December 2007 NEWS ARCHIVES


State Troopers Wary of Holiday Drinking and Driving
12/31/07

The New Years’ Eve holiday has put law enforcement and emergency response crews on high alert. As Brian Bull reports, authorities say they won’t abide any drunk driving…

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Piles of Snow Could Bring Piles of Dough from Trail Enthusiasts
12/31/07

The heavy snowfall this past month was a welcome development for the economy in central Wisconsin... where the snowmobile season got off to a much needed early start. Glen Moberg reports…

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Town Residents Hope for Relatively Dry 2008
12/31/07

Business owners and community leaders in the town of Gays Mills are hoping the Kickapoo river will behave better in 2008 than it did this year. The August flood that ravaged the town's Main Street forced some shop keepers to close for good but others are looking for ways to prevent damage from future floods . Gil Halsted reports…

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New Year Brings New Tax Increases
12/31/07

Buying cigarettes, owning a car or holding a drivers license in Wisconsin will get more expensive next Tuesday. Shawn Johnson reports…

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La Crosse Display Educates Visitors of Hmong Exodus
12/31/07

An exhibit at La Crosse’s Childrens Museum gives a flavor of what life was like for the last few generations of Hmong. It paints a picture of what it’s like to live in their native Laos, in refugee camps in Thailand set up after the Vietnam War, and for those who’ve come to America. Steve Roisum reports…

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State Numbers Can Earn, Lose Seats on Capitol Hill
12/28/07

New U.S. Census data shows the West remains the fastest growing region in the country. Population growth also helps project which states could lose or gain seats in Congress, after the next Census is conducted in 2010. Brian Bull reports on how Wisconsin’s status may be affected.…

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Weather, Holiday Season Dries Up Blood Reserves
12/28/07

The American Red Cross is reminding people who are able to give blood that supplies tend to run low at this time of year. Michael Leland has more…

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Lawmaker Calls for Tracking Online Behavior for Offenders
12/28/07

A Fort Atkinson state legislator wants the state to start monitoring the e-mail and internet activity of registered sex offenders. Gil Halsted reports…

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Swiped Scrap Prompts Lawmakers to Draft Consequences
12/28/07

As the cost of scrap metal has gone up, more people are stealing everything from railroad ties to beer kegs. Now Wisconsin lawmakers are looking for a way to punish the scrap dealers that pay for stolen metal. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Landing Depp in Baraboo Would be Quite the Coup
12/28/07

Wisconsin's Lieutenant Governor says she's hoping new tax credits for film makers will help the state land its first big production. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Feingold May Be On List of Viable VPs
12/27/07

After the Iowa caucuses take place next week there will probably be fewer presidential candidates still in the race for the White House. And there's already lots of talk in the blogosphere about who the remaining candidates will choose for their running mates. Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold shows up in several of the predicted pairings. Gil Halsted reports…

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American Indian Groups Have Big Plans for Election ‘08
12/27/07

Two Native American organizations have already deemed Wisconsin a battleground state for the 2008 Election. Coordinators say they will be ratcheting up efforts to “Get Out the Vote” in Indian Country, and boost representation of their communities. Brian Bull reports…

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Insurance Factors into Cancer Survival and Detection Rates
12/27/07

Over 13 years, cancer death rates in the U-S have dropped 14 percent. According to a study, those who have health insurance are twice as likely to survive. Shamane Mills reports…

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Contract Cut Short with Accenture
12/27/07

The State Elections Board will end its ties with the private company that's late developing Wisconsin's voter registration database. Shawn Johnson reports...

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State Department of Revenue Lowers Threshold on Tax Deadbeats
12/27/07

A website that lists delinquent taxpayers in Wisconsin could nearly quadruple in size when it's updated a little more than a week from now. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Prisoners’ Legal Privilege At Stake
12/27/07

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are lining up on opposite sides of a proposed change in the states century and a half old John Doe law. Prosecutors say prison inmates are abusing the current law, but defense lawyers say changing it would deny inmates a basic right. Gil Halsted reports…

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Ag Workers Sign on Big with Insurance Co-op
12/26/07

A program offering health insurance to Wisconsin farmers has doubled its predicted membership -- and its happened much sooner than expected. Shamane Mills reports.…

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Lawmakers, E-Businesses Call for No More Online Taxes
12/26/07

Wisconsin would have to stop collecting a tax on Internet service under a plan being considered by state lawmakers. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Long-Time Journalist Announces Golden Retirement
12/26/07

