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Capital City Sunday: Underly defends districts' pivot to virtual; national Republicans on Johnson running again
MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin's top education official defended the state's largest districts after they've come under criticism for temporary moves to virtual learning earlier this month.
Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) schools went back to the classroom on Monday after going virtual for the first week upon returning from winter break. Milwaukee Public Schools are set to resume in-person learning on Tuesday.
Republicans and other critics have accused the districts of allowing teachers unions to dictate a decision that was worse for kids' educations. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said she agreed virtual learning is suboptimal for most kids but added staffing concerns drove the districts' decision.
"We can't run school if we don't have individuals able to staff the school, and it goes beyond teachers," Underly said. "When you think about cafeteria and food service, you think about transportation custodial, clerical."
Critics have asked why other districts across the state dealing with the same problems — old buildings with poor ventilation and having enough substitute teachers and bus drivers — have still been able to avoid disruptions to classroom instruction.
Underly said it was unfair to compare smaller districts to Madison and Milwaukee.
"I think it comes down to where those buildings are. Maybe they're not as crowded," Underly said. "Certainly, in smaller school districts we're able to have more kids — or we're able to be in person because we have fewer kids, for example — in a classroom."
Critics have also questioned whether reverting to virtual learning, however brief the switch may be, has disproportionate harm in districts already grappling with sharp achievement gaps for Black and poor students.
In MMSD schools, 67 percent of Black students performed at "below basic level" in language arts; 79 percent were below basic in math according to the district's 2020-21 state report card. For economically disadvantaged students, 59 percent were below basic in language arts; 68 percent were in math.
Underly said that the Department of Public Instruction wants to use much of the $1.5 billion it's receiving in federal pandemic aid to close those gaps but is facing the same staffing issues.
"You know, child care, early childhood interventions, literacy and math interventions, afterschool programming," Underly said. "Those are things that we know work for kids but it takes investment, you need bodies, you need staff."
Underly and GOP lawmakers remain at odds over a Republican plan to dedicate five percent of the relief money, about $77 million, to schools who had the most in-person learning last year.
The U.S. Department of Education warned Wisconsin Republicans it would not allow the federal money to be used in that way. Underly said that she was optimistic after communication this week with Joint Finance Committee leaders, Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam).
"I think we're in a place where we can agree and that money will be out to schools very shortly," she said.
Senate Republican leader backs Johnson
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Sen. Ron Johnson's decision to run for a third term came as no surprise.
The former governor of Florida said he considers Johnson a close friend. Scott added he did not get any word in advance from Johnson but had a sense for some time Johnson was leaning toward running again.
"Not really a heads-up. He told me what he was thinking and things like that," Scott said. "I've always told him I will do anything and everything I can to be helpful to him because I think he's a very productive senator."
While Johnson is breaking a 2016 pledge he made to not run again, Scott said that didn't bother him since Johnson explained his reasoning -- concern over the country's direction under a Democratic majority -- and wanted to see Johnson assume an influential role should Republicans regain control of the Senate in this year's mid-term election.
"When we take back the majority in November, Ron will be the chair of a committee," Scott said.
Johnson has drawn criticism from much of the medical community over a series of remarks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He continued to emphasize the rare confirmed instances of severe adverse reactions to the vaccine and most recently questioned without evidence whether the vaccine itself can create new variants of the virus.
"One thing to know about Ron, he'll tell you exactly what he believes," Scott said. "He will be an advocate for what he believes and he'll defend on what he believes. This doesn't mean you might have a different view or you might look at data differently."
Republican leaders find themselves caught between vaccine skeptics and former President Donald Trump, who carries lots of sway in the party. Trump recently said lawmakers were 'gutless' if they wouldn't disclose whether they've gotten a booster shot.
"I've been very clear. I've had COVID. I had COVID before the vaccine was out," Scott said. "I had the two vaccines. I've not done the booster yet; I'm talking to my doctor. I think it's helpful to tell people what you're doing but, at the same time, it's a personal decision."
The other big issue looming over the '22 mid-terms is how they'll shape election policy at the state and federal levels. Conservatives got their way in a Wisconsin ruling this week that banned the use of drop boxes for absentee ballots.
Johnson has said he would like to see the legislature exert more control over how the state administers elections. Speaker Robin Vos has said he's against giving elected partisan officials more control over elections and defended the thinking that led to WEC's creation.
Scott said he supported state legislatures having influence on how elections are run, specifically mentioning policies like Voter ID and signature matching; Wisconsin currently requires the former but not the latter, which clerks have said would be expensive.
"Elections are supposed to be done at the state level," Scott said. "That's what our constitution says."
Record-high cases, hospitalizations
Over the past week, Wisconsin has continued to record single-day records for new COVID-19 cases as the highly-contagious Omicron variant spreads throughout the state.
The seven-day average of new cases per day now exceeds 10,000; it never reached 7,000 during the worst of last winter's spike in cases.
While the Omicron variant is considerably more mild than previous strains, health systems warn the sheer volume of cases still strains hospitals. The Wisconsin Hospital Association's database showed more people hospitalized statewide with COVID-19 than at any other point in the pandemic.
"Right now, through this week, we are seeing the highest number of COVID-hospitalized patients that we have seen," said SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital President Kyle Nondorf. "We are fortunate that we do see many people with milder symptoms but we are still seeing hospitalized patients, we are still seeing patients end up in our intensive care units."
Nondorf said SSM St. Mary's had also seen it's largest number of COVID-19 patients than at any other point in the pandemic. He added patients who were unvaccinated accounted for a vast majority of those being treated for severe infections; the hospital posted earlier in the week that 92 percent of its ICU patients with COVID-19 were unvaccinated.
"Seeing patients come in that are vaccinated, usually, they have a shorter length of stay and their symptoms are more mild," Nondorf said.
Nondorf said a silver lining was the Omicron variant being more mild but given widespread staff shortages, workers are strained and hospitals are often times having to divert patients to other hospitals and/or postpone elective procedures.
"The situation is very fluid," Nondorf said. "With every surge and every iteration and every variant that comes, we've learned more."
Kyle Nondorf | 2022-01-18T12:39:32Z | www.wkow.com | Capital City Sunday: Underly defends districts' pivot to virtual; national Republicans on Johnson running again | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/capital-city-sunday-underly-defends-districts-pivot-to-virtual-national-republicans-on-johnson-running-again/article_6c80707c-759f-11ec-a17a-33886a823a61.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/capital-city-sunday-underly-defends-districts-pivot-to-virtual-national-republicans-on-johnson-running-again/article_6c80707c-759f-11ec-a17a-33886a823a61.html |
Halderson trial slated to resume Tuesday
MADISON (WKOW) -- The double homicide trial of Chandler Halderson is slated to resume on Tuesday.
Judge John Hyland made the decision to suspend the trial last Wednesday after Halderson tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday as part of an effort to test all inmates at the Dane County Jail.
Hyland said everyone completed their isolation and quarantine, and no one else is showing any symptoms, so the trial will resume.
Halderson is on trial for the murder of his parents, Bart and Krista last July.
Prosecutors allege he killed them, and dismembered their bodies.
Halderson has pleaded not guilty. | 2022-01-18T12:39:50Z | www.wkow.com | Halderson trial slated to resume Tuesday | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/halderson-trial-slated-to-resume-tuesday/article_02abc00e-783b-11ec-83b1-df60f26fc8bf.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/halderson-trial-slated-to-resume-tuesday/article_02abc00e-783b-11ec-83b1-df60f26fc8bf.html |
Madison mom raises money to fix child's damaged smile after school fight
Mom Raises Money To Fix Son's Damaged Smile After School Fight
MADISON (WKOW) -- Heather Colbert will never forget receiving the news that her son had been seriously injured in an altercation at La Follete High School last week.
"I got a phone call on Thursday afternoon around 3:09pm to be exact," Colbert said.
The nurse told Colbert that her son, who she lovingly calls 'J,' had suffered significant trauma to his mouth and needed to be taken to the ER immediately.
"That was when my heart just sank," Colbert said.
An incident report states that the altercation happened after school Thursday.
Video shows the victim and another teen preparing to fight one another. It also shows several teens punching or attempting to punch the victim.
Police say two teenagers involved are facing physical abuse to a child and disorderly conduct charges.
In response to the altercation, the Madison Metropolitan School District released a statement saying:
"Physical violence to resolve conflict amongst students has no place in our schools. As we continue our progressive discipline work with the families of those involved, we all must recognize the importance of supporting these students in meaningful ways, so they are able to heal, and move forward and with a true sense of community."
But Colbert said the impact of the altercation goes far beyond the walls of La Follete High School.
"I loved his smile and I still love his smile no matter what, but he doesn't even smile anymore," Colbert said.
To change that, Colbert is raising money to help fix her son's smile through a GoFundMe page. She says this is necessary because insurance will not cover the entire cost of oral surgery.
“I'm a single, disabled mother that lives on a very limited income,” Colbert said. “Its not something that a dentist can fix. Its something that an oral surgeon needs to do.”
So far, the page has raised around $1,500 of the $5,000 goal. Colbert said she and her family have been floored by the support.
“I want to thank everybody that has donated and reached out to us so far,” Colbert said.
Colbert hopes that after the procedure, her son will smile again.
“He's such an amazing, amazing young man that is full of life,” Colbert said. "And, he really cares about people."
Anyone interested in donating to the GoFundMe page can do so here.
Heather Colbert | 2022-01-18T12:40:27Z | www.wkow.com | Madison mom raises money to fix child's damaged smile after school fight | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/madison-mom-raises-money-to-fix-childs-damaged-smile-after-school-fight/article_18a4c4e8-77ee-11ec-9256-9fee964d0289.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/madison-mom-raises-money-to-fix-childs-damaged-smile-after-school-fight/article_18a4c4e8-77ee-11ec-9256-9fee964d0289.html |
MPD: Suspect fires gun at vehicle with people inside
MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison Police say a suspect intentionally fired a gun at a vehicle with people inside on the city's east side Sunday night.
Police say they were were dispatched to the 6100 block of Driscoll Drive, in the McClellan Park neighborhood, for several 911 callers who reported hearing gunshots nearby around 10:30 p.m.
On scene, officers say they found evidence of gunfire, which included one occupied vehicle that had been struck by multiple rounds, and several spent bullet casings.
Police say evidence suggests that the shooter targeted the people in the struck vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Police say there is no ongoing danger to the public.
The suspect vehicle is described as a white SUV with tinted windows.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 266-6014, or online at P3Tips.com. | 2022-01-18T12:40:33Z | www.wkow.com | MPD: Suspect fires gun at vehicle with people inside | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/mpd-suspect-fires-gun-at-vehicle-with-people-inside/article_dd7ae94e-7773-11ec-b245-2b8bf6722638.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/mpd-suspect-fires-gun-at-vehicle-with-people-inside/article_dd7ae94e-7773-11ec-b245-2b8bf6722638.html |
UPDATE: Two people hurt, one dead in crash on Madison's west side
UPDATE (WKOW) -- One of the individuals involved in the crash died due to their injuries Sunday, according to the Madison Police.
MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison Police say three people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash on the city's west side Saturday night.
It happened around 8:00 p.m. on the 6200 block of Schroeder Road. Police say all of the people involved were sent to area hospitals, with multiple people in one of the vehicles suffering "serious" injuries.
Police said in their incident report released shortly after midnight Sunday that traffic was being diverted away from the affected block.
If anyone witnessed the crash or has video evidence or information about the incident, they're asked to contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014, or online at P3Tips.com.
Schroeder Rd. Police | 2022-01-18T12:41:34Z | www.wkow.com | UPDATE: Two people hurt, one dead in crash on Madison's west side | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/update-two-people-hurt-one-dead-in-crash-on-madisons-west-side/article_2e008bbe-76d2-11ec-b915-270f3a6eb85e.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/update-two-people-hurt-one-dead-in-crash-on-madisons-west-side/article_2e008bbe-76d2-11ec-b915-270f3a6eb85e.html |
Temple Beth El in Madison.
'We know that the best way to respond is not by hunkering down': Madison rabbis react to Texas synagogue hostage incident
Rabbi's reflect on synagogue hostage situation
MADISON (WKOW) -- After news broke that a man was holding four people hostage in a Texas synagogue Saturday, synagogues across the country stepped up their security and their outreach efforts.
At the Chabad of Madison, Rabbi Avremel Matusof said he and his congregation were shocked and saddened by the news.
"As Shabbat ended in Madison, we turned we tuned back into the news cycle and were horrified to learn about what was going on down there in Texas," Matusof said.
Throughout the evening, Matusof said the Chabad fielded calls from congregants who were concerned about the ongoing situation.
"We are so thankful that all the hostages are released and came out healthy and safe," he said.
In response to the incident, Matusof said he and his congregation plan to perform acts of kindness to spread positivity and connect with others.
"When there's selfless acts of hate, we want to respond with selfless acts of love," Matufsof said. "We know that the best way to respond is not by hunkering down or by diminishing any of the things we're doing, but rather, we want to respond with kindness and we want to respond with light."
Meanwhile, at Temple Beth El, Rabbi Jonathan Biatch said his congregation was also on alert during the ongoing hostage situation given a recent rise in acts of antisemitism.
"Many minority groups feel it, whether it's Black Americans, Asian Americans, Muslim Americans," Biatch said. "It's terrible, it's distressing, it's disturbing and it's happening more and more frequently."
Biatch said he believes the rise in antisemitism could be attributed to a variety of factors.
"We see that when the economy is bad, there is a there is a trending toward taking that out on minority groups," Biatch said. "But certainly, also in this era, right wing extremism and white nationalism and white supremacy--the growth of those prejudicial movements certainly focus upon Jews historically."
Both rabbis said the outpouring of support they received from religious groups and other organizations in Madison during the hostage incident was uplifting and encouraging.
"I am grateful during yesterday's event in Dallas, people from the Christian community, people from the Muslim community reached out to us in the Jewish community and they offered support," Biatch said.
On Sunday, the FBI identified the hostage taker as 44-year-old Malik Faisal Akram.
Police say he went into the synagogue around 11:00 a.m. Saturday and took four people hostage. That led to the nearly 11-hour stand off that ended when an FBI resque squad freed the hostages and killed Akram.
The FBI does not believe Akram's actions were specifically related to the Jewish community. However, his exact motives are still being investigated.
Avremel Matusof
Jonathan Biatch
Chabad Of Madison | 2022-01-18T12:41:52Z | www.wkow.com | 'We know that the best way to respond is not by hunkering down': Madison rabbis react to Texas synagogue hostage incident | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/we-know-that-the-best-way-to-respond-is-not-by-hunkering-down-madison-rabbis/article_2d09b3cc-772f-11ec-8bbf-cb6cbc050142.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/we-know-that-the-best-way-to-respond-is-not-by-hunkering-down-madison-rabbis/article_2d09b3cc-772f-11ec-8bbf-cb6cbc050142.html |
Doctors warn against intentionally getting COVID-19
MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin has recorded more than 1.1 million cases of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic and if you haven't gotten sick yet, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people have asked if it would be worth it to "just get infected with COVID-19 and get it over with."
But as the omicron variant drives the latest surge of new cases and hospitalizations, the United States is nearing 850,000 deaths from the virus; that's why doctors say you shouldn't take COVID-19 lightly.
"It's definitely still not something you want to take lightly and intentionally get infected, just to get over with," warned SSM Health Dr. Mark Thompson.
Thompson also said, "The number one reason not to have a COVID party or purposely get infected is we need to recognize there are people in our society that have not been immunized or cannot be immunized yet."
SSM Health Dr. Mark Thompson also said there's no vaccine for children under five and some people aren't eligible for the vaccine.
"We could potentially put those individuals at risk," said Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Dan Shirley, UW Health said, "I don't know about most people, but I just don't like feeling sick.
Dr. Dan Shirley, an infectious disease specialist with UW Health said, "If you take some basic precautions as we've discussed during the pandemic. I still think you can avoid getting infected and also getting sick with COVID-19 is not imminent."
Dr. Shirley also said purposely getting infected with COVID-19 could be dangerous.
"We don't do those chicken pox parties anymore, because there are some people that have very bad outcomes from chicken pox. We still don't know, the long-term outcomes from getting COVID for anybody, let alone the people that might die from it," said Dr. Shirley.
Dr. Adam Clements, a hospitalist with Aspirus said, "It's pretty definitive that natural immunity does not protect against Omicron.
He also said getting sick with COVID-19 doesn't mean you can't get sick again.
"Natural immunity will not prevent you from getting infected, so folks who have previously been infected have the opportunity to become very immune by getting a normal vaccine series," said Dr. Clements.
Doctors say getting the shot is a certain way to help overburdened hospitals.
Adam Clements | 2022-01-18T12:42:23Z | www.wkow.com | Doctors warn against intentionally getting infected with COVID-19 just to 'be done with it' | Medicine | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/medicine/doctors-warn-against-intentionally-getting-infected-with-covid-19-just-to-be-done-with-it/article_c7de7834-7724-11ec-9686-b7e31f1eaa1d.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/medicine/doctors-warn-against-intentionally-getting-infected-with-covid-19-just-to-be-done-with-it/article_c7de7834-7724-11ec-9686-b7e31f1eaa1d.html |
Free at-home tests available to all Americans
MADISON (WKOW) -- Government officials launched a new website on Tuesday allowing all Americans to order free, at-home rapid tests delivered straight to their doors. The website expands access to millions of people in a time where COVID-19 testing demand is higher than ever.
People are eligible for four rapid antigen tests per household once a month. All you need to do is visit COVIDtests.gov, enter your name and address and submit your form.
If you choose to include your email, you should receive confirmation within a couple of minutes.
Officials say the tests take about 7-12 days to ship.
Caitlin Chitwood said she ordered the test in under a minute.
"I was really surprised how easy it was," Chitwood said. "It's really nice to just have have them on hand, just in case."
Health care workers say the newly-available tests could be a game-changer for test providers and public health departments.
"At home tests are great," Rock County Public Health Supervisor Kelsey Cordova said. "They increase accessibility to testing. And testing is incredibly important because while we can take precautions in our day to day life — wear masks, avoid close contact with others — tests help us identify those who test positive and are carrying the virus."
UW Health's Chief Quality Officer Dr. Jeff Pothof agreed.
"Hopefully, with the more rapid availability across the United States with these at home tests, it'll decrease the pressure on these testing sites a little bit so that those folks who find themselves needing a test, but not having one at home, will be able to find one in pretty short order," Pothof said.
If you've gone out and bought a rapid test since January 15, health insurers say they'll still be able to cover the cost or reimburse you for the money spent, depending on your health insurance provider.
Caitlin Chitwood | 2022-01-19T12:39:12Z | www.wkow.com | Everything you need to know about getting your at-home COVID-19 tests | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-your-at-home-covid-19-tests/article_eca90c88-78cd-11ec-b8cd-a711b3596b08.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-your-at-home-covid-19-tests/article_eca90c88-78cd-11ec-b8cd-a711b3596b08.html |
GOP Bills Add New UI, Medicaid Work Rules
MADISON (WKOW) -- For Dino Christ, the problems feed off one another. The owner of Nick's Restaurant on State Street describes an ongoing cycle of not having enough workers and not enough customers either.
With fewer shows at nearby entertainment venues, there's less traffic. Christ said the missing customer base, along with rising costs amid inflation and supply chain snags, has made it harder to offer more attractive wages and benefits.
"It's kind of like a culmination of a bunch of things all at once but for two years," Christ said.
Right now, people can collect unemployment pay for 26 weeks. Under the bill, that would only be the case if the unemployment rate hits 9%. At the current rate of 3%, people would only be eligible for 14 weeks' worth of benefits.
"With the unemployment rate that we currently have and the economy we're currently in, people don't need half a year to be finding a job in our workforce," said Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake).
Republicans said the measures would incentivize more people to take available jobs and to avoid straining the state's unemployment system.
"That's gonna help people essentially increase their employment or step into employment because we know we've never seen anybody step out of poverty on a welfare check," said Senate President Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield).
Democrats pushed back on GOP ideas, pointing to the state recording single-day record highs for new COVID-19 cases and having the nation's 10th-lowest unemployment rate at 3% as evidence the workforce issues went beyond people simply not wanting to work.
"The policies that I need as a business owner are my government to continue to support safety initiatives, healthier- better health care access, better transportation," said Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison).
Christ said he didn't know whether the bills would make a difference for his business.
"If I knew the solution, we wouldn't have this problem," he replied.
