: a dozen attended town hall in Beaver Dam. Petri said debt ceiling plan offers “road map for getting our budget under control.” Redistricting plan gives Petri Columbia County from Dem US Rep. Baldwin’s 2nd CD. Petri favors health care system allowing states to offer single-payer systems, dodged request that he remove his name from no-tax pledge, touted cuts to Essential Air Service as anti-pork effort.
http://www.wiscnews.com/portagedailyregister/news/local/article_7e21ca8e-cc80-11e0-a2a0-001cc4c002e0.html
MILWAUKEE DAILY REPORTER [subscription often required]
- UW-Oshkosh gets $1M grant for Great Lakes project http://dailyreporter.com/2011/08/20/uw-oshkosh-gets-1m-grant-for-great-lakes-project/
- Debt debate worries green industry … National Geothermal Summit in Reno expressed concerns that the debt debate to cut $1.2 trillion from the federal budget could affect federal tax credits and incentives for renewable projects.
http://dailyreporter.com/2011/08/20/debt-debate-worries-green-industry/
- Pommer column: Schools in state face hard choices: from coming Walker-Evers accountability task force
http://dailyreporter.com/2011/08/19/schools-in-state-face-hard-choices/
BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MILWAUKEE
- Reshaping the Wisconsin business-capital plan: Cooley leading WDC’s $500M capital raising plan, new CAPCO bill to be ready for next month’s session, could clash with Assembly GOP plan amending failed CAPCO bill that offered $200M tax credits for $250M capital, but did not recoup state investment.
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/blog/2011/08/reshaping-thewisconsin-business-capital.html
- Grant to help laid-off workers in western Wisconsin: $918,010 US DOL grant through DWD to help retrain 325 workers from Polaris, Robin Manufacturing.
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2011/08/19/grant-to-help-laid-off-workers-in.html
- [EPA] Pollution rules prompt WPS to increase requested rate hike http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2011/08/19/pollution-rules-prompt-wps-to-increase.html
BUSINESS NORTH
- Northland College gets major grant to attract and keep Native Americans on campus: $161,000 Otto Bremer Foundation grant will fund cultural center
http://www.businessnorth.com/kuws.asp?RID=4025
ASHLAND CURRENT
- State Refusal To Pursue WIC Grant Under Fire, Health chief defends approach, says system should be nationwide [WCIJ’s Lueders]
http://ashlandcurrent.com/article/11/08/21/state-refusal-pursue-wic-grant-under-fire
NATION
********
National Political Roundup
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/
http://news.yahoo.com/i/703
NEW YORK TIMES (20 free-views/month)
- Comic’s [Colbert’s] PAC Is More Than a Gag http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/22/business/media/stephen-colberts-pac-is-more-than-a-gag.html
WASHINGTON POST (free-registration required)
- A presidential bus tour of excuses?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/a-presidential-bus-tour-of-excuses/2011/08/18/gIQAwX8SOJ_blog.html
LOS ANGELES TIMES
- Republicans take first step toward overturning new Senate districts
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2011/08/republicans-take-first-step-toward-overturning-new-senate-districts.html
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
- US judges rule for teacher who called creationism 'superstitious nonsense', Did hostile classroom remarks about creationism violate the mandate that the government remain neutral on religion? An appeals court says the teacher has immunity from being sued
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2011/0819/US-judges-rule-for-teacher-who-called-creationism-superstitious-nonsense
USA TODAY
- Recession called 'unlikely,' but investors are scared
http://www.usatoday.com/money/markets/story/2011/08/Recession-called-unlikely-but-investors-are-scared/50079758/1
WASHINGTON TIMES
- GOP field likely to get more crowded, Perry’s entry not strong enough to close door … including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Rep.
Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Rove, IN Gov. Daniels mention Ryan. Christie, Ryan each shot down reports — again — last week, but Rove said Sunday that both men have been contacted by supporters.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/21/rove-thinks-palin-will-enter-gop-presidential-race/
WALL STREET JOURNAL [subscription often required]
- Calls Rise To Broaden GOP Field … pressure mounting on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to join the race. … In Aspen, Colo., a few days ago, former Reagan administration official William Bennett took Mr. Ryan on a long hike, urging him to consider a presidential bid, according to people knowledgeable about the discussion.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904279004576522611246330424.html
POLITICO
- Daniels: 'I've not encouraged' Ryan to run … said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he believes the Budget Committee chairman would “enrich” the 2012 debate … But … “It is not for me to say. He’s got a young family, and he’s fairly young in his career. That’s a highly personal decision that I wouldn’t attempt to intrude on.”
http://www.politico.com/blogs/politicolive/0811/Daniels_Ive_not_encouraged_Ryan_to_run.html
THE HILL
- Rove says Palin acting like 'a candidate', Rep. Ryan getting 'pressure' to run … on Fox News Sunday … added that there were many “serious people” urging Ryan to enter the race. "All I know is that from talking to people around the country who picked up the phone and called him and told him what they think, that there are a lot of serious people," said Rove. "He is getting a lot of pressure, as is Governor Christie of New Jersey."
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/177649
DES MOINES REGISTER
- For public officials, tough sentences are rare: state courts more lenient than fed court for violating public trust
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110822/NEWS10/108220310
COLUMBUS DISPATCH
- Merging systems may not cut costs for municipalities http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/08/22/merging-systems-may-not-cut-costs.html
DETROIT NEWS
- Snyder to go on trade mission to Asia
http://detnews.com/article/20110822/POLITICS02/108220372
- Rock the Vote urges Michigan to allow online registration
http://detnews.com/article/20110822/POLITICS02/108220331
HARTFORD COURANT
- Cracks Only Growing In Union Solidarity, Attempted Raid On Membership Highlights Fractures Among State Employee Unions … [Walker, Kasich, Daniels restraint on unions should have them cooperating] yet now comes the spectacle of a Massachusetts-based union — the National Correctional Employee Union — raiding a Connecticut bargaining unit that represents almost 5,000 prison guards, parole officers and other corrections employees.
http://articles.courant.com/2011-08-21/news/hc-op-walters-union-solidarity-slippi20110821_1_employee-unions-public-sector-unions-afscme
STATELINE
- Five ways students will feel budget cuts
http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=595325
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