MAY 2006 NEWS ARCHIVES


Liquor On The Cheap?
05/31/06

Wine and beer distributors want Wisconsin to tighten up a system determining who profits from liquor sales and how much consumers pay for it. New state regulations are currently in the works. Shamane Mills reports…

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Line Cut On Tax From Spanish-American War
05/31/06

The IRS has hung up on its excise tax for long-distance phone services. The decision means an estimated $15 billion in refunds for consumers. But anyone who wishes to keep supporting the Spanish-American War will have to do so on their own dime. Brian Bull explains…

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The Ebb And Flow Of Impaired Waters
05/31/06

Wisconsin is adding 45 lakes, streams and beaches to its impaired waters list for the federal government, while taking seven off the list. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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Wisconsin Vets To Get Free Tuition
05/31/06

Veterans groups are praising a new law granting Wisconsin soldiers free tuition at all UW campuses and technical colleges in the state. But it's not clear where the $9 million a year needed to educate returning soldiers will come from. Gil Halsted reports…

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Credits Don't Stop When The Lights Come Up
05/31/06

Wisconsin could give tax credits to companies that make movies, television shows, electronic games and broadcast commercials, under a bill signed into law yesterday. One of the first new cinematic masterpieces to get state help could be a movie about Cheeseheads. Chuck Quirmbach has details…

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Got Leche?
05/30/06

The current debate over what to do about Mexican immigrants affects many large dairy farms in Wisconsin. Mary Jo Wagner examines that portion of the issue…

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Researchers, Officials Divided On Cougars
05/30/06

A Michigan Researcher says he has proof cougars are living in the Upper Peninsula, and possibly in Northeastern Wisconsin. The wildlife community is divided on whether or not cougars really did go extinct a hundred years ago. And a Wisconsin DNR ecologist says he has yet to see definitive proof of a native population of the big cats. Patty Murray reports…

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Brats? Check. Buns? Check. Hoses And Couplings Intact? Huh?
05/30/06

For many Wisconsites, the Memorial Day weekend is the start of grilling season. But fire officials warn that improper use or maintenance of outdoor grills may give summer chefs a bigger blast of a time than anticipated. Brian Bull reports…

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Boosting The Chances Of Arriving Safely
05/30/06

The summer driving season is starting and as of June first there's a new law for those transporting kids. Booster seats are required for children too big for a car seat and too small for just a seat belt. Shamane Mills reports…

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Grandmothers Without Borders Sends Delegate
05/29/06

Two Wisconsin women became so moved after hearing a news story about a Ugandan grandmother caring for her orphaned grandchildren, they knew they had to do something to help. Today (5/29/06) one of the women travels to Uganda to see exactly where help is needed the most. Sherry Nelsen reports.... …

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Researchers Warn Against Hefty Portions
05/29/06

There's an old saying indicating that thrift doesn't always pay off. "Penny wise, pound foolish" literally sums up a study at the UW Madison. It calculates the cost of overeating, something nutritionists and health experts say is often fueled by large portions. Shamane Mills reports…

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Crandon Mine Ordeal May Find Closure
05/29/06

The decades-long battle over a proposed zinc and copper mine in Forest County may take a surprsing twist this week. Gil Halsted reports.... …

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Legislation Would Allow Parents to Commit Kids Despite Objections
05/29/06

A new law makes it easier for parents to commit their teenage children to mental health treatment. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Memorial Wall Commemorates Coalition Forces
05/29/06

Families across the United States today are taking time to grieve for and pay tribute to their loved ones killed in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thanks to an unusual memorial in Wisconsin, those fallen soldiers, and the soldiers from 25 other nations killed in these conflicts have been immortalized on nine playwood panels on rural road in southeastern Wisconsin. Gil Halsted visited the Coaltion Memorial this weekend and filed this report…

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Doyle Set To Veto Casino Bill
05/26/06

Governor Doyle will veto a bill today that would give the Legislature the power to block new off-reservation tribal casinos. There are tribes lined up on both sides of the issue. Gil Halsted reports…

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AG And Candidate Spar Over Settlement Money
05/26/06