The man known as the Dean of Wisconsin broadcast journalists has announced his retirement... after fifty years in local television. Glen Moberg reports.…

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Inmates’ Mental Health Care Prompts Review
12/26/07

Next month the legislature's joint audit committee will lay out plans for an in depth study of mental health care in Wisconsin's prisons. It's the first of a two part process aimed at bringing the state into compliance with federal guidelines for treating mentally ill inmates . Gil Halsted reports.…

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The Sounds of 2007
12/26/07

With mass killings in Crandon and Delavan, and deadly mishaps in Superior and Lake Michigan, 2007 was a high profile year for death. It was also a year of floods, trials, budget delays, home runs...and an upswing in some prominent wildlife. Wisconsin Public Radio news microphones captured much of the action and debate. We take a few minutes now to listen back.... …

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(referring to final sound in montage) Cicadas recorded in June, near Williams Bay. They will re-emerge in 2024.

Randall Davidson and Chuck Quirmbach produced this look back at 2007.


Bill Aims to Revise, Enhance Campaign Funding
12/25/07

The current system for publicly financing Presidential races is antiquated, according to several U.S. Senators, including Wisconsin’s Russ Feingold. He and a bipartisan coalition want to upgrade the process to keep big money at bay. Brian Bull reports…

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Gift Option Provides Cash for Some Medical Clinic Visits and Procedures
12/25/07

Plenty of people give --and get -- gift cards this time of year. Now there's a new twist: gift cards sold specifically for health services. Shamane Mills reports…

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Business Incentive May Grow
12/25/07

State lawmakers are considering expanding a state tax credit for people who invest in startup businesses in Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Christmas Book Has Distinct Local Flavor
12/25/07

Two first time authors from Wausau have a surprise hit book, which puts an ethnic Wisconsin twist on an old holiday story. Glen Moberg reports…

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Report Indicates More Students Taking on the Faith
12/25/07

A new UCLA study says students are looking to a higher power. Danielle Kaeding reports the study shows a jump in the number of students seeking out spirituality.…

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Uptight Students Belt Out Their Anguish
12/25/07

If you live near a college campus…maybe you heard a primal scream or two. Final exams often make for stress levels to go through the roof. Mike Simonson reports that screamin' the blues is becoming more popular on campus.…

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Campaign Spending Grows
12/24/07

As Americans prepare for what will likely be the most expensive presidential campaign in history Wisconsin U-S Senator Russ Feingold says he's still proud of his successful efforts to reform the campaign finance system. Gil Halsted reports…

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Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens
12/24/07

Bird lovers around Wisconsin are taking time out from the holidays to participate in a hundred-year old tradition. It's the National Audubon Society's annual Christmas bird count. Patty Murray reports…

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Great Lakes Leaders Seek National Attention
12/24/07

The U.S. EPA says it does have a good record of protecting the Great Lakes, despite what some Midwest Governors and Mayors are saying. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Santa’s Army
12/24/07

To quote Dickens: "God bless us, everyone". People are passing out Christmas feasts and thawing the hearts of Scrooges everywhere through the gift of giving. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior…

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Many Seniors Adopt Federal Drug Plan
12/21/07

The federal government’s prescription drug benefit program, known as Medicare Part D has been confusing for some people since it started in 2006. But a La Crosse County benefits specialist says seniors seem to be more comfortable with the plan. The enrollment period is going on now. Steve Roisum reports…

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Insurance Industry Supports Increased Coverage
12/21/07

Insurance companies say they're willing to cover more people including those considered to be high risk. The national proposal was drawn up with the help of a Wisconsin insurance executive. Shamane Mills reports…

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Big Bucks for Political Advertising
12/21/07

The director of the Wisconsin Advertising Project predicts candidates in the 2008 election campaign will spend more on television ads than any campaign in history. This year marks the 6th campaign that UW-Madison researchers have tracked TV election spending . Gil Halsted reports…

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Paper Mill Going Green
12/21/07

A northern Wisconsin paper mill is getting a five million dollar federal grant that could make it the first paper mill in the country to be energy independent and free of fossil fuels. Mike Simonson reports the experimental project could also put the once-closed Park Falls mill on a more stable footing.…

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Citizens’ Group Decries Development
12/21/07

Some people are questioning how close a major business development should be to a State Natural Area. The latest dispute is in Wisconsin Dells. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

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Sports Channels, Cable Companies at Loggerheads
12/21/07