Christ, who took over the restaurant more than 20 years ago after his dad, along the eatery's namesake, Nick, opened the place on State, said he would prefer if all lawmakers made a concerted effort to promote downtown Madison businesses. Christ said he still heard from people who are unsure about visiting State Street after riots in May 2020 following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
"I still have friends that live on the west side or the east side or outside of downtown that ask me if it's safe to be downtown," Christ said. "And I tell them that's ridiculous."
Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) said he expected the bills to come up for a vote before the full legislature before the end of February.
Dino Christ | 2022-01-19T12:39:49Z | www.wkow.com | GOP bills add new unemployment, Medicaid job search rules | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/gop-bills-add-new-unemployment-medicaid-job-search-rules/article_cf0d23b6-78ce-11ec-8a95-7fbd7c588daf.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/gop-bills-add-new-unemployment-medicaid-job-search-rules/article_cf0d23b6-78ce-11ec-8a95-7fbd7c588daf.html |
Andrew Smith testifying during Chandler Halderson's trial.
Halderson friend who gave accused killer rifle distances himself from murders
MADISON (WKOW) - Chandler Halderson's friend who gave Halderson a Russian-style rifle as a gift the month before Halderson's parents were killed distanced himself from the homicides when he testified Tuesday.
After Halderson was arrested in July for the deaths of Bart and Krista Halderson, Andrew Smith said he had good reason to cooperate with investigators.
"I served in the Army," Smith testified. "I'm not going to get (expletive) for something I didn't do."
Smith said he was stationed in Germany when he met Halderson while playing video games online three or four years ago. The Kansas resident said they continued playing through this summer, and he visited the Halderson's Windsor family home in June.
Smith said he brought Halderson a gift of an SKS rifle and 480 rounds of ammunition.
Smith said Halderson was happy with the gift. He testified Halderson's parents were not anti-gun.
"His parents understood the reason why firearms exist in this world," Smith testified.
But Smith said Halderson placed the gun in a stack of wood or belongings in the home's basement in what may have been an attempt to conceal it from his parents.
Smith testified Halderson said nothing about his intentions with the rifle.
During cross examination, Smith said he gave Halderson the gun after previously firing off twenty rounds with the weapon and deciding it was not for him.
"Too much kick," Smith testified.
Smith said he was only in Wisconsin for two days and did not return during the period of time in early July prosecutors say the Halderson parents were killed. Prosecutors produced Smith's bank records to show he had no transactions linked to Wisconsin during that time period.
Prosecutors claim the SKS rifle was used to shoot Bart Halderson and was found on the Town of Cottage Grove property where Halderson's partial remains were found. Dane County Sheriff's Detective Brian Shunk testified spent shells found at the Halderson home matched the ammunition Smith gave to Chandler Halderson.
Prosecutors say light neighbors saw and recorded on security cameras coming from the fireplace of the Windsor home was created by Chandler Halderson burning his parents' remains. Dane County Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Cristina Figueroa Soto testified portions of cranium, bones and teeth were found in the fireplace and its ash trap. Figueroa Sota testified 230 bone fragments were found.
Dane County Medical Examiner Dr. Agnieszka Rogalska testified Krista Halderson's remains were found in rural Roxbury near a river. A former girlfriend of Halderson, Dakotah Brown, and a former roommate, Alex Gravatt, said they had gone swimming in the past with Halderson in an area that appears to match the state park land where his mother's remains were found.
When asked if Krista Halderson was strangled, shot or killed in some other way, Rogalska said she could only classify Halderson's death as a homicide.
"I believe she died of some violence," Rogalska said.
Halderson's homicide trial resumed Tuesday after a week-long break prompted by Halderson testing positive for COVID-19. Judge John Hyland Tuesday said one of the trial's jurors also tested positive for COVID-19, but likely not as a result of Halderson's infection. The jury still includes seventeen people with five to serve as alternates.
Prosecutors said Halderson lied for months about having an insurance job and attending Madison College. They say his parents were killed shortly after Bart Halderson discovered his son was not a student.
Hyland said the trial is expected to be completed on Friday or before. | 2022-01-19T12:39:55Z | www.wkow.com | Halderson friend who gave accused killer rifle distances himself from murders | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/halderson-friend-who-gave-accused-killer-rifle-distances-himself-from-murders/article_85241d82-78af-11ec-a850-7f983262cb2b.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/halderson-friend-who-gave-accused-killer-rifle-distances-himself-from-murders/article_85241d82-78af-11ec-a850-7f983262cb2b.html |
'It was such a shock': Neighbors reflect on shooting caught on doorbell cam
MADISON (WKOW) -- 48 hours after shots rang out in the McClellan Park neighborhood, a doorbell video that captured the shooting has captured residents' attention.
The video that has been shared on social media shows a white SUV chasing a blue sedan through a roundabout while shooting at it.
Leah Rodenkirch, a resident of the neighborhood, was laying in bed at the time the shots rang out. Her boyfriend yelled: 'Get on the ground.' So, she dove onto the floor and stayed there until they stopped.
"It was such a shock. It was so disorienting," Rodenkirch said. "My boyfriend army crawled from the living room into the bedroom until we were together and we had to talk about what we were going to do next."
Two days later, Rodenkirch and her boyfriend are still alarmed by what happened.
"Nothing like this has ever happened to us before," Rodenkirch said. "The cars were driving directly towards our house, so if any stray bullets would have come, it would have come directly into these windows."
Around the corner, Mandy Mobley's doorbell camera also captured video of the shooting.
"There was about 13 shots that I heard on our cameras," Mobley said.
She too, is still shaken.
"It was a little unnerving to have that happen right outside of our house," Mobley said.
Several neighbors expressed that they would like to see the individuals involved in the shooting held responsible, as well as more police presence going forward.
Madison Police Lieutenant Jason Ostrenga said the driver of the first car, who has a history with police, said he was at Kwik Trip picking up ice cream and the second car followed him as he left.
Ostrenga said he then drove into the residential neighborhood where someone in the second car began shooting at him.
"They put a lot of fear in people and a lot of people in danger," Ostrenga said. "We've had plenty of times where innocent people are in their house and they get struck."
Miraculously, no one was hurt, but Ostrenga said both the car being chased and a car that was parked was hit by gunfire. Officers recovered several shell casings on scene.
"It's dangerous for everyone," Ostrenga said. "They're making people fear living in Madison or coming to Madison."
Ostrenga said this speaks to a bigger problem of gun violence becoming more prevalent in Madison.
"There's not as many solving fights with fists," Ostrenga said. "It just seems like it's every day. It doesn't stop."
Ostrenga said police have not arrested any suspects connected to the shooting. However, their investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 266-6014 or visit P3Tips.com.
Jason Ostrenga
Leah Rodenkirch
Mandy Mobley | 2022-01-19T12:40:01Z | www.wkow.com | 'It was such a shock': Neighbors reflect on shooting caught on doorbell cam | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/it-was-such-a-shock-neighbors-reflect-on-shooting-caught-on-doorbell-cam/article_3579b76c-78bc-11ec-9d75-ff19a1e1457a.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/it-was-such-a-shock-neighbors-reflect-on-shooting-caught-on-doorbell-cam/article_3579b76c-78bc-11ec-9d75-ff19a1e1457a.html |
Judge John Hyland standing next to the Wisconsin seal on January 4.
Juror in Halderson trial excused after testing positive for COVID-19
MADISON (WKOW) — A juror has been excused from the Chandler Halderson trial after testing positive for COVID-19.
Halderson's double homicide trial was paused on January 12 after he tested positive for COVID-19 during mass testing at the Dane County Jail.
According to Judge John Hyland, juror seven originally sought a PCR test the same day the jury was notified of a pause in the case and that the test came back negative.
Then, a couple of days later, the juror developed COVID-19 symptoms and he used a rapid test given to him by the court. That test came back as positive.
Due to the amount of time between the jurors being dismissed for the trial's suspension and this juror testing positive for the virus, Judge Hyland does not believe his case is connected to the trial.
There are still 17 jurors seated in the trial, five of which serving as alternates. | 2022-01-19T12:40:07Z | www.wkow.com | Juror in Halderson trial excused after testing positive for COVID-19 | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/juror-in-halderson-trial-excused-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19/article_520403d6-786e-11ec-bf92-5b64a2e0a451.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/juror-in-halderson-trial-excused-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19/article_520403d6-786e-11ec-bf92-5b64a2e0a451.html |
Mineral Point wrestler with Down syndrome delivers pin in rivalry meet
Heartwarming Win for Wrestler With Down Syndrome
MINERAL POINT (WKOW) -- As the January 14 meet between Mineral Point and Black Hawk/Darlington rounded out, it was an act of sportsmanship that stole the show.
Black Hawk/Darlington senior Owen Huschitt stepped up to the mat for an exhibition matchup. He faced off against Mineral Point's AJ Rury, a senior wrestler with Down syndrome.
"I was very pleased that [my coach] asked me and I was up for the challenge," said Huschitt.
With an intense effort, Rury pinned Huschitt with the gym bursting out with loud cheers. Immediately after, Huschitt took his opponent's hand and raised it high to enhance the moment in the winner's circle.
"I just wanted to show AJ and the team that I was supportive of the situation and give him all of the credit for the win," said Huschitt, who also called the moment 'humbling.'
Mineral Point coach Curt Fiedler applauded the kind act as both teams pushed their rivalry aside. Fiedler, who is also a special education teacher, has seen AJ grow into a confident wrestler.
"When [the exhibitions] first started, he was a nervous wreck out there and now, it's still a rush for him I feel like every time he steps out there. I give credit to Owen for being so good with him out on the mat and making AJ work for it," said Fiedler.
Additionally, AJ's teammates were there to support and cheer on their beloved classmate.
"He was nervous and we were all like encouraging him to go out there," said Ross Lindsey, a Mineral Point senior co-captain. "He finally went out there and he went out there, the whole crowd exploded and it was pretty cool."
AJ doesn't speak too often but when he does, his teammates take notice. They also enjoy each other's company and say just having him in the room will give you a big smile.
"If you have a tough match and you take a loss or something, just seeing AJ getting his hand raised and being a part of [that moment] is pretty special," said Bo Hanson, a Mineral Point senior co-captain.
AJ's parents, John and Bobbi Jo Rury, shared a statement with 27 News expressing how grateful they are "for the acceptance and inclusion that AJ has received over the years."
"We are so proud of the young men and women who have taken on the challenge over the years to provide AJ these exhibition matches, opportunities that he might otherwise never get a chance to experience. It was four years ago when AJ hesitantly stepped out on the mat for the very first time in front of a cheering crowd. It brought tears to my eyes then, and it still does to this day."
Aj Rury
Curt Fiedler
Owen Huschitt | 2022-01-19T12:40:26Z | www.wkow.com | Mineral Point wrestler with Down syndrome delivers pin in rivalry meet | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/mineral-point-wrestler-with-down-syndrome-delivers-pin-in-rivalry-meet/article_9af4e370-78c4-11ec-bd86-cb5409744dfc.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/mineral-point-wrestler-with-down-syndrome-delivers-pin-in-rivalry-meet/article_9af4e370-78c4-11ec-bd86-cb5409744dfc.html |
WisDOT takes steps to make it easier to become a school bus driver amidst shortage
MADISON (WKOW) — With school bus drivers being one of the many shortages standing in the way of education, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is taking steps to help.
WisDOT announced Tuesday it's implementing a temporary waiver to get more drivers in buses and encourage former drivers to work again.
“WisDOT is taking every available opportunity to ease the strain on communities struggling to recruit drivers by removing barriers that might keep prospective drivers from applying,” DMV Administrator Kristina Boardman said in the press release.
Until March 31, drivers seeking a school bus license will have a portion of the test identifying engine components waived. All other requirements of the written and road tests remain. A waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration allows the modification.
Those who get a CDL under this waiver will be able to operate intrastate school buses only and cannot operate any other type of commercial motor vehicle that requires a special license.
Safety Administration | 2022-01-19T12:41:11Z | www.wkow.com | WisDOT takes steps to make it easier to become a school bus driver amidst shortage | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/wisdot-takes-steps-to-make-it-easier-to-become-a-school-bus-driver-amidst-shortage/article_df6bd364-78ac-11ec-943e-2713d242a86e.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/wisdot-takes-steps-to-make-it-easier-to-become-a-school-bus-driver-amidst-shortage/article_df6bd364-78ac-11ec-943e-2713d242a86e.html |
21-year-old facing child enticement, sexual assault charges after being found with Connecticut juvenile
JANESVILLE (WKOW) — A Janesville man has been arrested after he was found with a missing child from Connecticut.
According to a Nixle report from Sgt. Dammen, Janesville Police were contacted by a department in New Britain, Connecticut, Monday about a missing girl that may be visiting a 21-year-old in Janesville.
Dammen said investigating officers learned the two were at a local hotel and were able to make contact.
Jose Delgado Siasca was arrested and transported to the Rock County Jail on pending charges of second degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement.
The child was reunited with her mother with the help of community partners. | 2022-01-20T08:13:53Z | www.wkow.com | 21-year-old facing child enticement, sexual assault charges after being found with Connecticut juvenile | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/21-year-old-facing-child-enticement-sexual-assault-charges-after-being-found-with-connecticut-juvenile/article_16469fa0-7974-11ec-8f95-670f08b2b9a5.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/21-year-old-facing-child-enticement-sexual-assault-charges-after-being-found-with-connecticut-juvenile/article_16469fa0-7974-11ec-8f95-670f08b2b9a5.html |
Sun Prairie police investigating armed burglary of home
SUN PRAIRIE (WKOW) -- The Sun Prairie Police Department are investigating two armed people allegedly breaking into a home Tuesday night.
According to a press release from Lieutenant Ryan Cox, two armed people entered a home on the west side at roughly 11:00 p.m. Tuesday. He said the investigation so far suggests the pair were looking for unlocked doors and entered a home after finding one. The two suspects did not interact with the homeowners, and both of them left the scene in a vehicle.
"The Sun Prairie Police Department urges everyone to remember to check all doors and windows before leaving your residence or going to sleep for the night. A good plan is to verify your garage door is closed, any vehicles are locked, and all doors including the garage service door are locked," Cox said in the release.
This is considered an active investigation, and anyone with information on this burglary is asked to contact the SPPD non-emergency line at 608-837-7336. | 2022-01-20T08:14:11Z | www.wkow.com | Sun Prairie police investigating armed burglary of home | Crime | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/sun-prairie-police-investigating-armed-burglary-of-home/article_a83b5384-7950-11ec-8336-67f1da673df2.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/sun-prairie-police-investigating-armed-burglary-of-home/article_a83b5384-7950-11ec-8336-67f1da673df2.html |
Courtesy of the Juneau County Sheriff's Department
Tractor reported stolen from Juneau County
ARMENIA TOWNSHIP (WKOW) -- The Juneau County Sheriff's Office is reporting a tractor last seen in a rural part of the county in December as stolen.
According to an alert from the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, the red 1953 Farmall Brand Super H tractor was last seen in Armenia Township in December. It was reported stolen January 11.
The alert said the rear fenders of the tractor have extensions on them that are slightly bent upward due to the brackets being bent. The tractor also has a "fairly new" Interstate brand battery in it held on by bungee straps. The tractor is said to be in good running order.
If you have any information on the tractor's whereabouts, please contact the Juneau County Sheriff's Department at 608-847-5649 and ask to speak with Detective Shaun Goyette. | 2022-01-20T08:14:17Z | www.wkow.com | Tractor reported stolen from Juneau County | Crime | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/tractor-reported-stolen-from-juneau-county/article_abdd8282-7973-11ec-9890-3f536479676e.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/tractor-reported-stolen-from-juneau-county/article_abdd8282-7973-11ec-9890-3f536479676e.html |
Nearly seven months after his hiring, GOP lawmakers authorize Gableman to work for their committee
GOP Lawmakers Vote to Authorize Gableman Review
MADISON (WKOW) -- On a party line vote Wednesday, Republicans on the Assembly's elections committee formally authorized Michael Gableman to help lead their review of the 2020 election.
The move comes as Gableman's push to depose city and state elections officials is the subject of multiple lawsuits questioning whether the former state Supreme Court justice has the authority to compel testimony outside of a traditional legislative hearing at the Capitol.
Democrats questioned the committee chair, Rep. Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls), about whether Gableman currently had any investigative authority since the original contract he signed with Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) expired December 31.
Vos has said his office is still negotiating an extension with Gableman but wants legislative recommendations before the end of February. It's unclear how much more money Gableman is seeking from the legislature.
"Well, the speaker is aware of this [motion] and [Legislative] Counsel so I guess at this point, there must be an extension," Brandtjen said. "I mean I have not seen anything so I'm not aware of it."
Vos first announced in June Gableman would lead the legislature's review of the election at the Republican Party of Wisconsin's annual convention. The contract gives Gableman a budget of $676,000, which he's used to hire at least 10 other people, including investigators who previously sued to block the certification of the 2020 election results in Wisconsin.
A string of court challenges and recounts in Dane and Milwaukee counties maintained President Joe Biden won the state by more than 20,000 votes over former President Donald Trump.
UW-Madison Political Science Professor David Canon said he viewed the committee motion as an effort to buttress Republicans' legal arguments in favor of Gableman conducting private depositions.
The motion itself grants Gableman the authority to "compel the appearance of a person to give testimony within the scope of the Committee’s jurisdiction and authority, in open or closed session."
"What they're doing here is trying to lay the legal groundwork for when this does end up in the courts," Canon said. "Gableman's investigation can point to this and say 'hey look the state legislature signed off here and said it was OK.'"
Canon said whether the motion would actually carry any legal weight in ongoing cases before Dane and Waukesha County courts was unclear.
"Whether or not they can hand off that same ability to an investigation like we have going on right now with the Gableman investigation, I can't think of a parallel in recent years where that precise thing has happened," Canon said.
Democrats pressed Brandtjen for more details about why the motion authorizing Gableman's work for the committee was coming about now.
"What did prompt this motion?" asked Rep. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit). "What are you hoping to accomplish with this motion? What's the goal behind it?"
Brandtjen responded she'd been working with Gableman and indicated she was working to clarify his abilities moving forward.
"This motion was a collaboration between Justice Gableman and myself," Brandtjen said. " I think he wanted a set of rules going forward."
Moving forward with more subpoenas
Gableman has continued to issue subpoenas and has extended his reach beyond state and local officials. WisPolitics.com first reported Gableman issued subpoenas to voting machine makers Dominion Voting Systems and Election Systems & Security.
The cities in Gableman's crosshairs - Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay - do not use Dominion machines so it's unclear what prompted that subpoena.
"All forms of evidence, including audits, have already clearly shown that Wisconsin votes were accurately counted in the 2020 general election," said ES&S Spokeswoman Katina Granger. "We are confident that any further reviews would confirm the same."
Granger did not respond to follow up questions. Dominion did not respond at all to 27 News' request for comment.
Immigrant advocacy group, Voces de la Frontera, said Wednesday it was filing a lawsuit against Gableman over subpoenas he issued to their group seeking a "veritable mountain of internal documents and communications related in any way to the 2020 election."
Democratic lawmakers announced they were filing a bill that would terminate Gableman's investigation.
Canon said he expected the challenges filed both by and against Gableman to wind up before the state Supreme Court on which he once served. Should that happen, all eyes would be on Brian Hagedorn, who ran on a conservative platform but swung 2020 cases by siding with liberal judges to block thousands of absentee votes in Wisconsin from being thrown out.
"I think that's where we're headed," Canon said. | 2022-01-20T08:14:48Z | www.wkow.com | Nearly seven months after his hiring, GOP lawmakers authorize Gableman to work for their committee | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/nearly-seven-months-after-his-hiring-gop-lawmakers-authorize-gableman-to-work-for-their-committee/article_0a0a3d0e-7989-11ec-9248-8fdc594eece6.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/nearly-seven-months-after-his-hiring-gop-lawmakers-authorize-gableman-to-work-for-their-committee/article_0a0a3d0e-7989-11ec-9248-8fdc594eece6.html |
Courtesy of Madison Ballet
Madison Ballet receives grant to provide opportunities for choreographers of color
MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison Community Foundation has presented a grant to the Madison Ballet morning as part of a push to offer more opportunities for choreographers of color.
According to a news release from the Madison Ballet, the $15,000 grant will offer as the first step in the ballet's attempt to build diversity in what has long been a systemically white institution. It aims to create opportunities in every aspect of its organization.
“By creating advanced opportunities for choreographers of color throughout the organization, we seek to build programming of artistic voices that increasingly reflect the diversity of the city we serve,” Madison Ballet CEO Jonathan Solari said in the release.