Wisconsin's Attorney General says a settlement with a drug manufacturer over illegal marketing practices is a warning to other pharmaceutical companies not to defraud consumers. But one of her Republican opponents has problems with how she's divying up the proceeds. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Governor Signs Price-Gouging Measure
05/26/06

Wisconsin's Governor will be able to declare a state of emergency, during which price-gouging can be investigated and punished. That's under a bill signed into law yesterday. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Doyle Signs On For Outdoor Advertising
05/26/06

Governor Jim Doyle has signed two bills that will help the outdoor advertising industry. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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A Growing Chorus For Part-D Revisions
05/25/06

Seniors aren't the only ones lobbying for changes in the government's new drug benefit. Pharmacists also want revisions. They say payments from private insurance companies operating under Medicare are too low and too slow. Shamane Mills reports…

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Wautoma Woman Sentenced For Objector Stance
05/25/06

A young woman from Wautoma is the first female soldier to be sentenced to jail time for refusing to carry a weapon since the U.S. "war on terror" officially began in 2001. Gil Halsted reports…

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A Shocking Truth? Or Just A Petty Jolt?
05/25/06

Research by a UW-Madison professor shows that Tasers can kill pigs. The next step of the study is to find out how likely it is that stun guns could kill humans. In the meantime, no changes are expected in training and standards recommended to local law enforcement. Shamane Mills reports…

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Summing Up Science Test Scores
05/25/06

The results of student test scores continue to be released. Yesterday, national science scores were announced. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

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Inspections Suspect To Some
05/25/06

A delegation of state inspectors is in Canada this week to inspect some of the pharmacies the Doyle administration has links to on its website. As Shawn Johnson reports, the inspection effort doesn't satisfy critics…

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Updated Rule Passes With Four Years To Take Effect
05/25/06

Tougher pollution controls on more than 150 of the largest farms in Wisconsin would take effect within four years, under a controversial rule update passed yesterday by the state Natural Resources Board. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Drug Busts: Coming To A Small Town Near You?
05/24/06

Court appearances are under way this week in what authorities are calling the biggest drug bust in the history of Central Wisconsin. Glen Moberg reports…

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Website Aims To ID Most Wanted To Public
05/24/06

State law enforcement officials are looking for help from the public in tracking down 38 of the state's most dangerous sex offenders. They're hoping a new "Most Wanted" website featuring pictures of the offenders will lead to their capture. Gil Halsted reports…

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Another Possible Push For Ethanol
05/24/06

A plan that would have required all gasoline sold in Wisconsin to contain at least 10-percent ethanol fell short in the Wisconsin legislature this year. As Shawn Johnson reports, supporters may try a different tack next session that could boost sales of the fuel known as E-85…

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Good Water? I Think Not
05/24/06

If you're a runner, you may be tempted to get a boost by drinking "super-oxygenated" water. Scientists in Wisconsin say you'd be better off using the power of positive thinking. Terry Bell explains…

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The Fluid Problem Of Waste
05/24/06

Water conservation consultants say Wisconsin can find many ways to use less water. The consultants shared their advice at a state-sponsored forum yesterday in Sheboygan. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Promise Shown For Kicking The Habit
05/24/06

A nationally-funded study of Wisconsin smokers shows initial quit rates that researchers call promising. Shamane Mills reports…

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Need Assistance: We Card
05/24/06

Governor Doyle is expected to decide on a bill this week that would require all people applying for public assistance to prove their citizenship. Sherry Nelsen has the details…

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Lawton Renews Push For Mental Health Parity
05/24/06

Wisconsin's Lieutenant Governor is renewing her call for equal coverage of mental illness. Babara Lawton unveiled a list of recommendations yesterday in Green Bay. It's the result of a task force she convened to address womens' mental health. Patty Murray reports…

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Holy Vampire Slayer, Batman!
05/24/06

From Dracula to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", vampire stories have captured the imagination of people around the world for centuries. Now, a new holy warrior has joined the battle. He’s the brainchild of a comic book artist who grew up in Wisconsin. Dane Melby has more…

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Author Tim Seeley's Web site: www.timseeley.com