A spat between the new NFL and Big 10 Networks and Wisconsin's cable industry played out in a state capitol hearing room today/yesterday. Shawn Johnson reports…

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County Regulates Renewable Power Source
12/21/07

In Trempeleau County, people are divided over a newly-passed ordinance regulating wind turbine development. Backers say it addresses the concerns of local residents, but critics say it’s too strict, hurting legitimate energy development. Brian Bull reports…

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Milwaukee County Race Heats Up
12/21/07

Governor Doyle has attended his first fundraiser for a State Senator who's taking on one of Doyle's possible future rivals. Chuck Quirmbach has the story…

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Former Superior Official Caught in Embezzlement Scheme
12/20/07

The retired chief of the Superior Fire Department pleaded guilty to three felony counts of theft and misconduct in Douglas County Circuit Court. Ben Ranallo reports…

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More Nativity Furor Emerges in Wisconsin
12/20/07

Last night in a controversial vote, the Green Bay City Council opted to keep a nativity scene at its City Hall, while prohibiting other religious displays until special guidelines are developed.

Green Bay is not the only place in Wisconsin where this dispute is going on. In West Allis, officials and a local Christian group are at odds over whether a curbside nativity scene should exist at all. Brian Bull reports:…

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State Official Pries for More Mental Care Provisions
12/20/07

Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton is lobbying the legislature to pass a bill requiring insurance companies to beef up their basic coverage for mental health care. She says what's known as "mental health parity" will save the state money in the long run. Gil Halsted reports.…

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Working Poor Series #5: W-2 Recipients
12/20/07

A little more than a decade ago, Wisconsin garnered national attention when it became the first state to scrap its old welfare system. From its ashes, the W-2 program was born. Continuing our series on the working poor, Shawn Johnson reports on the programs’ efforts to help people out of poverty.…

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Yuletide Season Marred by Holiday Rancor Over Displays
12/20/07

'Tis the season for arguments over the separation of church and state. The fight is on in Green Bay over a nativity scene displayed on an overhang at city hall. It's not the only Wisconsin city debating decorations...but it's attracting the most attention. Patty Murray reports.…

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Environmental Effort Gets Hefty Boost
12/20/07

A La Crosse-based conservation group has received a nearly 1-million dollar grant from the state to protect a large stretch of grassland from development. Steve Roisum reports…

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Auto-Maker Shifts Gears on Output
12/20/07

The General Motors plant in Janesville will be cutting production of its large SUVs next year. An auto industry analyst says that’s a good thing. Brian Bull reports…

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Working Poor Series #6: Keeping a Roof Over One’s Head
12/20/07

Many low-income people are facing harder times at home these days. While thousands in Wisconsin wait for subsidized housing, the sub-prime mortgage mess is causing more homeowners to lose their house or pay a lot more to keep it. Chuck Quirmbach has the next story in our Working Poor series.…

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Delayed Legislation Affecting Food Reserves
12/19/07

During the holiday season, people feeling generous keep their local food pantries stocked with supplies for those less fortunate. But while shelves are full overall, the supply of government surplus food has hit a low point at some Wisconsin pantries. That's because the 2007 Farm Bill has been stalled for a long time in Congress. Government-supplied food is important for keeping pantries full year-round, especially when individual donations are low. WPR

Morning Edition host Terry Bell spoke about the problem with Chris Brockel, the coordinator of food and gardens at the Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin, in Madison.…

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New Project Aims to Address Incarceration, Recidivism Rates
12/19/07

A foundation that works to improve the justice system has awarded a grant worth more than half a million dollars to the Wisconsin Court System. The money will be used to help officials review and improve the state’s criminal justice system. Brian Bull reports…

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Philanthropists’ Gift Makes Headlines
12/19/07

A couple who graduated from UW Madison is creating a fund to help students afford college. Their 175-million dollar gift is thought to be one of the largest philanthropic donations in state history. The money will provide grants of up to 5-thousand dollars per semester. Patty Murray reports.…

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Practitioners Spar Over EMG
12/19/07

A state bill would prevent chiropractors from doing a procedure usually done by medical doctors. Physicians say they should do the test to ensure patient safety. Chiropractors say doctors want a monopoly. Shamane Mills reports.…

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Power Plant’s Merits Debated
12/19/07

Governor Jim Doyle says the announcement that a high-tech coal- fired power plant will be built in Central Illinois is good news for Wisconsin. But environmentalists are taking a wait-and-see approach. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Working Poor Series # 4: Prejudice Against Low-Income Breadwinners
12/19/07