With this grant, Madison Ballet will build on previous successes from 2021's Lift Every Voice film series, which provides local choreographers of color the opportunity to work with artists in other media. Working with local choreographers will allow them to create new works to permanently enter into Madison Ballet's repertoire, bringing in diversity in both the works themselves as well as artistic leadership.
Major Harris laid to rest; Harris' mother, Mallery Muenzenberger, also remembered
Silver Alert canceled for Green Lake County woman
Madison Common Council approves 2022 budget after 3 days of discussions | 2022-01-20T08:15:12Z | www.wkow.com | Madison Ballet receives grant to provide opportunities for choreographers of color | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/madison-ballet-receives-grant-to-provide-opportunities-for-choreographers-of-color/article_83612790-7942-11ec-abb5-2be91c1ace6d.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/madison-ballet-receives-grant-to-provide-opportunities-for-choreographers-of-color/article_83612790-7942-11ec-abb5-2be91c1ace6d.html |
Wisconsin National Guard members begin curriculum for nursing assistant training
National Guard Members Training to Become CNAs
MADISON (WKOW) -- 80 Wisconsin National Guard members began training as certified nurses' assistants this week as part of an ongoing effort to bring help to staff-strapped nursing homes across the state.
The guard members are training at Madison College, with plans to deploy them to nursing homes across Wisconsin by the end of the month. 80 more will start training next month for deployment at the end of February.
"Madison College is awesome. You know, all the teachers that have come out not only we volunteered to go but they also volunteered their time to come teach and share their knowledge. Because we have a lot of questions and they have the answers," Sgt. Andrew Moen said.
Six nursing homes currently have help from the Wisconsin National Guard, including one in Mineral Point and one in Wisconsin Dells.
Retailers say Halloween costumes are in high demand this year
Pilot found dead after plane goes down in Oconto County
Fennimore woman dead in crash; third fatal crash in Grant County in three days
UPDATE: Armed robbery suspect shot when police tried to take him into custody, officers on leave
Columbus man charged in hit-and-run crash in DeForest | 2022-01-20T08:15:37Z | www.wkow.com | Wisconsin National Guard members begin curriculum for nursing assistant training | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/wisconsin-national-guard-members-begin-curriculum-for-nursing-assistant-training/article_9d82e87c-7986-11ec-997f-7b6b6590674c.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/wisconsin-national-guard-members-begin-curriculum-for-nursing-assistant-training/article_9d82e87c-7986-11ec-997f-7b6b6590674c.html |
Teagan Mallegni unlocks potential, scores 113 total points in last two games
Mallegni Leads State in Scoring
MCFARLAND (WKOW)-- The McFarland girls basketball team is off to its best start to the season in over a decade at 11-3. Sophomore sensation Teagan Mallegni has played a key role as she leads the state in scoring, averaging 30 points per game.
"Last year was good, but there was something missing," Mallegni said.
The missing piece was her confidence. Her mom, who is also her head coach, helped instill that in her this season.
"At the East Troy game, she told me before the game, she's like 'no mercy.'"
That game, Mallegni went out and scored 62 points, two points shy of the state record.
"It wasn't until after the game when I realized it was only two away," Mallegni said. "I thought back, and I missed like five free throws or something."
"I mean we weren't paying attention at all," Head Coach Sara Mallegni said. "It (the state record) didn't even cross our minds."
She followed that up by pouring in 51 points against Whitewater in another victory.
"It's fun to see her in her element," Sara Mallegni said. "When she is focused like that and doesn't question herself, it's fun to watch."
"This team is amazing," Mallegni said. "They have helped me and supported me, and they're okay with me going out and scoring that many if that means we'll win."
There is no surprise that she is gaining college interest. Mallegni already has scholarship offers including one right in her backyard at UW-Madison.
Local ties to second day of NHL Draft
Wisconsin moves up one spot after Nebraska win
Homeless to the pros: A Madison soccer player’s journey
Bucks players, staff receive 2021 NBA Championship rings
Taylor working on a different part of his game – receiving
Vivamus Rutrum | 2022-01-20T08:15:43Z | www.wkow.com | Teagan Mallegni unlocks potential, scores 113 total points in last two games | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/teagan-mallegni-unlocks-potential-scores-113-total-points-in-last-two-games/article_35275246-799e-11ec-a7c3-1fc57374f773.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/teagan-mallegni-unlocks-potential-scores-113-total-points-in-last-two-games/article_35275246-799e-11ec-a7c3-1fc57374f773.html |
Later Wednesday, Biden issued a statement after Senate Democrats failed to change Senate rules to advance two major voting rights measures, saying, "I am profoundly disappointed that the United States Senate has failed to stand up for our democracy. I am disappointed — but I am not deterred."
"As dangerous new Republican laws plainly designed to suppress and subvert voting rights proliferate in states across the country, we will explore every measure and use every tool at our disposal to stand up for democracy," the President added later.
Biden, in his opening comments at the news conference, said that "it's been a year of challenges, but it's also been a year of enormous progress." | 2022-01-21T00:10:28Z | www.wkow.com | Biden signals a change in approach as he heads toward second year of his presidency | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/biden-signals-a-change-in-approach-as-he-heads-toward-second-year-of-his-presidency/article_b9c827f5-cbf3-5907-b75d-58ef8333246a.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/biden-signals-a-change-in-approach-as-he-heads-toward-second-year-of-his-presidency/article_b9c827f5-cbf3-5907-b75d-58ef8333246a.html |
Chandler Halderson will not testify in double murder trial
MADISON (WKOW) — Chandler Halderson has chosen not to testify in the trial where he's accused of killing and dismembering his parents.
Halderson is on trial for the death of parents Bart and Krista Halderson. He faces two sets of the same four charges: first degree intentional homicide, providing false information on missing persons, mutilating a corpse and hiding a corpse.
The announcement of the decision not to testify was made on Thursday morning prior to the jury entering the courtroom. This announcement follows the discussion of the prosecution resting its case once the jury is present.
After the prosecution rests, the defense is also immediately expected to rest as well, without calling any witnesses.
Closing arguments would be presented by both the prosecution and defense.
Halderson's month long trial is expected to wrap up by Friday. | 2022-01-21T00:10:34Z | www.wkow.com | Chandler Halderson will not testify in double murder trial | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/chandler-halderson-will-not-testify-in-double-murder-trial/article_e051d4a4-7a00-11ec-bd26-a30f429a5d8f.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/chandler-halderson-will-not-testify-in-double-murder-trial/article_e051d4a4-7a00-11ec-bd26-a30f429a5d8f.html |
Andrea Raymond delivering closing arguments in the Chandler Halderson trial on January 20.
Defense attorney Crystal Vera delivering closing arguments in Chandler Halderson's trial on January 20.
Prosecution Begins Closing Arguments
MADISON (WKOW) — Closing arguments have started in Chandler Halderson's double murder trial.
Halderson is on trial for the killing and dismembering of both his parents, Bart and Krista Halderson, after he initially reported them missing in July.
Closing arguments began after the prosecution rested its case, followed immediately by the defense resting without calling any witnesses to the stand. Halderson decided not to testify in his own trial.
After closing arguments, the case will be handed over to jurors for deliberations. | 2022-01-21T00:10:40Z | www.wkow.com | Closing arguments begin in Chandler Halderson's double murder trial | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/closing-arguments-begin-in-chandler-haldersons-double-murder-trial/article_0a44a9c4-7a03-11ec-9dd8-bb6f15a1b0a6.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/closing-arguments-begin-in-chandler-haldersons-double-murder-trial/article_0a44a9c4-7a03-11ec-9dd8-bb6f15a1b0a6.html |
Defense attorney Catherine Dorl during opening statements.
Prosecuting attorney William Brown during opening statements on January 4.
Defense rests without calling any witnesses in Chandler Halderson murder trial
MADISON (WKOW) — The prosecution and defense have both rested their cases in the Chandler Halderson murder trial.
Halderson is on trial for the deaths of both his parents, after he initially reported them missing in July.
Halderson's defense team rested its case immediately after the prosecution did, without presenting any witnesses.
The prosecution claims Halderson killed and dismembered his parents after they discovered a “web of lies” about his life. Those alleged lies include where he was employed, where he was going to school, plans to move to Florida and the severity of a head injury sustained in June.
Bart's remains were located on a property in rural Cottage Grove often referred to as “the farm” throughout the trial. Krista’s remains were located on DNR property in Roxbury. Prosecutors believe some of the couple's remains were burned in the fireplace at their home.
Over the course of eight days of testimony the prosecution called more than 60 witnesses. Prior to trial, prosecuting attorneys claimed there could be 100 witnesses or more. Those who took the stand ranged from law enforcement officials involved in the case, Chandler’s former girlfriend and her family members, people who were friends or worked with Bart and Krista, Bart's brother, Chandler's brother, neighbors and experts from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab.
Witness testimony was supplemented with a substantial amount of evidence: photographic, video and physical evidence included.
The defense argues that Halderson did not kill his parents. During opening statements, Assistant State Public Defender Catherine Dorl said she may concede Halderson committed some crimes, but not homicide. Throughout the prosecution's case, Dorl and co-counsel Christina Vega used cross examination sparingly. When they did ask witnesses questions, they were attempts to poke holes of reasonable doubt into the prosecution's case.
Both the prosecution and defense will give closing arguments Thursday. | 2022-01-21T00:10:59Z | www.wkow.com | Defense rests without calling any witnesses in Chandler Halderson murder trial | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/defense-rests-without-calling-any-witnesses-in-chandler-halderson-murder-trial/article_b0419cae-792e-11ec-a309-a770bddb7281.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/defense-rests-without-calling-any-witnesses-in-chandler-halderson-murder-trial/article_b0419cae-792e-11ec-a309-a770bddb7281.html |
Police charge man with two armed robberies on Madison’s east side
MADISON (WKOW) -- A suspect is in custody after a pair of robberies on Madison’s east side.
Madison police say they responded Wednesday afternoon to two separate armed robberies, which occurred within minutes of each other, at businesses near East Washington Avenue and East Johnson Street.
Police say a weapon was threatened and implied, but never seen.
Officers detained a suspect matching the description provided by witnesses as he was walking at East Washington Avenue and Oak Street. Police say further investigation and evidence from both scenes led to his arrest on charges related to both of the armed robberies. | 2022-01-21T00:11:11Z | www.wkow.com | Police charge man with two armed robberies on Madison’s east side | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/police-charge-man-with-two-armed-robberies-on-madison-s-east-side/article_1c9272b4-79d6-11ec-9381-171c6f972f5e.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/police-charge-man-with-two-armed-robberies-on-madison-s-east-side/article_1c9272b4-79d6-11ec-9381-171c6f972f5e.html |
A rendering for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison. The Center is set to open in 2023.
American Family announces $2.5 million for Center for Black Excellence and Culture
MADISON (WKOW) -- American Family Insurance announced a $2.5 million investment in the Center for Black Excellence and Culture Thursday, bringing the project closer to meeting its 2023 opening goal.
According to a news release from American Family spokesperson Janet Masters, the Center has raised $7.5 million in funding in the last 30 days alone. The 65,000 square foot complex "will focus on the areas of health and wellness, leadership and innovation, performing and arts visuals, and youth and families," Masters said in the release.
The Center is the brainchild of CEO Dr. Alex Gee, lifelong Madison resident and pastor at Fountain of Life Church. He is also the CEO of the Nehemiah Center of Urban Leadership and hosts the Black Like Me podcast.
"Corporate gifts like American Family Insurance’s communicate that the larger community recognizes the tremendous economic benefit that a Black cultural home means for the entire community and region," Gee said in the release.
“We want this investment to inspire and encourage others to take part in making The Center a reality, and Madison a city that is welcoming to everyone," American Family CEO Bill Westrate said in the release.
Janet Masters
Center For Black Excellence And Culture
Center For Black Excellence And Culture Thursday | 2022-01-21T00:11:17Z | www.wkow.com | American Family announces $2.5 million for Center for Black Excellence and Culture | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/american-family-announces-2-5-million-for-center-for-black-excellence-and-culture/article_902f50ae-7a0b-11ec-ac72-7b0d4839ab7f.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/american-family-announces-2-5-million-for-center-for-black-excellence-and-culture/article_902f50ae-7a0b-11ec-ac72-7b0d4839ab7f.html |
Packers announce standing-room only tickets for upcoming playoff game
GREEN BAY (WKOW) -- The Green Bay Packers have released a limited amount of standing-room only tickets for Saturday's playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to a news release from team spokesperson Katie Hermsen, the tickets cost $87 each, plus fees, for standing room on the fourth level of the stands behind the south end zone. Concessions and restrooms are available in the nearby concourse.
Tickets are currently available here, with a limit of four per household.
"With the playoffs now underway, the team needs Packers fans to help amplify the Lambeau Field home-field advantage on Saturday. Ticket holders for the game who can’t use their tickets themselves are urged to share their tickets only with other Packers fans to ensure Lambeau Field is the most supportive environment possible for the Green and Gold," Hermsen said in the release.
A limited number of tickets that have been returned from the visiting teams allotment are also available on Ticketmaster. | 2022-01-21T00:11:29Z | www.wkow.com | Packers announce standing-room only tickets for upcoming playoff game | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/packers-announce-standing-room-only-tickets-for-upcoming-playoff-game/article_5b4f1e10-7a0f-11ec-a994-33d4fe715a3b.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/packers-announce-standing-room-only-tickets-for-upcoming-playoff-game/article_5b4f1e10-7a0f-11ec-a994-33d4fe715a3b.html |
Downtown Green Bay hosts Packers pep rally
10 PACKERS PLAYOFF PEP RALLY
GREEN BAY (WKOW) -- It's expected to be cold for Saturday night's matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field, but that's the way many Packers fans want it.
It was cold Friday afternoon, but dozens of Packers fans showed up in downtown Green Bay for a pep rally.
The cold came up when former Packers receiver Antonio Freeman was interviewed at the event.
"People think we're crazy, like, 'You're going to Green Bay. It's single digits.' I'm like, we wouldn't have it any other way," Freeman said.
Team president & CEO Mark Murphy also spoke about the opportunity that's ahead for the team and how much help Packers fans will be.
"This is exciting to have home field advantage, the number one seed. We had it last year but we only had 10,000 fans. Tomorrow, we're going to have 82,000 fans screaming, so we're excited about it," Murphy said.
Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
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Silver Alert canceled for Shawano County man | 2022-01-22T08:51:06Z | www.wkow.com | Downtown Green Bay hosts Packers pep rally | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/downtown-green-bay-hosts-packers-pep-rally/article_6abe17e0-7b3e-11ec-96ba-476bd5da6adc.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/downtown-green-bay-hosts-packers-pep-rally/article_6abe17e0-7b3e-11ec-96ba-476bd5da6adc.html |
Sen. Baldwin on GOP electors: "Somebody" committed a crime
Baldwin, Pocan Seek Investigation into Trump Electors
MADISON (WKOW) -- Senator Tammy Baldwin said Friday that she believed GOP electors broke the law when they submitted a false slate of electors after the 2020 election.
Earlier in the day, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) called for U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the Republican electors submitted in several states.
A 27 News reporter asked Baldwin if she believed that the documents from Republicans were an act of forgery and if any of the 10 Wisconsin GOP electors, including then-Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Andrew Hitt, had committed a crime.
"I believe somebody did," Baldwin said. "This is- but, again, it needs to be fully investigated and appropriate action needs to be taken."
The calls for an investigation come as Democrats in Congress decide how to proceed after a sweeping voting rights bill failed in the U.S. Senate when moderate senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) voted against gutting filibuster rules and allowing the bill to pass with a simple majority instead of 60 votes.
Democrats might now pivot to the more narrow Electoral Count Act which would modernize how states submit their electoral votes. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) has noted that the legislature's own lawyers have repeatedly said that Wisconsin law does not allow the legislature to decertify election results.
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Watch: Democrats seek to challenge Gov. Scott Walker
Police: Woman attacked cab driver and stole tip money | 2022-01-22T08:51:12Z | www.wkow.com | Sen. Baldwin on GOP electors: "Somebody" committed a crime | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/sen-baldwin-on-gop-electors-somebody-committed-a-crime/article_15f89fa0-7b11-11ec-9373-a3f772c80a09.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/sen-baldwin-on-gop-electors-somebody-committed-a-crime/article_15f89fa0-7b11-11ec-9373-a3f772c80a09.html |
Michigan State ends Wisconsin's seven-game win streak with 86-74 victory
WKOW (MADISON) -- No. 14 Michigan State defeated No. 8 Wisconsin 86-74 on Saturday night. Wisconsin falls to 15-3 on the season, 6-2 in the Big Ten.
The Spartans jumped on the Badgers early, pushing their lead out to 17 points with 4:16 remaining in the first half. Wisconsin cut the lead to six in the second half, but that was as close as they would get.
Malik Hall led Michigan State with 14 points. For Wisconsin, Johnny Davis led with 25 points, and Brad Davison had 22 points including six three pointers.
Michigan State shot 52.7% from the floor and 50% from three. The Badgers shot 42.6% from the field and 41.4% from deep.
Michigan State finished with 21 fast break points and 43 points from its bench players.
Next up: Wisconsin plays at Nebraska on Tuesday at 8 p.m.
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Wisconsin women’s hoops falls on senior night | 2022-01-22T08:51:18Z | www.wkow.com | Michigan State ends Wisconsin's seven-game win streak with 86-74 victory | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/michigan-state-ends-wisconsins-seven-game-win-streak-with-86-74-victory/article_a7f0f9ee-7b3d-11ec-93c5-47d781be4b6a.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/michigan-state-ends-wisconsins-seven-game-win-streak-with-86-74-victory/article_a7f0f9ee-7b3d-11ec-93c5-47d781be4b6a.html |
'Nothing's been harder than this': School district cancels class to give staff a mental break
MIDDLETON (WKOW) -- Across the country, COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on schools, and many teachers are having to give up their planning time to fill-in for coworkers who are out sick.
Sonja Hungness, a math teacher at Kromrey Middle School and a 34-year teaching veteran, said it's wearing on their mental health.
"Nothing I've ever gone through compares to this," she said. "This is just unprecedented. Nothing's been harder than this."
Hungness said in addition to the normal lesson planning, teaching, grading and communicating with families, there's a lot of other responsibilities on teachers' plates this school year.
"The students also have a lot of anxiety still around what's happening with COVID, so [we're] trying to take care of them as well," she said. "We're giving so much that it's been pretty emotionally exhausting."
Now, as the omicron variant spreads and already short-staffed schools see even more staff absences, Hungness said many of her colleagues are reaching their breaking points.
"I don't think that the general public really understands the breadth of the issues that we're having with staffing shortages," she said. "We are in crisis."
District giving staff a break
In response to what Hungness and other teachers of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District are feeling, superintendent Dana Monogue decided to cancel classes on Feb. 14 and 15. The two days off will be followed by a professional development day on Feb. 16.
"This has been the one thing that they were desperately wanting, just more time off to rest and relax and reset," district spokesperson Shannon Valladolid said.
Since the break follows a weekend, the district will have five straight days with no classes.
"I almost was in tears over it," Hungness said. "I am so excited for that small break. [It] just gives us a breather to kind of just refresh and take care of ourselves mentally, to kind of fill up the cup again."
In a video message, Monogue said that staff members stepping up to fill in for sick coworkers was one of the ways the district has been able to keep its doors open despite the record-breaking surge of COVID-19 cases.
"I need to do everything I can to keep these talented people here this year and make sure they want to come back next year," she said. "I feel compelled to honor and acknowledge the efforts of our staff and prioritize their mental health and wellbeing as this pandemic continues."
Hungness said she and her coworkers are thankful the district's administrators are taking this step.
"It shows from the top to the bottom that we're valued as educators and staff," she said. "Every single staff that I've spoken to at my school, we're so very grateful."
Valladolid said the district made the announcement nearly a month in advance to give families time to plan and find child care for the days students won't have class.
This break is in addition to the district's spring break, which is scheduled for late March.
Sonja Hungness
Dana Monogue | 2022-01-22T08:51:30Z | www.wkow.com | 'Nothing's been harder than this': School district cancels class to give staff a mental break | School | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/school/nothings-been-harder-than-this-school-district-cancels-class-to-give-staff-a-mental-break/article_ab490752-7b2a-11ec-91c7-6f15ef19cd41.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/school/nothings-been-harder-than-this-school-district-cancels-class-to-give-staff-a-mental-break/article_ab490752-7b2a-11ec-91c7-6f15ef19cd41.html |
It's about time - snow finally returns
Snow lovers rejoice, we're finally going to be seeing some snow return to the area as our second Clipper moves through the region. This isn't the last Clipper but the second one will most likely be the one that brings the most snow across southern Wisconsin.