A Wellspring Of Plans For Conservation
05/23/06

Water conservation isn't usually on the tops of peoples' minds in Wisconsin, especially during such a wet spring. But the Department of Natural Resources is developing a statewide water conservation plan and it wants public input. The agency is hosting an informational meeting today in Sheboygan. Patty Murray reports…

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Mayor Taps Plan For Clean, Safe Water
05/23/06

Madison officials are reassuring residents that they'll have clean tap water that's safe to drink and won't stain laundry. The Mayor is out with a 10-point plan designed to reduce high levels of manganese, an element that can cause neurological problems. Shamane Mills reports…

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Wisconsin Soldier Prepares To Defend Objector Stance
05/23/06

Court martial proceedings begin today in Fort Benning, Georgia for a Wisconsin soldier who refused her deployment orders to Afghanistan last year. Gil Halsted has more…

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Commission Chair Steps Down After Parole Decision
05/23/06

Governor Doyle says the chairperson of the state Parole Commission was not asked to step down, despite the recent release of two men who killed a Milwaukee police officer more than thirty years ago. Doyle also says his next appointee will look at restructuring the commission. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Game On To Reduce Run-off
05/23/06

Farm groups and people that live near large farms are gearing up for another battle over reducing manure run-off. A major rule package goes to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board tomorrow. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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The Season Of Their Discontent? Not At This Convention
05/22/06

Wisconsin Republicans held their annual convention in Appleton this weekend. They nominated Mark Green for Governor and rallied support against incumbent Democrat Jim Doyle. And the party's leaders dismiss observers who see a growing discontent among moderate Republicans. Patty Murray reports…

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Bikers, Police Strike Deal
05/22/06

A group that gets out and asserts the rights of bicycle riders plans to hit the road again this Friday. There appears to be a compromise with a police department that halted a ride last month. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Going Organic With A Smiley Face
05/22/06

Organic food sales are growing at double digit rates. So many felt it was only a matter of time before the world's largest retailer wanted in...in a big way. Shamane Mills reports…

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The One, The Only Wisconsin Ginseng: Or Is It?
05/22/06

Wisconsin's ginseng growers find themselves outgunned by Canada and China's output of the popular herbal root. But although their fortunes have changed, state growers say they've still got the genuine article that most consumers crave. Brian Bull reports…

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What Trends Can Teach
05/19/06

Half of all new teachers in the U.S. are likely to quit within the first five years. It's a trend that's also occurring in Wisconsin. Teachers say they're not getting paid what they're worth, even though they have more advanced education than ever before. Shamane Mills reports…

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Physician Heal Thyself, If You Have The Insurance
05/19/06

It's not just Wisconsin businesses that have been hit by the high cost of medical insurance. Community clinics are also having trouble providing medical coverage for their medical staffs. Glen Moberg reports…

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An Amendment, One Man, One Woman And Two Sides
05/19/06

Campaigns are being geared up for and against an amendment that would define marriage in Wisconsin as between one man and one woman. Sandra Harris reports…

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Make No Bones About It, This Elk Is Old
05/19/06

A rare discovery of the remains of a pre-historic elk has people in Bayfield County buzzing. The discovery, if its age is confirmed, could answer questions about the life of Paleo Indians, the first people to inhabit Wisconsin. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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In The Face Of A Storm, You Can Look Back
05/19/06

Meteorologists are often criticized for the inaccuracy of their forecasts. But a new study of a famous Lake Superior storm claims they're getting beter and better at "hind-casting". Gil Halsted reports…

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Buyer Beware, No Protections On Gift Cards
05/19/06

Before state lawmakers adjourned this session, they were unable to agree on new consumer protections that cover gift cards. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Williams To Winter: Coming Through Loud And Clear
05/19/06

Students at the Winter School District in northern Wisconisin launched questions at their hometown hero astronaut Jeff Williams yesterday. He's serving onboard the International Space Station. Danielle Kaeding reports…

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When Healthcare Goes Too Far
05/19/06

A study says lack of standards on how to treat dying patients is leading to expensive, often unnecessary care that Americans claim they don't want. Shamane Mills reports…