People living paycheck to paycheck often have to contend with more than life’s day to day needs. Continuing our series on Wisconsin’s Working Poor, Danielle Kaeding talks to working poor people battling discrimination.…

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Working Poor Series # 5: Getting Adequate Medical Care
12/19/07

Wisconsin's emergency rooms are seeing more people who can't afford a regular doctor's visit. In WPR's series on the working poor, Shamane Mills examines how rural and urban clinics are providing care to those without enough insurance --- or none at all.…

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Major Developments Coming for Wausau Area
12/19/07

The city of Wausau is one step closer to a master plan that will mean big changes for the community's west side. Glen Moberg reports…

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Debate Centers on Safety, Practicality of Nuclear Power
12/19/07

Proponents of nuclear energy told a panel of Assembly lawmakers today/yesterday that now is the time to end Wisconsin's moratorium on the construction of new nuclear plants. But opponents argued that would be dangerous and short-sighted. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Wisconsin DOR Combines Employees, Space
12/18/07

The State Department of Revenue says it is consolidating 27 of its field offices into just seven regional offices. But a spokesperson says that doesn’t mean there are layoffs ahead. Brian Bull reports…

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Lawmakers Consider Collective Bargaining for University Professionals
12/18/07

A Senate committee heard testimony on collective bargaining rights for UW system faculty and academic staff. Mary Jo Wagner has this from the hearing held yesterday at UW-Eau Claire…

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U.S. Senate to Vote on Wire Tap Liability
12/18/07

Wisconsin US Senator Russ Feingold is warning his colleagues in the Senate not to grant telecommunication companies legal immunity for cooperating with the Bush Administrations warrantless wire tapping program. The Senate is expected to vote tonight on a new Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that includes such immunity. Gil Halsted reports …

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More Money Available to Help Heat Homes This Year
12/18/07

Last winter it took more than 2 million dollars to get heat in Dane County homes that didn't have it. This season there's a little more money to spread around. Shamane Mills reports…

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Garbage In, Garbage Out, Garbage In
12/18/07

As part of La Crosee County’s landfill redevelopment and expansion waste from the old, unlined landfill area is being moved to a new, environmentally sound area a few hundred yards away. Micah Schweizer reports on the state’s largest landfill relocation project…

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Cigarette Tax To Increase in New Year
12/18/07

Smokers who want to quit smoking will soon have more help from the state of Wisconsin. The smokers will be paying for that help themselves. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Snow Blocks Path of Travel
12/18/07

Unshoveled sidewalks can make life difficult for people with mobility concerns. An advocacy group for people with disabilities is asking homeowners and businesses to maintain their sidewalks. Micah Schweizer reports…

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Working Poor Series #3: Empty pockets, Empty Stomach
12/18/07

If you’re hungry, it’s hard to concentrate on school, a job or reaching out to help others. From Eau Claire, Mary Jo Wagner focuses on hunger in our series on poverty. …

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Working Poor Series #2: Schools Help Low-Income Kids
12/17/07

Many adults in Wisconsin are struggling to make a living...while children have no means to escape poverty. Continuing our series on the working poor, Micah Schweizer examines how poverty affects elementary students and what La Crosse schools are doing to fight it.…

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Mega-Highway Development Could Boost Indian Country’s Fortunes
12/17/07

A Native American business coalition is trying to get tribal economic development officials and entrepreneurs involved in a major highway expansion project in Wisconsin. Brian Bull reports…

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Working Poor Series #1: The Scope of the Problem
12/17/07

If Wisconsin’s working poor all lived in the same place, it would be larger than Milwaukee. In the first installment of Wisconsin Public Radio’s series on the working poor, reporter Gil Halsted brings to light the lives of some struggling to survive in Wisconsin’s capitol of Madison.…

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Priceless Artifacts Spared from Bidding Process
12/17/07

A cache of artwork and historic documents will stay in Brown County. The objects include a rare photo of Abraham Lincoln. They risked going on the auction block...until a local historic preservation group launched a campaign to buy them. Patty Murray reports.…

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Legislation Aims to Stave Off Stink In Waterways
12/17/07

People tired of looking at algae-choked lakes that smell to high heaven may get help from a bill winding its way through the legislature. The so-called "Stinky Lakes Bill" would stop the sale of lawn fertilizer with phosphorous with some exceptions. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.…

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Measure Would Address Medicaid Rule for Disabled Newlyweds
12/17/07