The snow starts across parts of southern Wisconsin beginning between 8-10pm and will continue through the early morning hours on Sunday. That being said, there is a winter weather advisory for nearly all of the 27 News forecast area that will expire at 3am Sunday.
If there is dry air, snow accumulations will range from 1-3" from northeast to southwest. However, if the dry air doesn't stick around accumulations will range from 1-5" from northeast to southwest. Those living in southwestern parts of Wisconsin, specifically Crawford, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties will have the best chance for accumulating the higher snow totals regardless if there's dry air or not.
Another Clipper moves in Sunday night into Monday, with the higher snow accumulations expected farther northeast. An additional 1-3" will be possible.
After that, cold air moves in and this air could be even colder than last week, especially Tuesday night. | 2022-01-23T03:45:18Z | www.wkow.com | It's about time - snow finally returns | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/its-about-time---snow-finally-returns/article_107a70a2-7bc6-11ec-b56e-fb2cb782da0a.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/its-about-time---snow-finally-returns/article_107a70a2-7bc6-11ec-b56e-fb2cb782da0a.html |
Courtesy of Uncle Mike's Bake Shoppe
De Pere bakery offers "49ers turnovers" to celebrate Packers playoff game
DE PERE (WKOW) -- With the San Francisco 49ers coming to town for the NFL playoffs, a local bakery offered up a playful treat for Packers fans.
Uncle Mike's Bake Shoppe whipped up a batch of cherry turnovers in honor of San Francisco, maybe looking to inspire a certain performance from the Niners' mistake-prone quarterback Jimmy Garoppalo.
Their shelves are also loaded up with Packers-colored pastries, including their signature cheese kringle bedecked with green and gold frosting.
The Packers and 49ers kick off at 7:15 p.m. Saturday night with a berth in the NFC Championship Game on the line. | 2022-01-23T03:46:01Z | www.wkow.com | De Pere bakery offers "49ers turnovers" to celebrate Packers playoff game | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/de-pere-bakery-offers-49ers-turnovers-to-celebrate-packers-playoff-game/article_2006378e-7baa-11ec-9256-4fb3e83de756.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/de-pere-bakery-offers-49ers-turnovers-to-celebrate-packers-playoff-game/article_2006378e-7baa-11ec-9256-4fb3e83de756.html |
What to expect from the Packers in the Divisional Round
GREEN BAY (WKOW) -- After a week off thanks to their status as the NFC's top seed, the Green Bay Packers are set to square off against San Francisco for a spot in the NFC Championship Game tonight at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Green Bay comes into this game with a strong roster that has seen plenty of good news in recent days. All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander will be suiting up for the first time since Week Four, alongside starting offensive linemen Billy Turner and Josh Myers. They also recently activated pass rushers Za'Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus from the injured list.
However, the Packers will not have the services of All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, who is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the final weeks of the 2020 regular season. They will also be short deep threat wideout Marquez Valdez-Scantling, who is out with a back injury.
The Packers do not have a positive recent history against the 49ers in the postseason. They are 0-3 in the last three playoff meetings, falling to Colin Kaepernick and Jim Harbaugh in 2013 and 2014, and then dropping the NFCCG to San Francisco's potent rushing attack in early 2020.
However, this is a strong Packers team that has shored up its weaknesses since that last playoff game. Green Bay beat the Niners once already this season thanks to a last-second Aaron Rodgers field goal drive, and the defense came up big to slow down San Francisco's potent rushing attack.
That rushing attack, largely unique in the NFL, is not driven by a running back or even Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Jusczyk. The run game is built in no small part around wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who rode his unique mix of speed, size and elusiveness to an All-Pro season.
Samuel's renaissance as what he calls a "wide back" did not begin at the start of the season. San Francisco's offense took time to come together, with some going so far as to call for head coach Kyle Shanahan's job after the team limped to a 3-5 start.
At that point, the Niners unleashed Samuel and haven't looked back. He'll run in motion across the formation before the snap constantly, pulling defenders' eyes and either creating confusion for his teammates' benefit or opening lanes for himself.
However, the Packers have two silver bullets for Samuel and Shanahan's talents: defensive tackle Kenny Clark and first-team All-Pro middle linebacker DeVondre Campbell. The key to defending the run is a strong middle, even against a team like San Francisco that constantly looks to create opportunities running outside the tackles.
With Clark collapsing the center of the line and Campbell patrolling around to cut off Samuel's options, the onus will fall on San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppalo to present enough of a threat through the air that Green Bay can't sell out to stop the run.
Garoppalo's record has been spotty under Shanahan, although far from bad. He is consistently efficient, especially with Shanahan's offensive system opening up voids in zone coverage for pitch-and-catch gains time and again. The issue comes in when Garoppalo has to make any kind of throw over distance that requires pace.
Frankly, Garoppalo's arm is not strong. Most of the time, that isn't an issue; slants, screens and drag routes don't require a Brett Favre-caliber cannon to pull off. But sometimes, when a receiver is running to the sideline and Garoppalo's throw has to beat the safety closing out the route, he fails to do so and the ball ends up going the other way.
With the return of Alexander, Green Bay's secondary is a force to be reckoned with. Rookie Eric Stokes has exceeded expectations, and practice squad pickup Rasul Douglas has been a revelation as an emergency replacement for Alexander. Garoppalo struggles against tight coverage at times, especially in obvious passing situations.
If the Packers can get out to an early lead and force Shanahan to lean on his passing game for quick ball movement, the Packers should cruise. If they can't get an early lead, and San Francisco can run all over the Packers, expect a nail-biter at Lambeau.
Jimmy Garoppalo | 2022-01-23T03:46:13Z | www.wkow.com | What to expect from the Packers in the Divisional Round | Sport | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/sport/what-to-expect-from-the-packers-in-the-divisional-round/article_ffcb0cd0-7bde-11ec-ba77-93f92f07e89d.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/sport/what-to-expect-from-the-packers-in-the-divisional-round/article_ffcb0cd0-7bde-11ec-ba77-93f92f07e89d.html |
Experts say omicron is making the worker shortage problem worse (Source: CNN)
Experts say omicron is making the worker shortage problem worse
Omicron Adding to Worker Shortage Problems
MADISON (WKOW) -- It's already tough to find workers for businesses, but experts say the recent omicron surge has only made matters worse.
"It's just really hard," American Eagle manager Maddie Stocker said. "And I've like tried everything I could to get people."
Stocker said despite above-minimum wage pay and benefits, the store hasn't been able to fill its open positions. It's a phenomenon the country has dealt with since the beginning of the pandemic, but recently, it's gotten worse.
"It's not just my store that's suffering," Stocker said. "I've had a lot of other stores come up to me saying like, 'Hey, are you guys struggling?' And I think the main reason why everybody's struggling is because the pandemic."
Experts say omicron has a lot to do with it.
A recent study by Goldman Sachs found that the number of workers out due to covid-related reasons tripled from December to January.
"It's been this way, since the beginning of the pandemic," Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon said.
Brandon says businesses are hurting now more than ever, and unfortunately, don't have the staffing resources to deal with the problems.
"They're navigating things like supply chain shortages, inflation, labor gap and now COVID in the workplace at a significant rate," Brandon said. "They still need the resources to be able to navigate that."
Luckily for Stocker, she's been able to enlist help from other American Eagle stores across Wisconsin, who have been sending workers from their locations to Madison.
Even with that, though, she and other part-time staff are sometimes working more than a week straight.
"It's just a lot of people are scared of this pandemic," Stocker said. "It's just getting worse and worse. And there's unfortunately, nothing we can do about it."
Maddie Stocker
Zach Brandon
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Food Pantry works to provide meals for family during COVID-19 emergency | 2022-01-23T08:14:44Z | www.wkow.com | Experts say omicron is making the worker shortage problem worse | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/experts-say-omicron-is-making-the-worker-shortage-problem-worse/article_390275c4-7be9-11ec-a054-6f8b54079eb2.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/experts-say-omicron-is-making-the-worker-shortage-problem-worse/article_390275c4-7be9-11ec-a054-6f8b54079eb2.html |
Capital City Sunday: Baldwin says GOP elector papers were criminal; Republicans propose new job search rules
MADISON (WKOW) -- Senator Tammy Baldwin said she believes GOP electors broke the law when they submitted a false slate of electors after the 2020 election.
On Friday, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) called for U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the Republican electors submitted in several states.
If Baldwin thought the documents submitted by Republicans were an act of forgery, did any of the 10 Wisconsin GOP electors, including then-Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Andrew Hitt, need to be referred for criminal charges?
"I believe somebody did [commit a crime]," Baldwin said. "This is- but, again, it needs to be fully investigated and appropriate action needs to be taken."
The debate over how to handle the fake GOP elector slate comes after Democrats failed to pass sweeping voting rights legislation that would've set new federal standards on voting by mail and redistricting, as well as loosening voter ID requirements.
Moderate senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) voted against gutting filibuster rules and allowing the bill to pass with a simple majority instead of 60 votes. Baldwin defended the push to gut the filibuster and return it to an older form when lawmakers could only filibuster legislation by talking non-stop.
"When it's so foundational to our democracy, I believe we have to make a choice between protecting everybody's right to vote and the rules - and I would say the much abused rules - of the United States Senate," Baldwin said.
Democrats will have to decide whether to prioritize taking another run at passing elements of the broad voting bills or focusing instead on the more narrow Electoral Count Act, which would clarify how states can submit their electoral college votes. Baldwin said she favored pursuing the former.
"If eligible voters don't have the freedom to vote this fall, the electoral reforms will be moot," she argued.
GOP pushes workforce bills amid record-low unemployment
Right now, people can collect unemployment pay for 26 weeks. Under the bill, that would only be the case if the unemployment rate hits 9%. At the current rate of 2.8% -- a record-low for Wisconsin -- people would only be eligible for 14 weeks' worth of benefits.
"We want to help people and you've never seen anybody get out of poverty on a welfare program," said Senate President Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield). "The American Dream is you can go out there and work hard and do well for yourself but you can't do that sitting on the sidelines."
Kapenga acknowledged the bills were short-term solutions amid challenges that have threatened Wisconsin's workforce outlook for years. Those issues came into clearer focus in December when a report from Forward Analytics found declining child births and an aging population drove the slowest decade of population growth ever recorded in state history.
Kapenga said he was optimistic enough people would find a solution after "putting their heads together."
"I think you're gonna see, really, not the industrial revolution but the automation revolution," he said. "Where you've got kids coming out of school right now are way beyond advanced than what I can do on computers and we're really gonna leverage those skill sets in the long-term to be able to really automate so we can continue to be productive."
Reaction to Gableman reports
American Oversight has also released a trove of expense reports submitted by former state Supreme Court Justice Mike Gableman as part of his investigation of the 2020 election.
The documents - particularly an entirely handwritten mileage reimbursement form - have drawn mockery from liberal critics and some conservative commentators too. Kapenga distanced himself from Gableman's work.
"This is something the speaker of the Assembly has authorized and he's running it," Kapenga said. "So I don't have any connection with that so I don't have a direct line of sight to 'hey here's what your work product needs to look like.'"
Kapenga said he wanted to focus on guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission that the Legislative Audit Bureau found to be illegal. The LAB report stated the commission should've established formal rules instead of written guidance.
WEC Chair Ann Jacobs has said that would give the legislature too much power as a powerful legislative committee on administrative rules can suspend all or parts of those rules. The committee has ordered WEC to submit rules on drop boxes and when clerks can correct errors on ballot applications.
Kapenga said the Senate's own review of the election would focus on whether the state should "change out some of the bodies on the elections commission" but added his understanding of how Wisconsin elections are certified is clear: the legislature cannot overturn or reject results . Kapenga added he agreed with that principle.
"Alexander Hamilton was talking [in the Federalist Papers] and he said 'hey the last thing you want to do is just have elected officials just be able to choose on their own, on a whim, what the results of an election are,'" Kapenga said. "That needs to be through the people."
Interestingly, Hamilton had his own infamous election-related moment in 1800 when he called on the governor of New York to call a special session of the legislature so a lame-duck Federalist majority could change how the state picked its electors before the newly-elected Republicans could choose them.
'Cautious optimism' as COVID-19 hospitalizations decline
According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has fallen by more than 10 percent over the last 10 days, from nearly 2,300 to a little more than 2,000.
Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge said she was hopeful it was a sign fewer people were developing severe infections and the surge driven by the milder but highly-contagious Omicron variant was approaching its peak in the state.
"I view the decline of recent days as cautious optimism," Standridge said. "I'm not ready to call it a trend yet."
Standridge said it was also too soon to say the decline in hospitalizations was attributable to the deployment of 50 National Guard members to six nursing homes across the state. She added, however, the early returns have been promising.
By increasing staffing in long-term care facilities, health officials hope that will free up more beds there, allowing more patients to transfer out of hospitals where a bed shortage is causing long wait times and diversions for COVID and non-COVID patients alike.
"Great start," Standridge said. "People are excited and there's already beginning to see the benefit."
According to the plan, another 80 guard members will deploy to nursing homes by the end of this month with another 80 completing training and going out in February.
Standridge said DHS also planned to announce a reboot of its WisCaregiver initiative which funds efforts to attract more people to into training for nursing aide positions. The program launched in 2018 but expired this past June.
"That is a program of which people can enroll in to go through certified nursing assistant training and to be able to be mentored in a skilled nursing facility," Standridge said.
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Father faces homicide charges in deaths of two Kaukauna children | 2022-01-23T18:32:25Z | www.wkow.com | Capital City Sunday: Baldwin says GOP elector papers were criminal; Republicans propose new job search rules | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/capital-city-sunday-baldwin-says-gop-elector-papers-were-criminal-republicans-propose-new-job-search/article_2512fb3c-7b1d-11ec-9f19-4febe4f81fa4.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/capital-city-sunday-baldwin-says-gop-elector-papers-were-criminal-republicans-propose-new-job-search/article_2512fb3c-7b1d-11ec-9f19-4febe4f81fa4.html |
Juneau County residences shot at with people inside
ARMENIA & NECEDAH TOWNSHIPS (WKOW) -- The Juneau County Sheriff's Office says two northern Juneau County residences were shot at with people inside in what they are calling "random" acts.
A news release says the first call came in around 12:15 Sunday morning regarding a residence that had been been damaged by gunfire. Around 12:45 a.m., the sheriff's office received another similar report.
Both residences were occupied, and the people inside were "nearly struck," the release says.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call the Juneau County Sheriff's Office. | 2022-01-23T18:32:31Z | www.wkow.com | Juneau County residences shot at with people inside | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/juneau-county-residences-shot-at-with-people-inside/article_d9b4fd40-7c5f-11ec-9b98-fb2e4c104626.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/juneau-county-residences-shot-at-with-people-inside/article_d9b4fd40-7c5f-11ec-9b98-fb2e4c104626.html |
UPDATE (WKOW) -- Milwaukee police said in a news conference Sunday night officers found four men and one woman dead earlier in the day.
"We came here and unfortunately today, we found five people that were deceased," Assistant Chief Paul Formolo said.
Officers said all five had been shot but didn't say when they were shot. Milwaukee police said they're hoping to learn more when the medical examiner performs the autopsies on Monday. | 2022-01-24T07:25:47Z | www.wkow.com | Five found dead in Milwaukee | Police | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/police/five-found-dead-in-milwaukee/article_fbef9482-7ca6-11ec-8161-bfb50ec70904.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/police/five-found-dead-in-milwaukee/article_fbef9482-7ca6-11ec-8161-bfb50ec70904.html |
'We disagree': Bucks release statement regarding Grayson Allen suspension
Allen was ejected from Friday's game vs. the Bulls after being assessed a flagrant foul on Alex Caruso.
MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- Following the announcement of Grayson Allen's one-game suspension, the Milwaukee Bucks released a statement disagreeing with the league's decision.
Allen, who was acquired this offseason, was ejected from Friday's win over the Bulls following a flagrant two foul on Chicago guard Alex Caruso.
Caruso suffered a broken wrist as a result of the play and will be out for at least six to eight weeks.
The Bucks will travel to Cleveland for a Central Division showdown with the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Sun Prairie football chases second state championship
Badgers women’s soccer advances to Big Ten title game
Badgers prepare to host No. 14 Michigan
Wisconsin volleyball celebrates national title with fans
Ferguson looks to make a name for himself with Badgers | 2022-01-24T19:32:06Z | www.wkow.com | 'We disagree': Bucks release statement regarding Grayson Allen suspension | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/we-disagree-bucks-release-statement-regarding-grayson-allen-suspension/article_7d5f5472-7cab-11ec-9ee6-dbc7f0c7430b.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/we-disagree-bucks-release-statement-regarding-grayson-allen-suspension/article_7d5f5472-7cab-11ec-9ee6-dbc7f0c7430b.html |
Democrats introduced a series of bills Monday focus on crime prevention.
Democrats introduce criminal justice reform bills
WI Democrats Introduce Criminal Justice Reform Bills
MADISON (WKOW) -- Democrats in the State Assembly introduced a group of bills Monday focused on reducing violence.
The legislation comes a day before Republican majorities in both the Senate and Assembly are set to pass their own criminal justice measures, but Democrats say the GOP plans don't focus on evidence-based solutions.
"For too long, shared revenue has not been a priority of legislative Republicans," said Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee). "Just a few weeks ago, they stood in this very spot at this very podium and claimed to support law enforcement. However, their funding decisions over the last decade have said the exact opposite."
The democratic proposal includes an increase in share revenue funds given to local governments. Shared revenue is a major source of money for municipalities and helps fund police and fire departments.
The plan would cost about $100 million and would be funded by the state.
The Republican bills would direct Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to spend $25 million in federal COVID relief from the American Rescue Plan Act toward recruiting and staffing police departments. | 2022-01-25T02:03:32Z | www.wkow.com | Democrats introduce criminal justice reform bills | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/democrats-introduce-criminal-justice-reform-bills/article_c459d03c-7d6e-11ec-9597-539c6aa23824.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/democrats-introduce-criminal-justice-reform-bills/article_c459d03c-7d6e-11ec-9597-539c6aa23824.html |
Middleton-Cross Plains school board approves 2022-2023 school resource officer contracts
MIDDLETON (WKOW) -- The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District's Board of Education approved new school resource officer (SRO) contracts for the 2022-2023 school year.
The contracts call for the city to supply two SROs. One will be assigned to Middleton High School. The other will be assigned to Kromrey Middle School and the elementary schools that feed it.
Both the City of Middleton the Village of Cross Plains have to approve the contracts before they take effect.
Middleton-cross Plains Area
Both The City | 2022-01-25T08:25:56Z | www.wkow.com | Middleton-Cross Plains school board approves 2022-2023 school resource officer contracts | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/middleton-cross-plains-school-board-approves-2022-2023-school-resource-officer-contracts/article_39efef54-7d9a-11ec-bc45-4fd6f06647e2.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/middleton-cross-plains-school-board-approves-2022-2023-school-resource-officer-contracts/article_39efef54-7d9a-11ec-bc45-4fd6f06647e2.html |
Milwaukee County Medical Examiner identifies six people found dead in home Sunday
MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner identified the six victims of a homicide investigation.
The medical examiner listed that all six died of homicide.
Police have so far not made any arrests in the deaths of the victims who appeared to have been shot. | 2022-01-25T08:26:02Z | www.wkow.com | Milwaukee County Medical Examiner identifies six people found dead in home Sunday | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/milwaukee-county-medical-examiner-identifies-six-people-found-dead-in-home-sunday/article_8a36fc64-7d86-11ec-86d4-d33df8f628c5.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/milwaukee-county-medical-examiner-identifies-six-people-found-dead-in-home-sunday/article_8a36fc64-7d86-11ec-86d4-d33df8f628c5.html |
One Goal: HS hockey teammates battle physical challenges, inspire one another
SUN PRAIRIE (WKOW) -- Cap City Cougars defender Sara Dull grew up playing multiple sports but the high school freshman knows only one sport truly defines her.
"I don't really think there's any other sport that fits me as well as hockey does," said Dull, who's played the sport for 10 years.
Years before she discovered her love for ice hockey, doctors made a different discovery.
"I have 60% hearing loss on my right ear and 40% on my left ear. Ever since, I've been playing with hearing aids."
Dull reads lips to help keep up in conversations but that can get tricky when she's on the ice. Even then, she's never been afraid to face that challenge.
"Before it was kind of hard but now I just have a pair of backup hearing aids so that just went to the side."
Dull has received an endless amount of support and guidance from her teammates and coaches. One teammate in particular knows exactly what it's like to play under unique circumstances.