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Despite Criticism, GPS Bill Passes
05/18/06

The State Assembly sent a measure to the Governor's desk yesterday that would use global positioning satellites to track certain sex offenders for life. For a bill that nobody voted against it received plenty of heated criticism. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Ruling Flies In NRA's Face As They Meet In Milwaukee
05/18/06

Gun control advocates are happy about a state supreme court ruling yesterday they say re-affirms Wisconsin's ban on carrying concealed weapons. The ruling comes as the National Rifle Association holds it's annual meeting in Milwaukee. Gil Halstd reports…

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Prescriptions Becoming Recreational For Teens
05/18/06

A new study by the Partnership for a Drug Free America shows one out of every five teenagers has abused prescription drugs. While painkillers like oxycontin and vicodin aren't replacing pot and alcohol as the drugs of choice, the abuse is causing problems. In Green Bay a treatment center is hosting a "town hall" meeting next week to teach parents what to look out for. Patty Murray reports…

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Tourism Expected To Remain Strong
05/18/06

Despite higher than average gas prices predicted for the summer, Wisconsin tourism is expected to remain strong. Micah Schweizer has more…

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Power Rankings For Politicians
05/18/06

Wisconsin can boast two of the ten most-powerful politicians in the US House of Representatives. That's according to a new study of politcal power and influence published this week by a Washington-based research firm. Gil Halsted has more…

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Food Pantrys Cater Those With HIV And AIDS
05/18/06

A new food pantry in Eau Claire joins three others in the state designed specifically for those with HIV and AIDS. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

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Jensen Gets 15 Months
05/17/06

A Dane County Judge has sentenced former Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen to fifteen months in prison for directing the public employees on his watch to perform campaign work on state time. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Pulpit To Be Pivotal In Marriage Debate
05/17/06

Much of the debate over Wisconsin's gay marriage amendment may be waged from church pulpits over the coming months. Both opponents and supporters of the measure agree churches have a repsonsibility to take a stand on the issue and get their flocks out to the polls to vote. Gil Halsted reports…

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NRA Has Doyle In Crosshairs
05/17/06

As thousands of NRA members gather in Milwaukee this week, leaders of the gunowner's group are aiming at the fall elections. One of their targets is Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Group Alleges Major Flaws In Transmission Line
05/17/06

Serious allegations leveled yesterday by the watchdog group Citizens Utility Board. They want the state Public Service Commission to investigate major flaws in the Duluth to Wausau transmission line design. They say it will cause massive regional blackouts. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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Madison Council Rejects Paid Sick Leave
05/17/06

Madison progressives who forced a statewide minimum wage increase, fail to get citywide paid sick leave. But they're not giving up after the council voted it down. Shamane Mills reports…

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The 'Caucus Scandal': Shedding Light On A Dark Chapter
05/16/06

Later today, a Dane County Judge will sentence the one-time Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly for overseeing what prosecutors called a state-funded campaign machine. Republican Scott Jensen faces a maximum of 16 years behind bars. Prosecutors allege he committed theft for the explicit purpose of distorting the democratic process.

Many point to Jensen’s case and those of others charged in the legislative caucus scandal as proof that Wisconsin has abandoned its “good government” label. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Shawn Johnson has this look at how we got there…

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Gangs Not Just For Boys Anymore
05/16/06

Dane County and the City of Madison have launched a new youth gang prevention task force. The effort comes in response to a report published this fall that found gangs in the area are becoming more violent and attracting younger children, especially girls. Gil Halsted reports…

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SeniorCare Buys Times...And Drugs
05/16/06

State health officials are reminding seniors that Wisconsin has its own prescription drug plan. It's known as SeniorCare. And it's starting to attract those who may not even use the benefits offered; rather it's considered a way older people can buy time, and coverage, while they decide whether to sign up for the federal program. Shamane Mills reports…

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Emergency Medicine: A Volunteer Effort
05/16/06

Some retired medical workers in La Crosse are among the first in the state to sign up to volunteer in the event of a medical emergency. Until now they would have been prohibited from practicing medicine even in the case of a major catastrophe or epidemic. Sandra Harris reports…