An Appleton lawmaker is readying legislation that would remove what he calls a disincentive for disabled people to get married. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Research Will Help Determine Rabies Shot Effectiveness
12/17/07

Dogs in the U-S are vaccinated against rabies every 1 to 3 years. Some vets think immunity lasts longer than that. A UW Madison researcher will try to find out. Shamane Mills reports.…

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Quick Fix Addresses VA Clinic Shutdown
12/17/07

Just five days after a private contractor closed Veterans Administration clinics in Hayward and Rice Lake, the VA says it will open a temporary facility in a Rice Lake hotel next Monday. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.…

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Layoffs to Come in Wake of Paper Mill Close
12/17/07

One of the Wisconsin Rapids area's largest paper mills will close next year... and 500 workers will lose their jobs. Glen Moberg reports…

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City Leaders Weigh Responsibilities of Managing Waters
12/17/07

Great Lakes Mayors say their cities are spending more money on protecting the lakes. But they say the U-S and Canadian governments should help out more too. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

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Officials Track Gun-Ownership Among Felons
12/17/07

A data-sharing first between the prison system and the Department of Natural Resources led to nineteen arrests last month. The two agencies matched the list of people with hunting licenses with the list of convicted felons on probation and arrested those who illegally possessed a gun. Gil Halsted reports.…

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UW to Pay Security Fees for Conservative Speaker
12/14/07

The UW Chancellor’s Office says it will pay 13-hundred dollars’ worth of police security fees it originally billed a student group. Brian Bull reports…

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Northern Wisconsin Veterans Clinics May Reopen
12/14/07

The operator of two Veterans Administration clinics closed Monday in Rice Lake and Hayward says they regret the action, but had no choice. Mike Simonson reports that they now hope to re-open on Monday, but the VA isn't so optimistic…

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Wisconsinites Split Over Universal Health Care
12/14/07

Surveys show Wisconsin residents are split on whether to have a state-run health insurance program. A recent Badger poll indicated 51 percent support such a change. Now a poll by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute shows otherwise. Shamane Mills reports…

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Prison Guards Want Inmate Law Suits Limited
12/14/07

The Wisconsin State Employee’s union is turning up the heat on their effort to get a bill passed to limit the ability of prison inmates to file John Doe law suits against prison staff. The union held a news conference in Waupon today/yesterday/Thursday. Gil Halsted reports…

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Great Lakes Leaders Want Waterways Protected
12/14/07

Some mayors from Great Lakes cities will gather in Racine today to urge the presidential candidates to pledge to clean up the five lakes. But a political scientist says the effort faces challenges. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Overseas Ozone Pollutes U.S.
12/14/07

Wisconsin researchers say they now have a clearer idea of a dirty problem......where smog arrives in the U.S. after coming from Asia and Europe. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Old Maple Trees Protected in Northern Wisconsin
12/13/07

One of the state's most scenic overlooks is being put into permanent conservation in far northern Wisconsin. Mike Simonson reports that it was a 'coming together' of public and private money…

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Green Bay Students Have Bright Idea for Conservation
12/13/07

Students at UW Green Bay are taking small steps for a brighter environmental future. They're distributing energy-saving light bulbs. The campus has a long term goal of reducing its use of fossil fuels. Patty Murray reports…

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Legislators Act to Curb Controversial Privilege
12/13/07

A UW political scientist says the state senate’s vote Tuesday night to limit the veto powers of the governor came as a strong message that the senate democrats count their role as lawmakers over their loyalty to Democratic Governor Jim Doyle. Steve Roisum reports…

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Governor Plans for Business Growth
12/13/07

Governor Jim Doyle says he wants more tax breaks for businesses. A labor leader says that's not a bad idea, if the breaks lead to more jobs in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Federally-Funded Contraception in Question
12/13/07

Wisconsin is one of 26 states that currently has federal approval to operate family planning clinics through Medicaid. For the program to continue offering contraceptives, another waiver is needed. Whether it will come in time --or at all -- is up in the air…

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Farm Bill Amendment Would Help Small Farmers
12/13/07

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is offering an amendment to the Farm Bill that he says would limit giveaways to huge farming operations and large land owners, and fund more rural development and nutrition programs. Congress may review the legislation today. Brian Bull reports…

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Developer Promotes Green Downtown
12/12/07

Downtown living is good for the environment and the economy. That's what an expert on downtown redevelopment told a group of business leaders in Green Bay yesterday. Patty Murray has more.…