Lily Rosenthal, a freshman goalie on the Cap City Cougars, was born without fibula bones in both legs and had both legs amputated. While the two face different physical challenges, they're comforted by the feeling of relating to each other's person struggles.
"Having Sara is like 'Oh I can do it. I have a friend that knows what I'm struggling with,'" said Rosenthal.
"We both kind of like can go through the same struggle," said Dull. "We both just have someone to talk to if we need to."
Additionally, head coach Brenna Weber sees the duo push each other as well as their entire team.
"Anybody can look at them and see all that they're able to succeed in with their effort and it holds other people accountable and sets a standard for the effort our team needs," said Weber, who enters her second season as the head coach.
Dull and Rosenthal also share the same goal to inspire others and show people anything is possible.
"Even though we can get discriminated, people with disabilities [either] physically or mentally, can do things like others," said Rosenthal.
"If you can do it, then do it," Dull added.
Sara Dull
Lily Rosenthal
Brenna Weber | 2022-01-25T08:26:14Z | www.wkow.com | One Goal: HS hockey teammates battle physical challenges, inspire one another | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/one-goal-hs-hockey-teammates-battle-physical-challenges-inspire-one-another/article_f12dc2b2-7d91-11ec-84a3-8f892d289e34.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/one-goal-hs-hockey-teammates-battle-physical-challenges-inspire-one-another/article_f12dc2b2-7d91-11ec-84a3-8f892d289e34.html |
Tapping into Wisconsin's maple syrup potential
WISCONSIN (WKOW) -- A federal grant is designed to help people tap into Wisconsin's maple syrup potential.
The UW-Madison Division of Extension received more than $470,000 from the USDA to expand outreach and education efforts. Officials say Wisconsin has the trees and the potential producers to become a bigger player in the industry.
"The demand for maple syrup across the country and across the world continues to grow, so we really see a lot of potential for Wisconsin to increase its production and for more people to get involved," said Jeremy Solin, manager of maple syrup project.
Wisconsin is currently fourth in the country in maple syrup production. Producers made 300,000 gallons worth around $9 million.
Jeremy Solin
National Coffee Day deals in southern Wisconsin
Wisconsin Republicans propose $250 million income tax cut
Goodwill Korea delegation visits Madison
Janesville man sentenced in sexual assault cold case
Adams County officials seek to remove county clerk from office
Local nonprofit, Gio's Garden, receives toys, playset donation | 2022-01-25T08:26:20Z | www.wkow.com | Tapping into Wisconsin's maple syrup potential | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/tapping-into-wisconsins-maple-syrup-potential/article_d2ff8ad0-7d8e-11ec-bb86-0bea28a32a52.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/tapping-into-wisconsins-maple-syrup-potential/article_d2ff8ad0-7d8e-11ec-bb86-0bea28a32a52.html |
CDC adds 15 places to highest travel risk list; five Caribbean destinations
CNN — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added 15 new places to its list of highest level of travel risk, including five Caribbean island destinations.
The Caribbean island destinations: the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin represented one third of the new entries this week.
Other destinations added this week include: Colombia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Kuwait, Mongolia, Niger, Peru, Romania, Tunisia, and United Arab Emirates.
The CDC classifies a destination as "very high" risk when more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents are registered in the past 28 days. The CDC advises travelers to avoid those countries.
Last week, 22 destinations in total were added to the list.
You can view the CDC's risk levels for global destinations here.
Barthelemy
Maximus Purus
BREAKING: WIAA cancels all remaining winter state tournament games
DHS: More than 8,000 total COVID-19 deaths in Wisconsin
UW Health: Calls for pain treatment increased during pandemic
Wisconsin reports 669 COVID-19 cases | 2022-01-26T04:56:24Z | www.wkow.com | CDC adds 15 places to highest travel risk list; five Caribbean destinations | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/cdc-adds-15-places-to-highest-travel-risk-list-five-caribbean-destinations/article_b0ba3d2a-7de9-11ec-b8c7-7f19ee6a373f.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/cdc-adds-15-places-to-highest-travel-risk-list-five-caribbean-destinations/article_b0ba3d2a-7de9-11ec-b8c7-7f19ee6a373f.html |
UW-Madison student leaders urging heightened COVID-19 response, switch to hybrid learning
Student leaders call for enhanced COVID-19 response
MADISON (WKOW) -- As students at UW-Madison head back to in-person instruction this spring, not all are happy about returning to the classroom.
"I'm scared, I'm nervous," said Adrian George, teaching assistant and co-president of the Teaching Assistant Association (TAA).
George and other student leaders say the university isn't doing enough to keep its students and staff safe from COVID-19. With omicron surging, they're worried about returning to the classroom.
"It's a scary and then also uncomfortable working environment," George said. "And we should not have to endure this hazardous working environment in higher education."
The TAA signed on to a letter issued by the Association of Students in Madison (ASM) on Tuesday urging university officials to take stronger action.
The letter calls for increased flexibility for student and staff instruction, expanded testing opportunities and accommodations for disabled and high-risk individuals.
"We're supposed to be having the administration work with faculty, staff and students to make decisions," ASM Chair Adrian Lampron said. "And that's not at all been the reality during COVID."
Lampron and other members of the ASM represent the UW-Madison student body and act as a student government organization on campus.
Lampron says student leaders have been repeatedly shut out of the decision-making process since the beginning of the pandemic.
"The university has been frustratingly unresponsive to the asks and desires of students, faculty and staff through our shared governance processes," Lampron said. "So we wanted to reiterate our concern and desire for more COVID safety."
Lampron's biggest push is for virtual options to be offered for all classes in a hybrid format, so students can choose whether or not they attend an in-person lecture.
"We also need to make sure that the university is granting accommodation requests to faculty and academic staff who have disabilities and have made requests for accommodations to keep them alive and safe," Lampron said.
The university issued a statement in response to the ASM letter saying:
We thank the Associated Students of Madison for their partnership and consistent advocacy for proven public health strategies such as testing, masking and vaccination throughout the pandemic.
We share their concern for the health of our campus and the surrounding community and continue to take thoughtful actions in support.
Each UW–Madison course section is taught in one of three modes: in-person, online or hybrid. Providing , simultaneous in-person and virtual instruction in a continual manner for the same course is a complex and challenging approach distinct from those three recognized modes of instruction. The university does not ask instructors to do this. We agree that flexibility is extremely important during this time of high COVID-19 caseloads.
We encourage instructors to provide flexibility for their students and to plan ahead for situations in which students may be unable to attend in-person class meetings. Because courses differ in their learning goals and activities, flexibilities will necessarily differ from course to course as well. For example, a recording may be appropriate flexibility for a lecture class but not for a discussion-based class or lab. We are asking instructors to clearly communicate with students about their plans for providing flexibility. If students have concerns they cannot resolve with their instructor, they should contact the chair of the department offering the course and/or the Dean of Students Office.
Lampron says the issue goes beyond the university's COVID-19 response, and is asking on more communication going forward.
"I think the students like everybody else in this pandemic have been struggling and just trying to make it through their day to day lives," Lampron said. "And the lack of clarity and sort of support that the university has provided to us has made it even more difficult at times."
Adrian Lampron | 2022-01-26T04:56:37Z | www.wkow.com | UW-Madison student leaders urging heightened COVID-19 response, switch to hybrid learning | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/uw-madison-student-leaders-urging-heightened-covid-19-response-switch-to-hybrid-learning/article_f495e106-7e58-11ec-981e-c3d799110ca5.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/uw-madison-student-leaders-urging-heightened-covid-19-response-switch-to-hybrid-learning/article_f495e106-7e58-11ec-981e-c3d799110ca5.html |
Investigation continues four years after employee housing fire at The Wilderness
LAKE DELTON (WKOW) -- The Lake Delton Police Department is still investigating a fire that burned down an employee dormitory at The Wilderness four years later.
According to a news release from Lake Delton police chief Daniel Hardman, the January 25, 2018, fire caused a total loss for the half-built dormitory, causing $5 million in damages.
Nobody was injured in the fire, but it was ruled arson shortly after by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
The fire is still under investigation by the Lake Delton PD and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation. If you have information about the arson, you can call the Sauk County tip line at 1-888-TIP-SAUK.
Lake Delton Police Department
Daniel Hardman
Lake Delton Pd
Investigators search for possible abduction witness
Police investigating shots fired incident in Madison
Paramedic charged with sexually assaulting patient in ambulance
Rockford shooting: Authorities to hold 4 p.m. press conference
Woman seriously hurt after hit-and-run downtown Madison
MPD arrests man for kicking in a strangers front door | 2022-01-26T04:56:49Z | www.wkow.com | Investigation continues four years after employee housing fire at The Wilderness | Crime | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/investigation-continues-four-years-after-employee-housing-fire-at-the-wilderness/article_ee25e5f4-7e04-11ec-ae50-07b641a4ff60.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/investigation-continues-four-years-after-employee-housing-fire-at-the-wilderness/article_ee25e5f4-7e04-11ec-ae50-07b641a4ff60.html |
Courtesy: Anna Hoffmann
Madison woman to compete in ski jumping at Beijing Olympics
MADISON (WKOW) -- Team USA added Anna Hoffmann of Madison to Olympic team for the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Her entry to the team comes after another country was unable to fill its quota spot.
“This nomination for Anna is a testament to her work ethic and commitment to the sport,” Blake Hughes, USA Nordic’s women’s ski jump team director, said in a press release. “Anna has become a true leader for her team and it has been a privilege to watch her progress over the past few years as she has become an elite athlete.”
According to a bio on the USA Nordic website, Hoffmann began ski jumping at 2 years old and came up through the Blackhawk Ski Club in Middleton. She has skied at the junior world championships four times, placing 51st in the individual event in 2020.
At the Christmas Day competition in the Adirondacks, Hoffman held off Logan Sankey to ensure she got the Olympic nod if one came available.
Hoffmann will compete Feb. 5 in the individual normal hill competition, which remains the lone women’s event in the sport.
Logan Sankey | 2022-01-26T04:57:07Z | www.wkow.com | Madison woman to compete in ski jumping at Beijing Olympics | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/madison-woman-to-compete-in-ski-jumping-at-beijing-olympics/article_2066e4e2-7e3b-11ec-a74f-3b4ec764ba31.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/madison-woman-to-compete-in-ski-jumping-at-beijing-olympics/article_2066e4e2-7e3b-11ec-a74f-3b4ec764ba31.html |
By Francisco Almenara
More money, more problems: Wisconsin has a $3.8B projected surplus and lawmakers are split over how to handle it
State Projected to Have $3.8 Billion Surplus
MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin got some very good fiscal news Tuesday. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau, which crunches numbers for lawmakers, delivered a report projecting the state will have a surplus of $3.8 billion by the end of the current budget cycle in the summer of 2023.
The rosy outlook is largely driven by a substantial increase in estimated tax collections. The overall projection is $2.8 billion more than a previous estimate at the start of this budget cycle last summer.
Republican legislative leaders said because a one-time injection of federal pandemic relief money was largely responsible for the improved outlook, the state should not rush to spend more money.
Instead, top Republican lawmakers said they'd prefer the money go toward tax cuts in a repeat of what happened last spring amid positive fiscal predictions.
"We're gonna get to do a massive tax cut, God willing, we come back next session with a different governor," said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester).
"We will not be foolish with these tax dollars by spending them into the future," said Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg). "Rather, we will focus on further tax relief in the next budget."
Democrats pushed for immediate spending. Gov. Tony Evers said he wanted to provide relief to families deal with rising costs amid inflation and businesses struggling with supply chain headaches.
"Wisconsinites need help making ends meet and can’t wait until the next biennial budget," Evers said in a statement. "They need relief now.”
Evers' statement did not specify exactly how his plan would provide that relief to families and companies. New Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) issued a similarly vague statement calling for immediate spending plans.
"This is our signal not to let up," Neubauer said. "We must continue to support Governor Evers in making sound fiscal decisions that will help Wisconsinites face rising costs and will put more money in their pockets."
Who controls the money?
The new projections came as Senate Republicans on a party line vote passed a resolution seeking to change the state constitution. The resolution would give the legislature control of federal money that comes into the state; currently, it's the governor's call to make.
Democrats said Republican lawmakers had proven themselves unfit to handle the responsibility when they failed to pass any bills during 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic reached the U.S.
"What the majority party did in the face of the biggest public health crisis in our lifetime, took over 300 days of vacation," said Sen. Melissa Agard (D-Madison). "They did nothing to help Wisconsinites who were struggling to close out a calendar year."
Republican author Sen. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) said he was not seeking to play politics with the bill since there was no way to know who'd be governor when the change took hold. He used Kentucky as an example of a state that has its legislature control federal dollars.
"The foundation of that three branches of government is that the legislature controls the purse strings The legislature holds the purse strings," Kooyenga said. "This is not a personal 'I got Evers' gotcha score for our team."
The resolution now moves to the Assembly. Should it pass there, the full legislature would need to approve the resolution in the next legislative session which begins next January. From there, the question would go before voters in a statewide referendum. | 2022-01-26T04:57:19Z | www.wkow.com | More money, more problems: Wisconsin has a $3.8B projected surplus and lawmakers are split over how to handle it | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/more-money-more-problems-wisconsin-has-a-3-8b-projected-surplus-and-lawmakers-are-split/article_dcb74be0-7e41-11ec-96fe-23843545db33.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/more-money-more-problems-wisconsin-has-a-3-8b-projected-surplus-and-lawmakers-are-split/article_dcb74be0-7e41-11ec-96fe-23843545db33.html |
'They're dropping the ball': Area families express concerns over in-person learning
Area Families Express Concerns Over In-Person Learning
SUN PRAIRIE (WKOW) -- Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have tried to balance the need for virus mitigation and quality education, while walking a tight rope.
Despite their efforts to keep students and staff safe, some families remain scared to send their children to school in person.
After the holidays, Veronica Tanner of Sun Prairie reluctantly sent her daughter Bianca Touts back to school in person, despite concerns over a possible surge of COVID-19 cases.
Then, last week, Tanner said she was forced to pick her daughter up from school after the 7th grader expressed concerns over 60 students being placed in a single room due to staffing shortages.
“I didn't want to be in there any longer because I didn't want to get sick,” Touts said. “I started freaking out and asked the teacher if I could use the bathroom and then I went in the bathroom and I contacted my parents.”
Tanner said she and her husband respected their daughter's decision to come home. Going forward, they don't want her to attend school in person because they worry the school isn't doing enough to keep students social distanced.
"They're responsible to take care of our children when they're with them and they're dropping the ball," Tanner said.
“We're still in a pandemic and with the pandemic comes sickness, and you have to always stay on top of your game,” stepfather Robert Tanner added.
The Sun Prairie Area School District conducted an investigation and found that based on spacing and staffing, its COVID-19 polices were not breached.
The district added that they have walls that collapse between classrooms to allow for collaboration.
Meanwhile in Madison, Amy Rolack made the decision to keep her child home from Whitehorse Middle School after the holidays.
“She's fully vaccinated, got her booster, everything like that and that's great, but I can only control my daughter, I cannot control the other kids or this pandemic,” Rolack said.
Now, Rolack said she is being told her child will be truant if she misses any more school even though she said she called every day to account for her absences.
“I do want her education to continue. I've never disputed that. I just wanted it to be done safely and now I feel like I don't have a choice. I have to send her back to school because I don't want truancy on her record,” Rolack said.
The Madison Metropolitan School District defines a student as truant if they have five or more unexcused absences in a semester.
A spokesperson for the district explained that they did offer a virtual alternative for students, but enrollment for that took place at the beginning of the year and is now closed.
That being said though, the spokesperson added they are willing to explore options with parents who have concerns.
State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jill Underly supported Madison and Milwaukee's brief switch to virtual learning at the beginning of this semester to accommodate staffing.
A spokesperson for Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction said (DPI) encourages districts to implement strong mitigation measures to keep kids in classrooms, while keeping everyone safe.
Amy Rolack
Veronica Tanner
Bianca Touts | 2022-01-26T04:57:44Z | www.wkow.com | 'They're dropping the ball': Area families express concerns over in-person learning | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/theyre-dropping-the-ball-area-families-express-concerns-over-in-person-learning/article_f2ad86d2-7e3a-11ec-abf9-f731007c55d8.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/theyre-dropping-the-ball-area-families-express-concerns-over-in-person-learning/article_f2ad86d2-7e3a-11ec-abf9-f731007c55d8.html |
Court rules in favor of Maple Bluff homeowners' favor in public pier lawsuit
MADISON (WKOW) -- Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell ruled in favor of four Maple Bluff homeowners Tuesday, granting them continued access to a longtime community pier on Lake Mendota.
Outlot D, the property in question, has been home to a community pier intended for Maple Bluff homeowners who can't afford frontage space to have a place on Lake Mendota for community access.
In 2020, Dunn's lawyer said he did not have a problem with people using his property to access the lake, he said he only wants the pier removed. Dunn has owned the property since 2011, when he bought it at auction after the previous owners stopped paying property taxes.
In his decision, Mitchell pointed out that the community pier on Outlot D has been a staple of the Maple Bluff area since at least 1957. In a press release following the verdict, defense attorney Jon Axelrod dated the origins even further back.
According to Axelrod, the foundations for the community pier date back to the 1920's, when 100 off-lake homeowners in Maple Bluff received an easement granting them access to Lake Mendota. Wisconsin progressive Robert LaFollette lived in the farming community at the time, and Axelrod credited the community pier to his legacy.
Mitchell accepted the defense's motion to dismiss the case with prejudice, precluding Dunn from taking any further legal action on his claims.
There are 100 homes in Maple Bluff with this easement built into the deed, and all of their owners will keep access to this pier when the ice melts this spring.
Everett Mitchell
Robert Dunn
Jon Axelrod
Outlot D | 2022-01-26T04:57:56Z | www.wkow.com | Court rules in favor of Maple Bluff homeowners' favor in public pier lawsuit | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/court-rules-in-favor-of-maple-bluff-homeowners-favor-in-public-pier-lawsuit/article_5bc69124-7e0c-11ec-8bbb-53e2fa694118.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/court-rules-in-favor-of-maple-bluff-homeowners-favor-in-public-pier-lawsuit/article_5bc69124-7e0c-11ec-8bbb-53e2fa694118.html |
Dane County launches annual search for Fairest of the Fair
MADISON (WKOW) -- With the Dane County Fair coming up in July, the Dane County Fair opened applications for its Fairest of the Fair competition Tuesday.
According to a news release from fair spokesperson Danielle Ziegler, applications for the Fairest of the Fair are open through March 6. People 18 or older with strong connections to Dane County, including schools, youth organization involvement, history of community service and a familiarity with the Dane County Fair are encouraged to apply.
"The Fairest of the Fair program requires strong communication skills, a professional appearance, and an outgoing personality," Ziegler said in the release.
Following the deadline on March 6, the final interviews and selection will take place April 3 at Badger Farms in Deerfield. The chosen person will be publicly coronated June 11 at the 2022 Dane County Breakfast on the Farm.
The Fairest of the Fair appears at parades and community events around Dane County, as well as promoting the fair on the radio and social media. Working as the Dane County Fair's official spokesperson, they will make daily appearances at the fair and will then be in line compete as the Fairest of the Fairs in January 2023.
For a full list of eligibility requirements and an application, click here. The fair will run July 21-24 at the Alliant Energy Center.
Fairest
Danielle Ziegler
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Twas a Week Before Thankgiving | 2022-01-26T04:58:02Z | www.wkow.com | Dane County launches annual search for Fairest of the Fair | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/dane-county-launches-annual-search-for-fairest-of-the-fair/article_255d11fe-7dfc-11ec-b25f-87d4a64962fd.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/dane-county-launches-annual-search-for-fairest-of-the-fair/article_255d11fe-7dfc-11ec-b25f-87d4a64962fd.html |
Middleton 15-year-old tentatively charged with disorderly conduct charge after Monday lockdown
Concerns About School's Threat Response
MIDDLETON (WKOW) -- A 15-year-old Middleton High School student has been tentatively charged with a disorderly conduct charge after he was arrested Monday on suspicion of possessing a firearm on school grounds.
According to a news release from Middleton Police Department Cpt. Jeremy Geiszler, no weapon was found on the student or on the campus once he was arrested.
Police believe the student had left the school for most of the time that the lockdown was in place. Police are investigating where the student was while he was not on campus.
"This charge is based on statements made to a staff member which led the school employee to believe the student may have had a weapon. The investigation is ongoing at this time," Geiszler said.
The Middleton Police Department did not immediately respond for a request for comment on what these statements were.