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Investing To Level The Playing Field
05/16/06

A group of investors wants to encourage women to become entrepreneurs. The "Phenomenal Angels" fund will invest in fast-growing companies, mostly in the high tech sector, that are owned by women or minorities. Patty Murray reports…

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Thompson Ends Speculation
05/15/06

Tommy Thompson has put an end to some of the rumors he's been spreading and says he won't run for Governor this year. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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In the Curtain Of Night, Do You See What I See?
05/15/06

To many star-gazers, the ladle-shaped cluster circling the North Star is The Big Dipper. But the Ojibwe Indians see a falling fisher, a weasel-like animal featured in many of their legends…

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Supermax Identity Holds Boscobel Prison Hostage
05/15/06

A federal judge says it's time to end the court's role in monitoring the treatment of prisoners at the fomer supermax prison in Boscobel. But an attorney for the inmates says there are serious problems with the state's plan to start using part of the prison to house general population prisoners. Gil Halsted reports…

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15 Communities Plus 51 Fun Equals 66-esque Kicks
05/15/06

Instead of getting their kicks on Route 66, fifteen communities in Wisconsin plan to have some fun on Highway 51. Glen Moberg reports on a multistate tourism campaign that gets underway this morning…

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Green Pitches Splitting The DNR
05/12/06

Republican Gubenatorial hopeful Mark Green is reviving an idea to split the DNR in two. He made the announcement in a speech before the Conservation Congress today, which is holding its annual meeting at Lambeau Field. Patty Murray reports…

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As Waistlines Grow, So Do Public Health Concerns
05/12/06

State health officials say the answers to trimming down are "deceptively easy": less food, more exercise. The hard part, they say, is to implement workable public strategies that rely on individual willpower. A group of concerned health and fitness groups has come up with a plan to get the state's residents to trim down. Shamane Mills reports…

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Snow May Bloom "Up North" At Any Time
05/12/06

Snow in May? It happens when you live in the north country. Even so, life goes on "up north". Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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The Early Bird Gets The Worm, So To Speak
05/12/06

Several wildlife groups in Wisconsin plan to observe International Migratory Bird Day tomorrow. At least one group plans to start at 12:01 in the morning. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Pumping Ethanol Easier Said Than Done
05/12/06

The Doyle Administration wants to make E-85 more easily available to consumers. But that's touched off a dispute with the oil industry. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Ethanol: Pumping Up the Pledge
05/12/06

The pledge to open a lot of E-85 gas pumps brought a state official to Eau Claire yesterday. Mary Jo Wagner was there and has this report…

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Convention To Increase Volume In Guns Battle
05/12/06

Tens of thousands of gun enthusiasts are expected in Milwaukee next week for the National Rifle Association convention. Anti-gun groups are gearing up to get their message across, too. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Just How Organic, Is Organic?
05/12/06

The debate over what is, or isn't, organic food has hit dairy shelves in Wisconsin. Some stores are no longer selling milk products that consumer groups don't consider truly organic, even though those products meet federal standards. Shamane Mills reports…

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Another Supercenter, Another PR Push
05/12/06

Wal-Mart wants to build a "supercenter" on the far-eastern edge of Green Bay. Representatives from the company hosted an "open house" last night to explain their plans to the public. It's another battle in the public-relations war Wal-Mart often fights when it builds new stores. Patty Murray reports…

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Grant Will Assist Youth Suicide Prevention
05/12/06

Wisconsin has just received a million-dollar federal grant to help local communities develop suicide prevention programs for young people. One goal is to create a tool-kit that schools and county health departments can use to identify suicidal teens and intervene to help them. Gil Halsted reports…

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Survey Of State's Soil, Check
05/12/06

After nearly a century, Wisconsin has just completed a 35-million acre soil survey for the entire state. Sandra Harris reports…

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Sensenbrenner The Jetsetter
05/11/06

Wisconsin Representative James Sensenbrenner says there are good reasons for why he's accepted the most privately-funded trips of any member of Congress in the last six years. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Ice Cracked But Not Broken Between State And Tribe
05/11/06