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Job Market Looks Good for Winter Grads
12/12/07

A UW-La Crosse career counselor says students set to graduate this month will come across a very healthy job market as baby boomers are now beginning to retire. Steve Roisum reports...…

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Wisconsin Economy Continues to Grow
12/12/07

Wisconsin’s Secretary of Revenue says despite problems affecting the national economy, the state’s outlook remains rosy. Brian Bull reports…

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UW-Madison may Accept Iraqi Students
12/12/07

A University of Wisconsin group wants administrators to open its doors to Iraqi students, to help them achieve their academic goals away from the war zone. Brian Bull reports.…

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Veterans' Clinics Close in Northern Wisconsin
12/12/07

Two VA clinics in northern Wisconsin suddenly closed their doors Monday, leaving more than 900 veterans signed up for care without services. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.…

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Senators Vote to Limit Governor’s Veto Power
12/12/07

The State Senate has voted unanimously for a plan that would scale back the veto power of Wisconsin governors. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Lawmakers Approve Morning After Pill Bill
12/12/07

Assembly lawmakers gave preliminary approval last night to a plan that would force hospitals to give rape victims emergency contraception if they ask for it. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Legislative Preview
12/11/07

Governors would have their veto powers checked, local cable franchises would be a thing of the past, and hospitals would have to offer rape victims the "morning after pill" under a few proposals the Wisconsin legislature will debate Tuesday. Shawn Johnson has this preview...

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Poll Says State Not Focused on Presidential Race
12/11/07

The presidential election is 11 months away -- and about 70-percent of Wisconsin voters say it's to soon to be thinking much about it. At least that's the finding of the most recent Badger Poll. Gil Halsted reports...

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Tribes Seek New Rules For Casino Approval
12/11/07

Two nothern Wisconsin Indian Tribes are asking a federal judge to block implementation of new rules for approving off reservation casinos. A spokesman for the two tribes says the change violates the due process clause of the U.S. constittution. Gil Halsted has more...

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Bye To Superior Bookstore
12/11/07

The owners of a small far northern Wisconsin bookstore are turning a page and saying goodbye to the book business. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior...

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Farm Faces Fine
12/11/07

A large livestock farm in Langlade County will pay a fine for manure discharges. The state has been trying to crack down on the practice. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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High Court Ruling Could Change Cocaine Sentencing
12/11/07

A ruling from the U-S Supreme Court Monday will likely mean shorter sentences for people convicted of selling crack cocaine in Wisconsin and nationally. The ruling frees up federal judges to ignore sentencing guidelines that prescribe harsher sentences for selling crack than for selling powdered cocaine. Gil Halsted reports...

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Study Shows Wisconsin Behind Other States in Human Trafficking Laws
12/07/07

Wisconsin may soon join it's five neighboring states in passing legislation that makes "human trafficking" a crime. Advocates for the new law say it's needed because federal law enforcement agencies can't keep up with the growing umber of people, mostly female immigrants, whoo are being sold for prostitution or forced labor. Gil Halsted reports.…

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Debate Over Ways Fees are Spent by Student Organizations
12/07/07

UW System leaders want tighter control of money used for university student organizations. But some members of the board of regents may attempt to overrule a policy approved (Thursday/yesterday) by system president Kevin Reilly. Shamane Mills reports.…

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Bill Would Require Emergency Contraceptives at Hospitals
12/07/07

The Republican-controlled State Assembly will take up a plan next week that would require Wisconsin hospitals to offer rape victims emergency contraception. And backers of the plan say they're confident it will pass. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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New Rules in Place to Reduce Identity Theft
12/07/07

New federal rules to crack down on pretexting go into effect this week. Pretexting is when someone impersonates another person to get phone records or other account information, often, in order to commit fraud. Brian Bull reports:…

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Push to Teach Labor Union History in Wisconsin Public Schools
12/07/07

There's a push to include organized labor in public school history classes. Supporters of the bill testifed at an Education Committee hearing today/yesterday (thu). They say schools should be required to teach about unions...before represented workers are relegated to history themselves. Patty Murray reports.…

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New Committee Will Review Upcoming Election Advertisements
12/07/07

The State Bar Association has formed a new watchdog panel that will focus on the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Lawmaker Alleges Partisan Bias in Campus Security Fees
12/07/07

A lawmaker is threatening to draft legislation that would prevent the UW System from charging security fees for campus events. Republican State Senator Glenn Grothman of West Bend says the fees punish conservative speakers. Brian Bull reports:…