The student was taken to the Juvenile Reception Center, although Geiszler did not specify if he is still in custody there. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Middleton Cross Plains Area School District Superintendent Dana Monogue says students and staff "responded calmly and appropriately" as the school building was placed in secure lockdown. But some students and parents say the situation was chaotic at times.
Jennifer Pryor says her sophomore daughter and other students received a sensitive, staff only text message on the possibility of a student with a gun in the school and named the student. The text message says it was believed the student had left the building but said it was not confirmed.
"She was confused, she was scared," Pryor says. "Her and some friends were hiding in the bathroom," she says.
"At the same time, she was kind of confused because the kids in the lunchroom was acting normal," Pryor says. Pryor faults school staff for failing to provide enough direction.
A senior student who asked to be identified by his first name of Michael says he and others ran away from the school after Michael spotted a police officer preparing for conflict. "I saw him pull out an AR-15," Michael says.
"The incident occurred over the lunch hour," District Communications Director Shannon Valladolid says. "We are an open-campus school and therefore, students were in many places inside and outside the building at the time. Making sure all students were in a secure location was challenging because of this. All procedures were followed by our staff in response to the directions our police department gave."
Valladolid concedes the sensitive text message was never intended for students. "The principal sent a message, intended only for MHS staff, that included the name of the student the police were trying to locate. The message was also delivered to some students and not others. We are trying to determine, with our Director of Technology, why this occurred as this is a method of communication that is used frequently for staff-only communications."
Middleton Police officials say they are still looking for more information on the alleged threat.
Police previously identified this same student as being 16 years old Monday.
Jeremy Geiszler
Jennifer Pryor
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Vigil held to remember Major Harris | 2022-01-26T04:58:20Z | www.wkow.com | Middleton 15-year-old tentatively charged with disorderly conduct charge after Monday lockdown | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/middleton-15-year-old-tentatively-charged-with-disorderly-conduct-charge-after-monday-lockdown/article_7be982b8-7e07-11ec-b07b-eb780c776ee4.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/middleton-15-year-old-tentatively-charged-with-disorderly-conduct-charge-after-monday-lockdown/article_7be982b8-7e07-11ec-b07b-eb780c776ee4.html |
Badger wrestling, freshman phenom climb national rankings
Badgers 'Want to Be National Champions'
MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin wrestling coach Chris Bono always expects his grapplers to give a 100-percent effort in every practice.
"Our goal is to improve every week. No matter who our competition is," said Bono. "We want to make sure every guys is getting better as soon as they step on the mat. And then when push comes to shove and we've got to have a good hard practice. They've responded really, really well."
The Badgers have responded with a 8-1 record and are currently ranked 10th in the nation according to the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association poll.
Additionally, Wisconsin also has seven nationally-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes including freshman Dean Hamiti in the 165 class. He currently hold a perfect 17-0 record while winning every match in convincing fashion.
"I try to go point by point, score by score, and just wrestle how I wrestle. I'm not going to over look anyone. I'm wrestling every one like its the national finals," said Hamiti, who also credited his success to the upperclassmen and their guidance.
Bono notices how Hamiti's competitive nature in practice is paying off.
"He wants to win every sprint. He wants to win every push up thing. He wants to win every thing there is where there's a competition."
While they're appreciative of the national recognition, the whole crew knows there's much more ahead and are focused on the bigger picture.
"At the end of the season, the only thing that matters is the number in front of your name and we want all of those to be number ones," said Bono.
Wisconsin will travel to Maryland for a dual match on Friday, January 28.
Chris Bono
Dean Hamiti
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Turnover, miscues cost Badgers in loss to Notre Dame | 2022-01-26T04:58:33Z | www.wkow.com | Badger wrestling, freshman phenom climb national rankings | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/badger-wrestling-freshman-phenom-climb-national-rankings/article_ef151eba-7e56-11ec-872f-cf4c9a2a775b.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/badger-wrestling-freshman-phenom-climb-national-rankings/article_ef151eba-7e56-11ec-872f-cf4c9a2a775b.html |
Speaker Vos Won't Say Whether Drop Boxes Should Be Legal
MADISON (WKOW) -- Assembly Speaker Robin Vos would not say Tuesday whether or not he believes Wisconsin should allow voters to use drop boxes as means of delivering absentee ballots.
A state appeals court is currently deciding whether to uphold a Waukesha County judge's ruling that drop boxes are illegal in Wisconsin unless the legislature passes a measure establishing rules for how they can be deployed.
The office of Sen. Kathy Bernier (R-Lake Hallie) said Tuesday she had been working with Vos' office and other Republicans on a package of election-related measures, many of which seeking to establish laws around areas where the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau found the Wisconsin Elections Commission ran afoul of the law in 2020 by issuing written guidance instead of establishing formal rules.
Bernier's office said one of the bills included a proposal similar to one passed last spring that would allow up to four drop boxes in communities with more than 70,000 people.
According to staff of the former Chippewa County Clerk, Bernier learned drop boxes were off the table Monday. That same day, former President Donald Trump issued a statement slamming Wisconsin Republicans over the drop box bill, which a Bernier staffer said was still in the works when it was leaked to the conservative Gateway Pundit. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported Bernier learning drop boxes were taken out of the package.
"Some RINO Republicans in Wisconsin are working hand in hand with others to have drop boxes again placed in Wisconsin," Trump's statement read. "These fools are playing right into the Democrats’ hand."
The audit bureau's election review, as well as one conducted by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty found no proof of widespread voter fraud. As it related to drop boxes, the reviews found the elections commission should set formal rules with the legislature's approval in order to comply with state law.
When asked if he believed the state should allow drop boxes, Vos told reporters he wanted to talk about bills coming up in Tuesday's Assembly session, including measures creating new penalties for people convicted of rioting, bonuses for police officers, and mandatory minimum sentences for people repeatedly convicted of theft.
"Certainly, we know that we have to deal with an awful lot of those [election] issues which is why we have Justice Gableman doing his investigation," Vos said. "We have legislation moving its way through the process but you would make it seem like that's all we're focusing on. That is an important part of what we do but it is not all that we do so I really want to focus today on the things I know people care about."
Vos' office later provided a previous statement from the speaker saying he opposed the "expansion" of drop boxes but did not address the question of whether he wanted them used in the first place - something the legislature could decide if the courts side with conservatives who argue lawmakers' approval should be necessary in order for clerks to place them.
An attorney for Vos wrote a letter in September 2020 to Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl calling for her to abandon an event where people could drop off absentee ballots to election workers spread out in city parks. The letter noted there were plenty of other ways to legally vote, including "authorized 'drop boxes,' which 'must be secured and locked at all times.'"
"We wholeheartedly support voters’ use of any of these convenient, secure, and expressly authorized absentee-ballot-return methods," the 2020 letter read.
Democratic leaders said outright restrictions on drop boxes would make it harder for a number of citizens to cast ballots if their jobs or family situations kept them from getting to a polling place during open hours.
"Where I live, a lot of people work long shifts, very long days and they sometimes cannot access the voting place on election day," said Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley (D-Mason). "So they automatically have to find other alternatives."
The appeals court handling the drop box case has issued a stay which will allow drop boxes to be in place for the February 15 nonpartisan primary; that election includes the primary election for Milwaukee mayor. | 2022-01-26T04:58:39Z | www.wkow.com | Does Speaker Vos think drop boxes should be legal? He wouldn't say | Politics | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/politics/does-speaker-vos-think-drop-boxes-should-be-legal-he-wouldnt-say/article_fc4bacda-7e37-11ec-8ae3-dbed1b45a88d.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/politics/does-speaker-vos-think-drop-boxes-should-be-legal-he-wouldnt-say/article_fc4bacda-7e37-11ec-8ae3-dbed1b45a88d.html |
Tommy Thompson celebrating "70 for 70" campaign in video
State Senate honors Tommy Thompson
MADISON (WKOW) -- The state Senate passed a resolution Tuesday honoring Tommy Thompson for his work as the interim president of the University of Wisconsin System.
The former governor temporarily took over in 2020 after the retirement of Ray Cross.
Thompson is stepping down in March.
Last week, the Board of Regents selected Jay Rothman to permanently take over as president of the UW System. | 2022-01-26T09:34:27Z | www.wkow.com | State Senate honors Tommy Thompson | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/state-senate-honors-tommy-thompson/article_980738ea-7e62-11ec-9805-a3e95ede52b5.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/state-senate-honors-tommy-thompson/article_980738ea-7e62-11ec-9805-a3e95ede52b5.html |
PHMDC extends indoor mask mandate through March 1
Dane Co. Mask Order Extended to March 1
MADISON (WKOW) — Public Health Madison Dane County has extended its indoor mask mandate through March 1.
The mandate requires face coverings for those two and older when indoors where others are present, although it does include several exceptions for those vaccinated and those with medical conditions or disabilities.
The mandate has been in place since August 19, when the delta variant of COVID-19 was the dominant strain and causing an uptick in cases. The last extension, which was put in place on January 3, was set to expire on February 1, which is when this extension will go into effect.
This is the third extension of the mandate since the end of November, when officials said they hoped no more extensions would be necessary because vaccinations were up and cases were down.
According to a news release from PHMDC spokesperson Morgan Finke, COVID-19 infections in Dane County may be on the way down, but they are still at a high level. The omicron variant has driven the seven-day average of positive tests in Dane County to 1,258 per day.
“We are certainly still seeing incredibly high rates of illness and hospitalization, however, it does appear that we have reached a plateau in this surge of cases fueled by the Omicron variant,” Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County Janel Heinrich said in the release. “This does not mean it is the time to let our guard down; we must continue to collectively take as many steps as possible to reduce risk of transmission, including masking.”
Finke states PHMDC is "enlisting every tool possible" to get Dane County through the surge, including increasing testing capacity and ramping up mobile vaccinations. Health officials also encourage upgrading masks to something other than a cloth mask.
Madison & Dane County | 2022-01-27T00:56:41Z | www.wkow.com | PHMDC extends indoor mask mandate through March 1 | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/phmdc-extends-indoor-mask-mandate-through-march-1/article_d9c74d24-7ebc-11ec-b7bf-73c27e0a37e0.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/phmdc-extends-indoor-mask-mandate-through-march-1/article_d9c74d24-7ebc-11ec-b7bf-73c27e0a37e0.html |
Beloit Police ask public to avoid Madison Road during death investigation
BELOIT (WKOW) — Beloit Police are conducting a death investigation on the city's west side.
According to a Facebook post, the investigation is taking place on Madison Road and authorities are asking people to avoid the area while law enforcement are on scene.
Police said there is no danger to the public at this time and they'll provide more information at a later time. | 2022-01-27T00:56:53Z | www.wkow.com | Beloit Police ask public to avoid Madison Road during death investigation | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/beloit-police-ask-public-to-avoid-madison-road-during-death-investigation/article_ee0b8fa6-7ee5-11ec-a00e-ff3b17e97bb7.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/beloit-police-ask-public-to-avoid-madison-road-during-death-investigation/article_ee0b8fa6-7ee5-11ec-a00e-ff3b17e97bb7.html |
Thursday at 10: Parents of miracle baby born in a pandemic gain critical lifesaving skills through donation
MADISON (WKOW) -- Caring for a critically ill baby in the middle of a pandemic can be overwhelming.
The Weers family from Richland Center knows that first hand.
Abigail and Justin's son, Maverick, was born with a heart defect in November that required open heart surgery, just days after birth.
"Just seeing him is just a miracle, from the beginning, to potentially losing him to just keeping the faith," said Justin.
Thursday at 10, the journey for their miracle baby and the hospital donation, started by Amber Noggle's family, that's helping families like the Weers gain critical lifesaving skills. | 2022-01-27T00:57:30Z | www.wkow.com | Thursday at 10: Parents of miracle baby born in a pandemic gain critical lifesaving skills through donation | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/thursday-at-10-parents-of-miracle-baby-born-in-a-pandemic-gain-critical-lifesaving-skills/article_0e421a0a-7eb0-11ec-a6a0-b7b0a9767273.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/thursday-at-10-parents-of-miracle-baby-born-in-a-pandemic-gain-critical-lifesaving-skills/article_0e421a0a-7eb0-11ec-a6a0-b7b0a9767273.html |
Roundy's to hold job fair for new e-commerce positions
MILWAUKEE (WKOW) -- With online grocery shopping still a vital service during the COVID-19 pandemic, Roundy's Supermarkets will hold an event to bring on 300 new e-commerce employees.
According to a news release from Roundy's spokesperson Janey Malcolm, the company will host a hiring event at all 106 stores January 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-applying online is available, but walk-ins will be accepted.
"Roundy’s e-Commerce business experienced significant growth during the pandemic and continues to accelerate and expand, becoming a business within a business. Customers love the convenience of on-line shopping and we are looking to hire additional e-Commerce associates to optimize our digital grocery offering,” Roundy's VP of Communications and Public Affairs James Hyland said in the release.
Roundy's is looking to hire both part-time and full-time employees to build out the growing e-commerce wing of the brand. New employees can start work as soon as three days after hiring.
Roundy's offers benefits such as including next-day pay, flexible scheduling, premium pay (third shift, Sundays, and holidays), tuition reimbursement up to $21k, competitive wages and benefits, and discounts on certain brands and services. | 2022-01-27T00:57:36Z | www.wkow.com | Roundy's to hold job fair for new e-commerce positions | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/roundys-to-hold-job-fair-for-new-e-commerce-positions/article_01c4a31c-7ec7-11ec-bf42-4f3f90c2c72c.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/roundys-to-hold-job-fair-for-new-e-commerce-positions/article_01c4a31c-7ec7-11ec-bf42-4f3f90c2c72c.html |
UW Carbone Cancer Center pushes for in-home radon testing
MADISON (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health named January Radon Action Month this year, and the UW Carbone Cancer Center is calling for Wisconsinites to test for radon at home.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas, and is closely connected to lung cancer; it's the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after cigarette smoking. According to UW oncologist Dr. Toby Campbell, radon testing is a straightforward way to reduce cancer risk.
“When we find ways to prevent cancer, we jump at those chances,” Campbell said in a news release. “Having your home tested for radon is an easy way to prevent cancer which is why I encourage the people of Wisconsin to ensure radon levels in their home are low.”
Do-it-yourself radon testing kits are available via mail order or bought form home supply stores. There are also more than 100 radon mitigation contractors in Wisconsin if these home tests find high radon levels.
“Radon exposure varies by a person’s home, job and environment, but the more exposure you have the more you increase your risk of lung cancer,” Campbell said. “And you only know if you’re exposed with a test which is why we like to eliminate that risk wherever possible.”
Toby Campbell | 2022-01-27T00:57:48Z | www.wkow.com | UW Carbone Cancer Center pushes for in-home radon testing | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/uw-carbone-cancer-center-pushes-for-in-home-radon-testing/article_3ad9da5a-7ebd-11ec-8957-87ae4a45e48f.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/uw-carbone-cancer-center-pushes-for-in-home-radon-testing/article_3ad9da5a-7ebd-11ec-8957-87ae4a45e48f.html |
'We were all shocked': Halderson juror says defense's lack of witnesses helped seal killer's fate
Juror in Halderson One-On-One
MADISON (WKOW) - One of the jurors in Chandler Halderson's homicide trial says the decision by Halderson's attorneys to call no witnesses helped seal his fate with guilty verdicts.
"We were all shocked," juror Darcy Widmer of Roxbury tells 27 News.
Widmer and her fellow jurors last week found Halderson guilty of eight felony crimes, including two counts of first degree intentional homicide in the deaths of both his parents, Bart and Krista Halderson, and two counts of mutilating a corpse. Prosecutors say Halderson, 23, killed and dismembered his parents in July after his father discovered Halderson concocted months of false claims about having an insurance job and attending community college.
Assistant State Public Defenders Catherine Dorl and Crystal Vera rested their case without calling a single witness and Halderson chose not to testify.
"You think you're going to hear two sides to a story," Widmer says. "And when they said they had nothing, we were shocked."
"It obviously made our deliberations a lot shorter than they might have been if we had anything to go on," Widmer tells 27 News. The jury convicted Halderson in just over two hours after ten days trial.
During trial, prosecutors said Halderson killed his parents July 1 and reported the Windsor couple missing July 7, claiming they left for their cabin in Langlade County days before and were not in touch after the Fourth of July. Widmer says trial evidence involving cell phone tracking, surveillance video, store receipts and other items showed Halderson near the later discovery of remains; purchasing ice hours after the killings; identifying a text message from his mother coming from her phone hidden in a shoe in Windsor; and other contradictions to his statements.
"Technology played a huge part in this process and it all fit," Widmer tells 27 News.
Widmer says jurors used white boards during deliberations to list the charges and supporting evidence and guide discussion. She said no juror had to be convinced of Halderson's guilt. "There was just no question," Widmer said.
Widmer said she quarantined at home during a week long suspension of the trial after Halderson tested positive for COVID-19. Widmer and other jurors were only told of one positive test among jurors, which Judge John Hyland said was unlikely to be connected to the trial.
Widmer said she only struggled with her emotions during closing arguments as she thought of the Halderson parents and their apparent support for their deceitful son.
"You just see a picture of these two people who I never knew in my life, and I got to learn about them in this case and how much they loved their boy," Widmer said. "And it just made think about...they would have moved heaven and earth for him if he would have come to them and said...'I snapped...I need help.'"
"I feel he just made a very, very bad mistake," Widmer said of Halderson's months and possibly years of lying about jobs, job prospects, education snowballing into homicidal violence. "And he just thought it could get away with it."
Halderson will receive a mandatory life sentence March 17, when a judge will also decide if and when Halderson would be eligible for parole. The earliest parole consideration possible would be in twenty years.
"Twenty years is not enough," Widmer says, declining to comment beyond that on an appropriate sentence for Halderson.
Widmer said the experience of absorbing the testimony of more than sixty witnesses and dozens of pieces of evidence to include photographs of body parts was trying and lingered after the verdicts.
"For a couple of days there I remember, I couldn't stop thinking about," she says. "I had to let it go."
Darcy Widmer | 2022-01-27T04:56:53Z | www.wkow.com | 'We were all shocked': Halderson juror says defense's lack of witnesses helped seal killer's fate | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/we-were-all-shocked-halderson-juror-says-defenses-lack-of-witnesses-helped-seal-killers-fate/article_bcf8f72e-7ef8-11ec-a0ad-6320731a1b80.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/we-were-all-shocked-halderson-juror-says-defenses-lack-of-witnesses-helped-seal-killers-fate/article_bcf8f72e-7ef8-11ec-a0ad-6320731a1b80.html |
Wisconsin couple pushes for expanded access to EpiPens after son's death
GREEN BAY (WKOW) --A Wisconsin couple that lost their son to an allergic reaction nearly a decade ago, is trying make it easier to access EpiPens.
Angel and George Mueller's son, Dillon, died in 2014 after an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
Three years later, the Muellers led the push to pass Dillon's Law.
It added trained individuals to legislation, allowing businesses and schools to use EpiPens.
On Monday, the state Senate approved Dillon's Law 2.0, which would allow anyone who is trained to get an EpiPen from a pharmacy.
"All of these things that we had to go through, are the fuel that drives me to make change," said Angel.
The approval in the Senate sent Dillon's Law 2.0 to Governor Tony Evers.
Our Green Bay affiliate reports, the governor will sign it once it reaches his desk. | 2022-01-27T04:56:59Z | www.wkow.com | Wisconsin couple pushes for expanded access to EpiPens after son's death | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/wisconsin-couple-pushes-for-expanded-access-to-epipens-after-sons-death/article_8701f34c-7f1f-11ec-bcbb-33baf25cbdf2.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/wisconsin-couple-pushes-for-expanded-access-to-epipens-after-sons-death/article_8701f34c-7f1f-11ec-bcbb-33baf25cbdf2.html |
Chloe LaRue takes undefeated season to first ever WIAA State Girls Wrestling Tournament
LaRue Looking to Make History
CUBA CITY (WKOW)-- Cuba City Freshman Chloe LaRue fell in love with wrestling at age five.
"From a young age, I didn't really realize that it was different or that there weren't very many girls.," LaRue said. "I felt like I was wrestling the kids that were my friends."
But, as she grew older, there were times when she felt she didn't fit in.
"There have been a few times where a boy hasn't wanted to wrestle me, so they would just forfeit because they don't think that women should be in the sport."
Those moments turned into motivation for LaRue on and off the mat. About three years ago, she joined a group of female wrestlers from across the state fighting for the sport to be sanctioned.
"We had other coaches advocating for us," LaRue said. "We were calling the WIAA. It took a lot of work to get where we are."