There's been a breakthrough in the state's "on-again-off-again" negotiations with the Ho Chunk tribe over unpaid casino fees. Gil Halsted reports…

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Cleaning The Fox Raises Another Round Of Questions
05/11/06

Dredging is expected to start next year on some of the most highly contaminated areas targeted for cleanup along the Fox River. Now the debate begins about how to get rid of the contaminated sediment that's pulled out. The DNR and Georgia Pacific say they have a plan and they're hosting a public meeting to explain it. Patty Murray reports…

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Petitioning To Air The Progressive Word
05/11/06

A grass roots progressive group and the Democratic Party in Milwaukee have been gathering petitions in an attempt to bring the liberal radio network, Air America, to southeast Wisconsin. Sherry Nelsen has details…

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A Renewable Energy Jammer?
05/11/06

A renewable energy group says several wind farm projects are on hold in Wisconsin, because of federal concerns about possible interference with military radar installations. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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States Join Resources To Track Sex Offenders
05/11/06

Wisconsin is joining forces with four neighboring states to track the movement of released sex offenders across state lines. At a summit in Madison yesterday Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan all agreed to begin sharing electronic data bases of registered sex offenders on a monthly basis beginning in July. Gil Halsted reports…

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Prosecutors Recommend Sentence For Jensen
05/10/06

Prosecutors have recommended that former Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen serve one-and-a-half years in prison for directing public employees to do campaign work on state time. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Leak At Nuclear Plant Deemed No Threat
05/10/06

Federal inspectors are investigating a nuclear power plant mishap just across the Wisconsin border in Minnesota. Late last week, about one-hundred workers at the Prairie Island Nuclear plant near Prescott, Wisconsin, were exposed to what the government says was a low level of radiation. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Can An Executive Order Govern Piers?
05/10/06

As more waterfront property owners get ready to put piers in the water, there's a battle over whether the Governor's word on piers is law. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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A Benefit Unclaimed
05/10/06

Seniors who could benefit most from cheap prescription drugs are largely not signing up for a federal program that could help reduce their bills. A report by a national consumer health group estimates that in Wisconsin, only 14-percent of low income people who could get Medicare's new drug benefit are actually enrolled. Shamane Mills reports…

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A Chance To Cry Wolf Over Endangered Status
05/10/06

Wisconsin residents will have a chance to comment on a proposal to remove wolves from the federal list of endangered and threatened species. The hearing takes place Wednesday evening at the Westwood Conference center in Wausau. Glen Moberg reports…

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"Restorative Justice" Offered To Vandals
05/10/06

Last year, five white teenagers vandalized a cultural site on the Lac du Flambeau Indian reservation. Recently, the site's owners offered the boys an alternative to jail. Brian Bull reports on the vandals' decision that was announced Monday…

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Expert: Innovation Trumps Immitation In Manufacturing
05/10/06

A nationally-known expert on design and innovation says Wisconsin manufacturers shouldn't try to be cheaper than overseas competitors. Instead, Tom Kelley says, American companies should find ways to be more innovative. Kelley will speak to hundreds of business owners at next week's "Manufacturing Matters" conference in Milwaukee. Patty Murray reports…

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Streamlining The Trust For Trust's Sake
05/09/06

The Department of the Interior’s Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians says it’s streamlined operations to better serve trust beneficiaries across “Indian Country”. The joint venture, coordinated with Congress and tribal leaders, comes amidst lingering criticism of its operations and practices. Brian Bull reports…

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The Season Of Drug Benefit Discontent
05/09/06

Federal health officials overseeing Medicare insist they will not extend the deadline for seniors to sign up for the new drug benefit. Congressional Democrats and Wisconsin's governor hope that will change. They're counting on a groundswell of discontent from seniors to shake the Bush Admistration from its current position. Shamane Mills reports…

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The Lingering Effects Of Legislation
05/09/06

Nearly 120 years after Congress passed a land allotment act, government officials are wrestling with how to resolve its aftermath. Brian Bull reports…

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Hatching A Victory For Whooping Cranes
05/09/06