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Alzheimer’s Care May be Signed, Sealed and Delivered
12/06/07

Private facilities in Wisconsin that care for Alzheimers patients might have to meet tighter standards when it comes to what kind of care they promise...and what they actually deliver. Shamane Mills reports…

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Controversial Online Charter School Challenged
12/06/07

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has ruled that an online charter school is in violation of state law. The principal of the school says the ruling threatens the virtual education in the state and beyond. Brian Bull reports…

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Bill Would Ban and Fine Sales of Hallucinogenic Plant
12/06/07

Wisconsin may soon join 8 other states in banning the sale of a hallucinogenic plant. Salvia Divinorum has been linked to the suicide of a teenager in Delaware last year. Gil Halsted has more…

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DNR Leans on Anglers to Limit Spread of Fish Virus
12/06/07

Permanent rules to limit the spread of a fish-killing virus in Wisconsin have been okayed by the D-N-R Board. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

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Governor’s Veto Power: Senate Will Vote to Reform System
12/06/07

The State Senate will vote next week on a plan that would scale back the Governor's veto power. But it won't take up a few items the Governor has been stumping for in recent days. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Wrongful Conviction: Claims Board Recommends Repayment
12/06/07

The state employee wrongfully convicted of rigging a travel contract is one step closer to getting her lawyer's fees paid back. Shawn Johnson reports…

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High Beam on Ballast Water Controls
12/06/07

Wisconsin's potential ability to crack down on contaminated ballast water from foreign ships will get a closer look from the DNR Board. Chuck Quirmbach reports. …

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Forum Introduces Historic Hmong Spirituality
12/06/07

A Hmong scholar is urging Wisconsin's Southeast Asian community to hang on to its traditional animistic religious beliefs. Glen Moberg reports on a unique forum that took place last night in Wausau.…

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Bill Would Ban Cell Phone Use in Locker Rooms
12/05/07

State lawmakers are considering making it illegal to use a cell phone in a locker room. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Report Finds Payday Lenders Unnecessary
12/05/07

The number of payday lenders in Wisconsin has grown 8-fold in ten years. Legislators are once again considering rules to safeguard customers from financial ruin. One state has given payday lenders the boot -- and a survey shows consumers there were unaffected. Shamane Mills reports.…

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Vegetable Oil-Powered Van Visits Madison Schools
12/05/07

The Chicago Field Museum has lauched a unique parnership with a bio-diesel fuel co-op in Madison. Thanks to mechanics at Prairie Fire Bio-Fuels the museum's Renewable Energy Van .. the REV, now runs on waste vegetable oil. Gil Halsted has more.…

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Bill Would Grant Legal Aid to More of the State’s Poor
12/05/07

Advocates for legal aid to the poor have been trying for more than a decade to raise the income level Wisconsin uses to decide who is poor enough to have a public defender. A bill that got a hearing in the state capitol yesterday/ today would apply the same criteria used to for the state's welfare to work progam. Gil Halsted reports.…

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Farming Industry Faired Well this Year, Faces Challenges Next Year
12/05/07

A farm group leader says growers and producers across the state should celebrate their fortunes. But as Brian Bull reports, the President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation also warned of challenges in the coming year.…

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Wisconsin Declines Multi-State Environmental Law Suit Invitation
12/05/07

Attorney General J. B. Van Hollen recently declined to have Wisconsin join another multi-state environmental lawsuit. But an environmental attorney hopes Van Hollen is more interested in similar cases during the last year of the Bush Administration. Chuck Quirmbach reports. …

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Governor Pushes Smoking Ban, Legislators Meet for Alternative
12/04/07

Governor Jim Doyle is once again urging the legislature to pass a statewide smoking ban. As Shawn Johnson reports... Doyle's remarks came on the same day that two key lawmakers met to discuss a compromise ban.…

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Veterans Program Expands with New Facility
12/04/07

A new homeless shelter for veterans is being dedicated today in Chippewa Falls. State officials say while it’s the fourth program being coordinated in Wisconsin, it’s the first such facility to serve the northwestern region. Brian Bull reports…

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Enbridge Operations Back Online, After Disaster
12/04/07

The pipeline that leaked and exploded into flames last Wednesday in northwestern Minnesota has been repaired and is flowing with Canadian crude oil once again. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.…

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New Legislation Allows U-W Faculty, Staff, to Unionize
12/04/07