Now as a freshman at Cuba City and the only female on the wrestling team, LaRue will get the chance to compete at the first State Girls Wrestling Tournament.
"It's also kind of nerve-racking because I know there's going to be a lot of people watching me," LaRue said. "There is going to be a lot of pressure on me."
At that point, she will remind herself what her dad has told her since she first stepped on a mat.
"He wants me to focus on one at a time," LaRue said. "He's been on my mat-side pretty much all of my life."
The first-ever WIAA State Girls Individual Wrestling Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis.
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Waunakee football returns to championship game | 2022-01-27T04:57:05Z | www.wkow.com | Chloe LaRue takes undefeated season to first ever WIAA State Girls Wrestling Tournament | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/chloe-larue-takes-undefeated-season-to-first-ever-wiaa-state-girls-wrestling-tournament/article_9c5acb58-7f22-11ec-8ad9-af560c1440fa.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/chloe-larue-takes-undefeated-season-to-first-ever-wiaa-state-girls-wrestling-tournament/article_9c5acb58-7f22-11ec-8ad9-af560c1440fa.html |
Matthew Cash
Wisconsin State Patrol technology upgrades helping to curb spike in semi-truck accidents
(WKOW) -- On January 6, two Mineral Point firefighters were killed in a crash with a semi truck.
A day later, four people were killed in another crash involving a semi near Deforest.
On January 10, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a semi near Madison.
Just four days ago, one person was hurt in a head-on crash with a semi in Blue Mounds.
Dan Johnson with the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association said there are more semis on Wisconsin roads.
In the past year, the number of crashes have gone up. The Wisconsin DOT provided us crash data for every year since 2019.
"The increased experience of accidents has been derivative of distracted driving bad passenger vehicle behaviors, excessive speed, etc., said Nick Geale, VP of Policy with the American Trucking Association.
Geale also said truckers aren't solely liable. Many factors contribute to semi crashes like weather and vehicle failures.
"The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and others, in the government, have noted that the vast majority of crashes are derivative of bad behavior by passenger cars, not semi-truck drivers," said Geale.
A federal pilot program is helping untangle the kinks in our country's supply chain issues.
Eighteen-year-olds can now drive semis across state lines.
"It's definitely going to be a necessity. Right now we're looking at a shortage of about 80,000 drivers," said Johnson.
While new programs are helping to ease driver shortage, the state is working to make sure its semis are safe.
"We do have systems that as the truck runs down the road, it will weigh them, it'll check their axle spacings their speed. It'll check their insurance and registration," said Sgt. Craig Morehouse with the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Morehouse also said technology upgrades make it easier to spot safety issues.
Troopers cited one large truck for being 7,000 pounds overweight and having a faulty air brake.
"We're looking at everything from whether or not the vehicles are at a legal weight to drive down the road all the way up to looking at lights on the vehicle tires," said Morehouse.
"We still believe that semi-truck drivers are the safest drivers on the road. They're heavy, heavily regulated," said Johnson.
The Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association hopes to see even more semi-trucks on the road.
The industry expects to double the number of drivers to 160,000 within the decade.
Spike In Semi-Truck Crashes
Craig Morehouse | 2022-01-27T04:57:11Z | www.wkow.com | Wisconsin State Patrol technology upgrades helping to curb spike in semi-truck accidents | Motor Vehicle | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/motor_vehicle/wisconsin-state-patrol-technology-upgrades-helping-to-curb-spike-in-semi-truck-accidents/article_354c528c-7f0a-11ec-b67c-270797f019c3.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/motor_vehicle/wisconsin-state-patrol-technology-upgrades-helping-to-curb-spike-in-semi-truck-accidents/article_354c528c-7f0a-11ec-b67c-270797f019c3.html |
A behind-the-scenes look at sequencing — how scientists track omicron's spread in the community
How Scientists Track Omicron in Wisconsin
MADISON (WKOW) -- If you've recently tested positive for COVID-19, there's a high likelihood you've been infected with the omicron variant of the coronavirus. There's also a good chance that your positive sample ended up in a UW-Madison lab where scientists are able to sequence the virus.
At UW-Madison's AIDS Vaccine Research Lab, thousands of samples from across Wisconsin are sequenced — or analyzed for their genetic code.
Scientists read the code and are able to determine how COVID-19's genetic code has mutated or changed over time.
"Once the samples get here, we pick a subset of them to sequence, and we go through a sort of set of experiments," Research Associate Rob Maddox said.
Maddox led us through multiple different labs where the sequencing process takes place.
He said the lab takes in thousands of samples every week from tests conducted by UW-Madison and Exact Sciences. 192 of those samples are then sequenced.
The process starts in a lab called a "BL3," which stands for biosafety level 3 - a super-clean laboratory where you have to be suited up in PPE and outside gear has to be sprayed down with bleach before entering.
"The main reason is not for our safety but for the safety of the samples," Maddox said.
He says proteins from the outside world could contaminate samples.
In the BL3, samples are heated, inactivating the virus and splitting open viral particles which release RNA, or genetic material. That RNA gets converted to DNA and amplified for sequencing.
Once amplified, scientists input the data into a computer where they can break down its genetic code and see how the samples differ from earlier versions of the virus.
PhD candidate Luis Haddock says the data plays a vital role in informing the public.
"We use that information to inform public health specialists and government agencies throughout the state who can use that information to inform the public and create public health policies," Haddock said.
Scientists are also able to use sequencing to pinpoint where coronavirus variants originate and how they spread.
They received their first samples of the omicron variant in early December from a wedding in Milwaukee. Less than a week later, samples of omicron were traced to UW-Madison's campus where it was then able to spread rapidly throughout Dane County by January 1.
The scientists are essentially the first eyes on new variants in Wisconsin.
"Potentially if another variant arises that somehow can out compete omicron, we're there to make sure that we know when it's here and report it to the state officials," Maddox said.
Luis Haddock
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During COVID-19 pandemic, demand grows for Meals on Wheels | 2022-01-27T08:37:14Z | www.wkow.com | A behind-the-scenes look at sequencing — how scientists track omicron's spread in the community | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-sequencing-how-scientists-track-omicrons-spread-in-the-community/article_dc815c56-7f22-11ec-a86b-0737b9c214bf.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-sequencing-how-scientists-track-omicrons-spread-in-the-community/article_dc815c56-7f22-11ec-a86b-0737b9c214bf.html |
One person hospitalized after shooting on Madison's north side
MADISON (WKOW) -- According to Madison Police, a man is recovering after he was shot multiple times on the city's north side.
According to an incident report from MPD spokesperson Stephanie Fryer, police responded to the area of Troy Drive and Northport Drive around 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
Fryer said the victim and suspect know each other and were arguing before the shooting.
The victim was taken to the hospital, but is expected to be ok.
Fryer say no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
Troy Drive
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17-year-old girl reported missing from Darlington | 2022-01-28T18:31:38Z | www.wkow.com | One person hospitalized after shooting on Madison's north side | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/one-person-hospitalized-after-shooting-on-madisons-north-side/article_45382280-8049-11ec-a2ad-f354fce0da1c.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/one-person-hospitalized-after-shooting-on-madisons-north-side/article_45382280-8049-11ec-a2ad-f354fce0da1c.html |
LaFleur, Packers staff to lead NFC in Pro Bowl
GREEN BAY (WKOW) -- The NFL announced on Friday that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and his current staff will serve as the 2022 Pro Bowl coaching staff for the NFC.
The Packers finished the regular season at 14-3 overall but lost in the divisional round to the San Francisco 49ers.
Additionally, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and Kenny Clark were named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster.
The AFC will be led by Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff.
The 2022 Pro Bowl is on Sunday, Feb. 6 and will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game will be telecasted on ESPN, ABC and Disney XD.
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Wisconsin receives 9 seed and will play North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament | 2022-01-28T21:12:31Z | www.wkow.com | LaFleur, Packers staff to lead NFC in Pro Bowl | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/lafleur-packers-staff-to-lead-nfc-in-pro-bowl/article_3051ec92-8077-11ec-8525-a3882dae4046.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/lafleur-packers-staff-to-lead-nfc-in-pro-bowl/article_3051ec92-8077-11ec-8525-a3882dae4046.html |
Madison Overture Center implementing a COVID-19 booster policy in March
MADISON (WKOW) -- The Overture Center for the Arts will implement a COVID-19 booster requirement starting March 1, 2022.
The Overture Center said that this policy is being implemented to support the health and safety of the community and to follow the standards set for the performing arts industry as recommended by the CDC.
This is being done to keep Overture Center patrons, artists, employees and volunteers "as safe as possible" while in the building.
The policy requires everyone who enters the Overture Center to wear a mask and show proof of vaccination -- including a booster if eligible -- or a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of entry along with a photo ID.
The hope is that the booster requirement "instills even more confidence in Overture as a place to gather with family and friends for live performances and in-person events," according to a post on the Overture Center's Facebook page.
This policy will be re-evaluated mid-March, and patrons will be informed of any changes at that time.
Click here for more information about this policy.
Madison Overture Center | 2022-01-28T23:40:23Z | www.wkow.com | Madison Overture Center implementing a COVID-19 booster policy in March | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/madison-overture-center-implementing-a-covid-19-booster-policy-in-march/article_72906a0e-8075-11ec-82ee-bf2cd0342105.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/madison-overture-center-implementing-a-covid-19-booster-policy-in-march/article_72906a0e-8075-11ec-82ee-bf2cd0342105.html |
UW Athletics extends coaches' contracts
MADISON (WKOW) -- The UW Athletic Board met on Friday afternoon and approved the following recommendations of the UW Department of Athletics regarding contracts for coaches, per a Wisconsin Athletics release.
Football head coach Paul Chryst's five-year agreement has been extended through January 31, 2027. In addition, volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield's five-year agreement has been extended through January 31, 2027. Also, women's aoccer head coach Paula Wilkins' five-year agreement has been extended through January 31, 2027.
Chryst is coming off a 9-4 season where the Badgers just missed out on the Big Ten Championship game. Sheffield led the Badgers volleyball team to its first ever National Championship. Wilkins just finished a 10-6-6 season where the Badgers advanced to the Sweet 16.
Badgers Volleyball Team
Uw Department Of Athletics
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Taylor says the secret to running back longevity is a good routine | 2022-01-28T23:40:35Z | www.wkow.com | UW Athletics extends coaches' contracts | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/uw-athletics-extends-coaches-contracts/article_c3a1e5c8-8078-11ec-bc96-570a0ee991b6.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/uw-athletics-extends-coaches-contracts/article_c3a1e5c8-8078-11ec-bc96-570a0ee991b6.html |
'I think it's a win-win': UW-Platteville offers unique solution to substitute teacher shortage
UW-Platteville Offers Unique Solution to Sub Shortage
PLATTEVILLE (WKOW) -- As schools across the country see teachers quarantined by COVID-19 and the nation faces a shortage of substitute teachers, districts have gone to extraordinary lengths to deliver for their students.
Now, UW-Platteville is offering a unique solution to a shortage of subs in their area -- utilizing future educators from their Higher Ed system to fill in.
"This is very new news to our students," Assistant Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Education Lindsay Hollingsworth said. "There's been a lot of excitement."
Through the program, students have the opportunity to obtain an associate's degree while earning their bachelor's degree.
Hollingsworth said that this will allow them to meet the state's substitute teacher eligibility requirements and, ideally, be actively subbing in classrooms this coming fall.
The opportunity comes at a time when the Platteville School District, like many, are struggling with staffing shortages.
Superintendent Jim Boebel said that they are very excited to have some relief because of this plan.
"Even in our schools today, this day, we had an email saying we need some coverage. Whenever that happens, we have other staff during their prep period covering for another teacher or accepting another class into theirs," Boebel said. "That is such a noble effort that represents how much we care and how much our staff cares about our students, but that's not a long term solution. This will help."
In addition to real-world teaching experience, the initiative aims to give students at UW-Platteville a paycheck.
"I think it's a win-win -- both for our school partners because we are providing them a service. We're going to help them get some substitute teachers. Its also a wonderful advantage for our students," Hollingsworth said.
The opportunity will be open to qualifying education majors this spring with the goal of expanding it to all majors in the fall.
More information about the program and how to sign up can be found here.
Lindsay Hollingsworth
College Of Liberal Arts And Education Lindsay Hollingsworth
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Iconic Madison restaurant opens dining room after year-long wait | 2022-01-29T05:15:01Z | www.wkow.com | 'I think it's a win-win': UW-Platteville offers unique solution to substitute teacher shortage | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/i-think-its-a-win-win-uw-platteville-offers-unique-solution-to-substitute-teacher-shortage/article_cfe74ce4-809e-11ec-8e8e-1b49e653ddde.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/i-think-its-a-win-win-uw-platteville-offers-unique-solution-to-substitute-teacher-shortage/article_cfe74ce4-809e-11ec-8e8e-1b49e653ddde.html |
Pheasant Creek Bridge in Middleton receive a 'poor' rating
State highway officials monitoring inadequate local bridges
(WKOW) -- The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) ranks Wisconsin 19th in the nation in the number of structurally deficient bridges.
State highway officials said that they're closely monitoring several near Madison.
"I want people to understand that they can, they should feel confident driving over bridges in the state," said Josh Dietsche, a bridge engineer and WI DOT Director of Bureau of Structures.
According to ARTBA, there are just over 14,000 bridges in Wisconsin -- about 1,800 of those need repair.
The Pheasant Branch Creek bridge in Middleton is listed as "structurally deficient," according to ARTBA.
"It means that one structural component of the bridge is deficient; it's substandard. So it doesn't mean that a bridge is going to fall down tomorrow. It's just a safety rating," said Steven Baas, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association.
"Poor doesn't mean unsafe," Dietsche stressed. "Poor means that they have deteriorated to the point where there's something that we're watching a little more closely."
He also said that the Pheasant Creek Bridge was inspected earlier this month because it has a rating of four or less on the 9 point scale used, and it was determined to be drivable.
Aside from the Pheasant Creek Bridge, the Road and Transportation Builders Association reported several other nearby bridges are structurally deficient.
ARTBA reported that Rock, Columbia and Portage counties each had at least one structurally deficient bridge.
The ARTBA also reported that Milwaukee county had 10 structurally deficient bridges, the highest in the state.
"The state's bridges are in pretty good shape comparatively, but there's a lot of needs," said Baas.
While 7% of Wisconsin's bridges are structurally deficient, Baas said that's is only in comparison. Overall, drivers should feel confident of the DOT's watchful eye.
"It's something you can't take your eye off of," Baas said. "You have to have to keep up with it and keep them in shape, and that's why the DOT does such a good job of regularly inspecting bridges for safety."
Highway Officials Monitoring Inadequate Bridges
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association
Steven Baas
Josh Dietsche
Pheasant Creek Bridge
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Wisconsin Elections Commission holds emergency meeting, denies wrongdoing in 2020 election | 2022-01-29T05:15:06Z | www.wkow.com | State highway officials monitoring inadequate local bridges | State news | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/state/state-highway-officials-monitoring-inadequate-local-bridges/article_429fa832-8098-11ec-9b56-9fa4e3f5aa8d.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/state/state-highway-officials-monitoring-inadequate-local-bridges/article_429fa832-8098-11ec-9b56-9fa4e3f5aa8d.html |
Iowa Co. Republicans call for Vos to step down as election law front and center in GOP primary
Iowa County GOP Calls for Vos to Step Down
MADISON (WKOW) -- The latest indication election policy will help drive the Republican primary in this year's gubernatorial race came when the Iowa County Republican Party called for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to step down.
The party chapter accused Vos and other state GOP leaders of not doing enough to address unfounded accusations of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
In its statement, the Iowa County GOP said Vos had failed to push for a "forensic, kinematic" audit of the election and betrayed the trust of constituents when he took away the staff of State Rep. Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) after Ramthun has repeatedly called for the legislature to decertify the election, which the legislature's own lawyers have repeatedly said is illegal.
"This has made Speaker Vos politically toxic, creating a liability to the entire Republican ticket," the statement read.
Vos' office did not respond Friday to a request for comment on the statement. Earlier in the week, he refused to say whether or not he felt drop boxes should be allowed in Wisconsin after Sen. Kathy Bernier's (R-Lake Hallie) office said her proposed legislation on drop boxes was wiped off the table Monday after former President Donald Trump blasted "RINO Republicans" over a leaked draft of the drop box proposal.
GOP Strategist: Primary Can be Good in Gov. Race
It's another development that indicates that the GOP primary in the governor's race will include plenty of banter about how Republicans should approach election law should they regain full control of state government.
McCoshen had weighed a run for the state's top elected office himself before announcing last September he would not enter the race.
"Kevin [Nicholson's] campaign is built around being an outsider and being anti-establishment, and there will be a market for that," McCoshen said. "There will be people within the grassroots, the conservative grassroots, who will be receptive to those arguments for sure. This race has got a long way to go. Whether it becomes destructive remains to be seen."
McCoshen noted that since 1970, when the state went to four-year terms for governor, in each of the four times an incumbent governor was defeated, the successful challenger had first survived a competitive primary.
That evidence wasn't enough to sway Vos, who last week said he didn't want Nicholson to run for governor.
Iowa County Republican Party
Bill Mccoshen | 2022-01-29T05:15:21Z | www.wkow.com | Iowa Co. Republicans call for Vos to step down as election law front and center in GOP primary | Politics | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/politics/iowa-co-republicans-call-for-vos-to-step-down-as-election-law-front-and-center/article_8194d642-8094-11ec-934a-c7faf4b6fb64.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/politics/iowa-co-republicans-call-for-vos-to-step-down-as-election-law-front-and-center/article_8194d642-8094-11ec-934a-c7faf4b6fb64.html |
Son finishing dad's mission to honor World War II vets
Carrying On a Father's Legacy of Recognizing Veterans
MADISON (WKOW) -- A 102-year-old World War II veteran was on a mission to visit every state to raise awareness of the sacrifices veterans of that war made for our country.
But he died before completing his journey.
Now, his son has picked up his mantle.
Sidney Walton visited 40 states before he died.
His son, Paul, took over from there, visiting five more states and making Wisconsin number 46 on Friday.
He visited Governor Tony Evers' office to spread the message about the importance of recognizing World War II veterans.
Walton said his father always taught him if you start something, you finish it.
"So because of that and the values that he instilled in me, I feel compelled to finish the tour as my dad would in honor of my father," Paul Walton said.
Walton is doing this while he's battling cancer.
But he's forging on. He still needs to get to Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
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Police incident on Pflaum Rd | 2022-01-29T12:34:27Z | www.wkow.com | Son finishing dad's mission to honor World War II vets | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/son-finishing-dads-mission-to-honor-world-war-ii-vets/article_e202408e-80b0-11ec-a835-734dcf8d6e7e.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/son-finishing-dads-mission-to-honor-world-war-ii-vets/article_e202408e-80b0-11ec-a835-734dcf8d6e7e.html |
Goodbye January, Hello February
January is almost over, just two more days, and it looks like southern Wisconsin is going to be quiet as we end the first month of the year. The new month is going to start off on the warmer side but that warmth is short live as snow along with cooler air is in the forecast.
While the East Coast gets hammered by a powerful Nor'Easter, our region is going to remain quiet. There's a chance for flurries Saturday night, specifically after midnight, otherwise skies are going to remain a mix of partly sunny and mostly cloudy. Expect more cloud cover on Monday compared to Sunday.
Tuesday is the first day of February and temperatures are going to be warmer than normal by nearly 10 degrees. That warmth though is short lived as a low pressure system moves through the region.
There's still uncertainty as to where this low will ultimately pass over but as of now, the low remains to our south which means that we'll see colder temperatures by Tuesday night with a chance for snow starting in the evening/overnight hours Tuesday through Thursday.
This system will be an interesting one and could, if it shifts northwest, bring southern Wisconsin it's next round of accumulating snow. Stay with 27 News for the latest forecast.
Southern Wisconsin Forecast
Wisconsin Forecast | 2022-01-29T22:55:57Z | www.wkow.com | Goodbye January, Hello February | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/goodbye-january-hello-february/article_81271cf6-8148-11ec-9e32-c3156c77472b.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/goodbye-january-hello-february/article_81271cf6-8148-11ec-9e32-c3156c77472b.html |
Shot fired into victim's vehicle on Hammersley Road after "meet up"
MADISON (WKOW) -- A shot was fired into a victim's vehicle after an encounter on Hammersley Road early Saturday morning, according to the Madison Police Department.
Police say they met "somewhere on Hammersley Road," and the woman exited her vehicle from the front passenger seat and walked up to the passenger side of the victim's car, asking if he wanted to "follow her back to her place."