In a first for the whooping crane experiment in Wisconsin, two eggs have been hatched from birds that are part of the migrating flock of whoopers in the Eastern United States. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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A New Universal Health Plan Emerges
05/09/06

A bipartisan proposal to provide near universal health coverage in Wisconsin was introduced in the final days of the legislative session with the support of some business leaders. Glen Moberg reports…

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The Rise Of Renewable Energy
05/09/06

A top federal official on renewable energy predicts more alternatives to carbon-based fuels. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Clock Ticking On Medicare Part-D Enrollment
05/08/06

As the May 15th deadline approaches many older persons are wondering if they should sign up for Medicare's new prescription drug benefit. Not doing so could mean paying higher premiums if they decide to enroll later. Finding the best deal can be difficult. And the government's own review of the Medicare drug plan shows it may be adding to the confusion. Shamane Mills reports…

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A Step In The Right Direction
05/08/06

Numerous health problems are steadily ravaging "Indian Country". One native community in northern Wisconsin is advocating a literal step-by-step solution. Brian Bull reports…

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From Endangered To Nuisance, Cormorants In the Crosshairs Again
05/05/06

A bird some call a "nuisance" is being targeted by the DNR. The Department of Natural Resources will try to reduce the number of cormorants near Green Bay and Door County this summer. The birds are often blamed for littering the shoreline and eating too many perch. Patty Murray reports…

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Two Ballot Issues May Help Bring Voters Out
05/05/06

Republican lawmakers have now moved to put not just one, but two questions on Wisconsin ballots this November that will likely rial up the electorate. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Three Pipe Bombs, Five Months, No Leads
05/05/06

It's been nearly five months since a pipe bomb went off in a Madison parking garage. It was the third such device reported. But even though the case has cooled off, authorities say they're still hoping for a break. Brian Bull reports…

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A Cancer Record Worth Setting
05/05/06

This Saturday the Academy of Dermatologists will try to get in the Guinness Book of World Records. The goal is for skin doctors to check for cancer in as many people as they can in one day. Fifteen of the free screening clinics are in Wisconsin. Shamane Millls reports…

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Legislature Gives Life To Death Penalty Referendum
05/05/06

The state legislature is one step away from giving voters the chance to weigh in on whether there should be a death penalty in Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Without Enough GOP Support In Senate, TPA Dies
05/05/06

State Senators last night voted overwhelmingly to kill a plan that would have put limits on goverment tax collection in the Wisconsin constitution. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Organ Sales Proposal Rejected
05/05/06

There are more people who need an organ transplant than there are donors. A bioethicist from Texas recently encouraged the regulated sale of needed body parts. It's an idea the Institute of Medicine is rejecting, along with Wisconsin transplant officials. Shamane Mills reports…

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The First Steps To Learning
05/05/06

The City of La Crosse hopes to get a leg up on competitors for federal transportation funds that encourage children to walk to school. Sandra Harris reports…

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Annual Abortion Numbers And Rate Decline Again
05/05/06

Last year saw the smallest number of abortions on record in Wisconsin since 1974. The decline continues a decades-long trend that pro-life and pro-choice activists are quick to claim credit for. Dane Melby has more…

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Sensenbrenner Pushes To Re-Up Voting Rights Act
05/04/06

Wisconsin Congressmember Jim Sensenbrenner says he's leading an effort to reauthorize the federal Voting Rights Act. But some claim Sensenbrenner's colleagues in the Republican Party are trying to make it harder for certain people to vote. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Fiskars To Cut Out Domestic Production
05/04/06

The Fiskars company is shutting down two manufacturing plants in Central Wisconsin and moving the production of a familiar household item overseas. Glen Moberg reports…

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Senators Extinguish Smoking Ban Proposal
05/04/06

State Senators have killed a plan that would have banned smoking in most Wisconsin restaurants and allowed it at most bars. Shawn Johnson reports…

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TPA Appears To Be A Lost Battle For GOP Senators
05/04/06

State Senate Republicans are scurrying to find a revenue limits plan on which they can all agree. The latest version they're considering would tie state government tax collection to increases in inflation. Shawn Johnson reports…

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TV News Shakedown In Ashland
05/04/06