A Green Bay-area state senator has introduced a bill that would extend collective bargaining rights for University of Wisconsin staff and faculty. Brian Bull reports…

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Wind Power Could Also Drive Employment
12/04/07

A new study says Wisconsin could gain 35-thousand jobs in the solar and wind power industries. But the study author cautions many things must happen for that projection to come true. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

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Major Highway Expansion Plan Meets Mixed Reaction
12/04/07

The state's plan to do a major overhaul of Interstate 94 between Milwaukee and the Illinois border is drawing a mix of praise, criticism and suggestions. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

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Grant Allows Latino Services to Expand
12/04/07

For the past several years, a church in Sparta has been offering English classes and other programs for Latino immigrants. Now, with the help of a three-year, $190,000 grant from the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund, St. John’s Episcopal Church as opened a Hispanic resource center that will eventually operate as a separate, non-profit entity. Micah Schweizer reports…

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Weather Ushers in White Snow, Green Revenues
12/04/07

Significant snowfall has outdoor enthusiasts gearing up to get outside. It also has many businesses looking forward to a return in winter commerce after a few years without snow before the holidays. Ben Ranallo has our story.…

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Proposed Cutbacks Upset Lymphoma Sufferers, Specialists
12/04/07

The federal government may scale back how much it pays for a certain cancer treatment. Doctors who treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma are protesting, along with their patients. Shamane Mills reports.…

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Recently Approved Budget Prolongs DV Services Up North
12/04/07

Domestic violence programs in Ashland and Superior are getting some much needed money to continue their operations from the new state budget. Danielle Kaeding reports.…

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Snowfall Delivers Work and Fun
12/03/07

The steady din of snow blowers, shovels, and plows resonated across much of Wisconsin yesterday, following the first major winter storm of the year. Harsh winds, freezing rain, sleet, and thick snow pummeled the state. Brian Bull reports on the aftermath…

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Pet Cemetery Offers Perpetual Visitation
12/03/07

The Wisconsin Humane Society in Milwaukee has taken the idea of a final resting place for pets to a new level. Chuck Quirmbach prepared this report.…

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WWII – Book Chronicles 32nd Division in New Guinea
12/03/07

The feats of the 32nd Red Arrow Division may be more than 60 years in the past, but the men who made up that Pacific War group…many from Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota…are getting some overdue recognition. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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Voluntary Process Would Expedite Cargo Customs Inspections
12/03/07

A new federal law requires that all cargo entering the United States be inspected. It was one recommendation from the September 11th Commission. The law is aimed at securing the country's borders....but it could mean delays for businesses that import goods. As Patty Murray reports, there is a way to make things move more smoothly…

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State Hopes to Regulate Salon Sanitation
12/03/07

The state wants to reduce health problems caused by unsanitary conditions in hair and nail salons. The last public hearing on possible regulatory changes takes place tonight (Monday 11/03/07) in Milwaukee. Shamane Mills reports…

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Quality Early Childcare Prepares Productive Kids
12/03/07

The State says it has proof that good childcare results in kids who are better equipped to face school and work later in life. A study by the State Department of Workforce Development and U-W Extension shows young kids in a pilot project read better and got better test scores. Patty Murray reports…

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Retrial Scheduled for Scott Jensen
12/03/07

The former State Assembly Speaker who was sentenced to prison a year-and-a-half ago is now officially headed for a retrial. Shawn Johnson reports.…

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AIDS Exhibit Hopes to Heighten Awareness
12/03/07

A new exhibit in Milwaukee highlights the AIDS problem in Africa. But the disease also continues to threaten many people in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Lawsuit to Challenge Marriage Amendment
12/03/07

The gay marriage debate in Wisconsin will likely heat up again over the next few months. But the debate will be in the court room not in the state legislature. A law suit challenging the validity of the gay marriage ban approved by voters last year , pits a University professor with a gay daughter against the the Governor and the Attorney General . Gil Halsted reports …

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Some Pipelines Running After Explosion
12/03/07

Enbridge Energy's pipeline explosion on Wednesday still has the Canadian crude oil line below capacity. But they hope to get the last pipeline up and running in three days. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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Farmers Testy Over Proposed Certification for Greens
12/03/07

The U-S Department of Agriculture is considering guidelines to make spinach and other leafy greens safer to eat. Similar rules are already in place in California. But the cost of the safeguards being expanded coast to coast worries some small wiscinson farmers . Shamane Mills reports…

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