Most of the workers at an Ashland television station were fired yesterday after they protested the dismissal of their news director. Mike Simonson reports that the future of news on that station is in doubt…

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Loud Ethics Reformers Meet Deaf Ears Of Assembly Leadership
05/03/06

Those who want more teeth in the state's ethics and elections laws literally got in lawmakers' faces at the Wisconsin capitol yesterday. But they didn't get what they were looking for. Shawn Johnson reports…

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DPI Sets Voluntary Financial Literacy Standards
05/03/06

New standards for what school children should learn about personal finances have been unveiled by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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VA Prepares For Returning Servicemembers
05/03/06

With fighting continuing in Iraq and Afghanistan, the VA is anticipating the return of deployed servicemembers by trying to provide answers for some of the problems they may face. Sherry Nelsen reports…

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Marine: Museum Looting Helps Fund Insurgents
05/03/06

A Marine who oversaw the effort to stop the looting of the Baghdad Museum says some of the stolen antiquities are now helping to fund the Iraq insurgency. Colonel Matthew Bogdanos will be speaking in Madison this evening at the Chazen Museum. Gil Halsted reports…

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Another Unwelcomed Import Found In Waters
05/03/06

Snails from down-under are now up and over and in the Saint Louis River and Duluth-Superior harbor. About 100 New Zealand Mudsnails have been discovered there, the first in Wisconsin or Minnesota. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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Wiley In Hot And Holy Water Over Funding Decision
05/03/06

UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley says "yes" to funding a campus group that has sparked debate about separation of church and state. Shamane Mills reports…

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States Lining Up Vs. Oil Company Tax Credits
05/02/06

Governor Jim Doyle says the Republican-controlled Congress needs to take away tax credits for oil companies making record profits. He's urging motorists in Wisconsin to sign an online petition. The call for action is a joint effort with the state of Michigan. Shamane Mills reports…

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Immigrants Rally In Milwaukee And Around Nation
05/02/06

Thousands of people marched again today in Wisconsin and across the U.S. for immigrants rights. Activists are hoping a peaceful, multi-cultural approach will pressure Congress to pass immigration reform. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Rally Recoil
05/02/06

A protest march on the immigration issue was cancelled in Stevens Point Monday, because organizers were afraid there would be retaliation against those who participated. Glen Moberg reports…

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State Mulls Its Own Immigration Legislation
05/02/06

There was also a rally on the State Capitol Square in Madison yesterday. Inside the building, a legislative panel approved a plan that could make it tougher for illegal immigrants to remain anonymous when they ask counties for help. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Green Bay Hosts GOPer's Wanting Green's Seat
05/02/06

Two Republican state lawmakers want voters in Northeastern Wisconsin to give them a promotion. State Representatives Teri McCormick and John Gard met in Green Bay last night. They're vying to win a chance at replacing incumbent Representative Mark Green, who's leaving the seat to run for Governor. Patty Murray reports…

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As Critics Pummel TPA, Supporters Question Its Fate
05/02/06

Critics of using the constitution to limit state government tax collection took a few more kicks at the idea yesterday during what was likely the measure's final public hearing this session. At the same time, those who support the idea in principle openly questioned its chances of advancing. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Andy: Don't Rock My Hill, Billy!
05/01/06

Wisconsin is known for its loggers not cowboys. But there's a subculture of fans who like what they term, "hillbilly" music. We continue our year-long series on Wisconsin musicians today with a band out of the Fox Valley that's making a name for itself playing old time country-western music, with a modern edge. Patty Murray reports…

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Immigrants Want Show Of Strength Through Solidarity
05/01/06

Marches and "buy nothing" events will held in Wisconsin and many other states today, as Latino groups try to keep up the pressure for an immigration bill the groups would like. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Sign Of The Arborial Times?
05/01/06

Billboard owners would be given the right to trim trees along public roads under a plan poised to clear the legislature next week. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Calling It Quits
05/01/06

More than five-percent of smokers in Wisconsin have used the telephone to help them quit. 46,000 people have called an information and counseling hotline during the five years its been in existence. Shamane Mills reports…

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