Hammersley Road | 2022-01-29T22:56:03Z | www.wkow.com | Shot fired into victim's vehicle on Hammersley Road after "meet up" | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/shot-fired-into-victims-vehicle-on-hammersley-road-after-meet-up/article_2a2e6f5c-811c-11ec-86fe-43fdb6463f3a.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/shot-fired-into-victims-vehicle-on-hammersley-road-after-meet-up/article_2a2e6f5c-811c-11ec-86fe-43fdb6463f3a.html |
MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin has hired a new offensive coordinator in Bobby Engram, a UW official confirmed on Saturday. Engram's contract was approved by the Board of Regents Friday night, and he signed the contract shortly after that.
The 14-year NFL player just wrapped up his eighth season with the Baltimore Ravens. He spent his first five seasons coaching the wide receivers and the last three seasons as the team's tight end coach.
Engram has ties to the Wisconsin program as he coached wide receivers under Paul Chryst at Pittsburgh in 2012 and 2013. In addition, his son Dean Engram is a current defensive back for the Badgers.
Engram replaces Joe Rodolph who took a position with Virginia Tech as the run-game coordinator and offensive line coach.
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Black Hawk has another trip to Green Bay in their sights | 2022-01-30T01:41:09Z | www.wkow.com | Wisconsin hires Bobby Engram as offensive coordinator | Sports | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/sports/wisconsin-hires-bobby-engram-as-offensive-coordinator/article_ec465230-8149-11ec-8336-bf6dbc252730.html | https://www.wkow.com/sports/wisconsin-hires-bobby-engram-as-offensive-coordinator/article_ec465230-8149-11ec-8336-bf6dbc252730.html |
Beloit Police investigating city's second homicide of 2022
BELOIT (WKOW) -- Beloit police say a woman was stabbed to death Saturday morning.
Officers were called to a home on Clary Street just after 7 a.m. for a report of a woman suffering from stab wounds. Police Chief Andre Sayles did not say whether the woman was alive when officers arrived.
"It's very unfortunate that we have so many people in the city that are walking around doing cowardly acts of violence to our residents," Chief Sayles said. Tough words from Chief Sayles after the city of Beloit records its second homicide after a woman died from fatal stab wounds.
"We started a homicide investigation at that time, we have not been able to positively identify the victim as of yet," said Chief Sayles.
Days earlier, the city's first homicide occurred on Madison Road, and Chief Sayles said that these death investigations are taking a toll. "I'm overly frustrated. I know the men and women of the Beloit Police Department are frustrated. I know our residents here to the city of Beloit are frustrated."
Ken Warneke, who lives nearby said, "It is a bit shocking. I don't know what to make of it."
Residents describe this neighborhood as quiet, saying that they were astonished to see crime scene tape and police cars so early in the morning
"A little bit surprised or shocked, very saddened to hear of a potential homicide on my block on my street," said Warneke.
Chief Sayles said that the two homicides are not connected.
To help prevent another crime scene in the city, Chief Sayles said his department is expanding its approach to crime.
"We're looking at some different investigative tactics and tools that we can use partnering with some of our neighbors to the south and to the north and within Rock County to help us out with this," said Chief Sayles
Beloit police have not released the woman's name or age and they don't have any suspects in custody right now.
His officers are canvassing the neighborhood for doorbell camera video that could help the investigation.
Ken Warneke | 2022-01-30T04:08:57Z | www.wkow.com | Beloit Police investigating city's second homicide of 2022 | Police | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/police/beloit-police-investigating-citys-second-homicide-of-2022/article_d9ec66f6-8162-11ec-8ad0-f704a82a7fb0.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/police/beloit-police-investigating-citys-second-homicide-of-2022/article_d9ec66f6-8162-11ec-8ad0-f704a82a7fb0.html |
'It has been outstanding': Barneveld community raises money to buy farmer prosthetic leg
Community Raising Money To Buy Farmer A Prosthetic Leg
BARNEVELD (WKOW) -- Crowds gathered in Barneveld Saturday to rally around Kyle Thompson, a farmer who lost his leg in an accident last fall and is now looking to purchase a prosthetic leg so he can get back out in the fields doing what he loves.
Brenda James, the mother of one of Thompson's friends, organized the night.
When she heard about Thompson's accident, James said she wanted to do everything in her power to get him back on his feet.
"When Kyle got hurt, the only thing I could really do was feed his chickens and that wasn't much and I wanted to do so much more," James said.
Thompson said he was both humbled and honored, but not surprised by the community's support after his accident and throughout his healing process.
"You see it all the time. Small communities come together," Thompson said. "It has been outstanding to see everybody that's come forward either helping or donating or coming to support."
Saturday's fundraiser fed over 550 people--serving plates in person and offering plates to go.
In addition to the fundraiser, an online auction has been set up to raise money. The link for that can be found here.
Thompson hopes to get his prosthetic leg in the coming months.
"I'd like to put it on and get back to the way things were," Barneveld said. "Back to farming full time."
Brenda James
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Boulder supermarket shooter ID’d as 21-year-old man | 2022-01-30T08:25:39Z | www.wkow.com | 'It has been outstanding': Barneveld community raises money to buy farmer prosthetic leg | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/it-has-been-outstanding-barneveld-community-raises-money-to-buy-farmer-prosthetic-leg/article_75f5bbde-817b-11ec-8a21-277a262b25ce.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/it-has-been-outstanding-barneveld-community-raises-money-to-buy-farmer-prosthetic-leg/article_75f5bbde-817b-11ec-8a21-277a262b25ce.html |
Capital City Sunday: Neumann and Fannon return for 500th episode
Capital City Sunday 1/30/22 Segment 1
MADISON (WKOW) -- It was another eventful week in Wisconsin politics, which was only fitting as Capital City Sunday commemorates its 500th show.
Scott Bauer, Capitol beat reporter for the Associated Press, said it sets up a dynamic that is sure to please Democrats. Speaker Vos had previously said he opposed the idea of Nicholson getting in race.
"Maybe the biggest winner in all of this is Tony Evers, right? He gets to sit back, raise more money, save his resources and watch Rebecca Kleefisch and Kevin Nicholson go at it, spend millions of dollars, probably, most likely, bringing one another down," Bauer said.
Bauer also recapped the other big story in state politics: incredibly rosy projections about the state's fiscal future. A new report from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimated Wisconsin will have a $3.8 billion surplus by the summer of 2023. Gov. Tony Evers proposed giving every resident a $150 check and putting more than $700 million into K-12 schools and the UW System.
Republicans have said they want to wait until after the election and craft a set of tax cuts as part of the next budget cycle.
"They're not going to give [Evers] a big win like that in an election year," Bauer said of Republicans. "But, in some ways, he wins no matter what because if they give it to him, he can go around saying 'you're getting this money because of me' and if they don't give it to him, he can go around saying 'I proposed this. These Republicans are blocking me.'"
In 2018, former Governor Scott Walker proposed a back-to-school sales tax holiday. At the time, Democrats, including then-candidate Evers, dismissed the idea as an election year gimmick that did too little, too late.
Celebrating 500 episodes
Capital City Sunday launched in the spring of 2012, just months before Walker survived a contentious recall effort that June. Greg Neumann launched the show and hosted it into 2017.
Neumann recalls both that race and the 2012 GOP primary in the U.S. Senate race among his most vivid early memories from the show.
"Having Eric Hovde excoriate me that same year as he was running," Neumann said.
The show's original host said his proudest accomplishment was reporting on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation giving tax credits to companies that created jobs in Wisconsin but didn't net any new jobs overall because they were simultaneously outsourcing jobs.
"I think it led to a lot of changes with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation," Neumann said. "They also had a few hires there that I think were questionable to a lot of people and ended up in changes in management as well."
Fannon recalls a hectic start to her time on the desk, having started at the beginning of 2018 after previously covering the Illinois statehouse for four years.
"I only had four days off until I started at WKOW so as you can imagine, I still had to get to know the players," Fannon said.
Fannon recalled having to immediately get familiar with a crowded Democratic field in the race for governor that year.
"That was just an interesting dynamic," she said. "Even covering outside of the show, covering the debates that they had - how do you fairly get everyone's sound bite into your story because there were so many candidates?"
Today, Neumann handles communications for the World Council of Credit Unions. Fannon is still at the Capitol, covering state politics for WDJT-TV in Milwaukee.
Greg Neumann
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US judge approves injunction to delay WeChat restrictions | 2022-01-30T16:10:27Z | www.wkow.com | Capital City Sunday: Neumann and Fannon return for 500th episode | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/capital-city-sunday-neumann-and-fannon-return-for-500th-episode/article_ff820ab8-80a1-11ec-b4e4-afeb4ad9ee06.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/capital-city-sunday-neumann-and-fannon-return-for-500th-episode/article_ff820ab8-80a1-11ec-b4e4-afeb4ad9ee06.html |
19-year-old dead after shooting in Beloit Memorial High School parking lot, according to Beloit Police
BELOIT (WKOW) -- The victim of last night's shooting was a 19-year-old male from Beloit, according to Beloit Police Chief Andre Sayles at a press conference Sunday morning.
The shooting occurred in the front parking lot of Beloit Memorial High School at 8:55 p.m. after the basketball game Saturday evening.
The Beloit Police Department had a school resource officer working the basketball game who was notified of shots fired in the parking lot. The officer immediately responded to the parking lot and notified officers in the patrol division over the radio, who immediately responded to the scene.
Evidence of a shooting was located in the front parking lot, but the victim was not on scene at the time. A short time later, a call came in from Beloit Memorial Hospital about a gunshot victim who was dropped off at the hospital.
The victim died from his injuries at the hospital.
There are 30-40 witnesses to this incident, according to the surveillance footage that the Beloit Police Department reviewed. Chief Sayles asked these community members to come forward and give information.
If you were a witness or have any additional information, call 608-364-6823. This line will be staffed 24/7.
"We need your help on this one," Chief Sayles said.
Investigative leads have indicated that the suspect is an adult male, though the Beloit Police Department is working to confirm this.
This homicide is an isolated incident unattached to the other two recent homicides, according to Chief Sayles.
No active students were involved in this incident. The Beloit Police Department has committed to additional police presence in and around the school areas this coming week.
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Capital City Sunday: Budget gets bipartisan votes; Evers mulls line item options | 2022-01-30T22:15:38Z | www.wkow.com | 19-year-old dead after shooting in Beloit Memorial High School parking lot, according to Beloit Police | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/19-year-old-dead-after-shooting-in-beloit-memorial-high-school-parking-lot-according-to/article_586cf95a-81f9-11ec-add2-5b69b006d0c3.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/19-year-old-dead-after-shooting-in-beloit-memorial-high-school-parking-lot-according-to/article_586cf95a-81f9-11ec-add2-5b69b006d0c3.html |
Crash on US 51 at Mahoney Road closes all southbound lanes.
UPDATE -- All lanes are now open, according to the DOT.
MADISON (WKOW) -- All southbound lanes on US 51 at Mahoney Road are closed due to a crash at 4:54 p.m. Sunday evening, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
The Dane County Sheriff's Department was dispatched, as well as McFarland Fire and EMS.
The DOT says lanes will likely be closed for one hour.
Mahoney Road | 2022-01-31T01:27:03Z | www.wkow.com | Crash on US 51 at Mahoney Road closes all southbound lanes. | Highway | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/highway/crash-on-us-51-at-mahoney-road-closes-all-southbound-lanes/article_e7a71f20-8220-11ec-8763-838abfc605b9.html | https://www.wkow.com/townnews/highway/crash-on-us-51-at-mahoney-road-closes-all-southbound-lanes/article_e7a71f20-8220-11ec-8763-838abfc605b9.html |
Vigil honors Beloit homicide victims
BELOIT (WKOW) -- Beloit Memorial High School was a somber and emotional place Sunday afternoon as more than a dozen people gathered to pay respects to the city's three recent homicide victims.
Candles, balloons, pictures and chalk messages sought to honor those who died in recent days and provide a message of hope for the community.
The vigil came after the city of Beloit saw three homicides in just four days.
The first happened on Wednesday when a mother of three was shot on Madison Road.
The second took place Saturday morning on Clary Street, where police say a woman was stabbed to death.
The third also happened Saturday. This one -- outside of Beloit Memorial High School, where police say a man was shot after a basketball game.
While Sunday's vigil was a chance for people to grieve, community members also worked to find solutions to the violence.
One Beloit pastor said putting reliable mentors around Beloit's youth is key to stopping violence.
"I'm hoping that in this group, the leaders that are in that group will go ahead and take and do what they know to do. They will take those leadership skills on the inside and lead and be the youth, be that youth leader, be that mentor," Kenda Roman, Pastor at New Covenant Life Center said
Roman added that she doesn't think Beloit is a bad place and if people can get back to thinking its great, she believes great things will follow. | 2022-01-31T06:57:32Z | www.wkow.com | Vigil honors Beloit homicide victims | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/vigil-honors-beloit-homicide-victims/article_5a2061be-8245-11ec-9bfc-d794cf6025fe.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/vigil-honors-beloit-homicide-victims/article_5a2061be-8245-11ec-9bfc-d794cf6025fe.html |
Walk-through Labyrinth unveiled in Olbrich Park
MADISON (WKOW) -- After years of planning and an entire month of collecting Christmas trees, an elaborate new art installation was unveiled on the edge of Lake Monona Sunday.
That installation is a labyrinth -- made of recycled Christmas trees.
It is located in Olbrich Park and takes about 10 minutes to walk through.
During the unveiling ceremony, lead artist, Lillian Sizemore, described it as a mosaic that aims to benefit the environment and bring people closer together.
"This land-based work is an expression of optimism in art," she said.
Sizemore said she chose to create a classical labyrinth specifically to give people a place to walk through and reflect on both their lives and how their lives fit into the grander circle of life.
"I hope this installation will help us renew our commitment to protecting the sacred land, to care for our birds and our animals and our trees and our water like they are our own," Sizemore said.
Additionally, she hopes the Labyrinth keeps the magic of Christmas alive well into the New Year.
"Your very own holiday trees imbued with your joys and your family cheer and your hopes for the new year--these gifts are now woven with that of your neighbors and together, we have become a greater whole here in this installation," she said.
Several local leaders, including Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, also spoke at Sunday's unveiling ceremony.
Rhodes-Conway thanked Sizemore and everyone who made the project happen.
"Lillian spent about a year in a half, dreaming this up, coordinating, planning, getting it funded, working with all the people she needed to work with to bring this dream to reality," Rhodes-Conway said.
The project was funded by the Madison Arts Commission Blink grant and a matching grant from the Madison Community Foundation.
"This is connecting all of us," Rhodes-Conway said. "Connecting all of us to each other, our community, to these trees, to art."
The public will be able to walk through the labyrinth for free the entire month of February.
After that, the Christmas trees will be broken down into mulch and used for Wisconsin's summer blueberry crop. | 2022-01-31T06:57:38Z | www.wkow.com | Walk-through Labyrinth unveiled in Olbrich Park | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/walk-through-labyrinth-unveiled-in-olbrich-park/article_ea88a7c4-8241-11ec-82e2-076c1e0a86d6.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/walk-through-labyrinth-unveiled-in-olbrich-park/article_ea88a7c4-8241-11ec-82e2-076c1e0a86d6.html |
Over 212,000 Wisconsinites sign up for health insurance during latest open enrollment period
MADISON (WKOW) — During a recent enrollment period, 212,000 Wisconsinites signed up for heath insurance on Healthcare.gov.
According to a press release from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), this is the highest enrollment since 2018.
“Ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to quality, affordable health care is more important than ever, and it’s exciting to see thousands of Wisconsinites find health care coverage on Healthcare.gov,” said Governor Tony Evers. “I am grateful for the navigators, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders that participate in our Health Care Coverage Partnership whose good work has helped make sure more Wisconsinites get covered."
Evers launched a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and OCI in 2019 meant to improve outreach and education, leading to increased enrollment and health insurance literacy. The partnership led to WisCovered.com launching in 2020, a site that helps connect consumers to enrollment information.
“The work of this partnership would not be possible without Governor Evers’ leadership and commitment to increasing health care coverage,” said Commissioner Houdek. “Thanks to the Governor’s investments in Wisconsin-based health insurance navigators and the increase in funding provided by the Biden Administration to support enrollment efforts, thousands more Wisconsinites have signed up for affordable health care coverage.”
While the open enrollment period is now closed, some may still qualify for special enrollment periods. Some of the circumstances that lead to this include recently losing health insurance, getting married and having a baby. To find out if you qualify call 877-947-2211 or finding free local help through Covering Wisconsin.
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Delays expected Monday on Verona Road after traffic shift | 2022-01-31T18:51:01Z | www.wkow.com | Over 212,000 Wisconsinites sign up for health insurance during latest open enrollment period | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/over-212-000-wisconsinites-sign-up-for-health-insurance-during-latest-open-enrollment-period/article_abb2544a-82a1-11ec-a5f2-4bbfb74d98dd.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/over-212-000-wisconsinites-sign-up-for-health-insurance-during-latest-open-enrollment-period/article_abb2544a-82a1-11ec-a5f2-4bbfb74d98dd.html |
Second Harvest offering $200,000 in community-directed food equity grants
MADISON (WKOW) -- Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin announced a new round of grants Monday with the goal of increasing food equity across Madison.
According to a news release from Second Harvest spokesperson Kristopher Tazelaar, the foodbank will provide up to $200,000 in grants to area groups or organizations. The goal is to build strategies for distributing food throughout the city as needed to move food equity forward and address any nutritional needs.
“Everyone in our community should have equitable access to nutritious and culturally-significant food,” Second Harvest president/CEO Michelle Orge said in the release. “We’re excited to see and support the ideas that come from the groups and organizations who will apply for a grant. Their insights on how to increase food equity in our community will help us increase collaboration and strengthen our entire network”.
The grants can be a minimum of $2,500 or a maximum of $75,000. To apply, an organization must have the following to be considered:
Eligible applicants are designated as a registered 501c3 -or-
Organizations, mutual aid groups, collectives, and tribal organizations that are fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 non-profit
Applications should support community(ies) within the 16 counties in the Second Harvest service area
Efforts should be led by, or conducted in partnership with, racially diverse communities impacted by food insecurity
Grant applications will be open until 11:59 p.m. March 14. Funds will be awarded based on "the strength of the application's focus on equity and access." Grant funds must be used by June 2023.
Michelle Orge
Kristopher Tazelaar
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The surprising reason why Ocean Spray cranberry sauce labels are upside-down | 2022-01-31T18:51:13Z | www.wkow.com | Second Harvest offering $200,000 in community-directed food equity grants | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/second-harvest-offering-200-000-in-community-directed-food-equity-grants/article_e6ea02fa-82ac-11ec-8d85-43234083d68a.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/second-harvest-offering-200-000-in-community-directed-food-equity-grants/article_e6ea02fa-82ac-11ec-8d85-43234083d68a.html |
'This hits close to home': MMSD superintendent reacts to shooting after Beloit basketball game
MADISON (WKOW) — MMSD Superintendent Dr. Carlton Jenkins penned a statement Monday offering his condolences following a deadly shooting outside Beloit Memorial High School Saturday night.
Beloit Police Chief Andre Sayles said in a press conference the shooting took place around 8:55 p.m. after a basketball game at the high school. Beloit was playing La Follette High School.
A 19-year-old Beloit man has been identified as the victim; he died at a hospital after being dropped off.
"We are grieving, along with the School District of Beloit, over the senseless and violent tragedy which occurred in the parking lot of Beloit Memorial High School Saturday night, where a former Beloit student lost his life due to gun violence. This incident hit close to home, as it occurred just outside the building where our own La Follette High School boys basketball team and families had just finished enjoying the game.
Although we are grateful and relieved all of our MMSD students were kept safe, these senseless acts of violence have a ripple effect, impacting the basic fabric of all our school communities. As we continue supporting our La Follette students, our hearts break for the Beloit school community, and we ask you to join us in keeping them in our thoughts in the upcoming days," Jenkins said in his statement.
If you have any information about the shooting, contact the Beloit Police Department at 608-364-6823. This line is staffed 24 hours a day.
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Police: Witness says teen responsible for Shay Watson killing | 2022-01-31T21:22:50Z | www.wkow.com | 'This hits close to home': MMSD superintendent reacts to shooting after Beloit basketball game | Crime | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/this-hits-close-to-home-mmsd-superintendent-reacts-to-shooting-after-beloit-basketball-game/article_a70d382e-82bf-11ec-a1e6-33d6346bf77e.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/crime/this-hits-close-to-home-mmsd-superintendent-reacts-to-shooting-after-beloit-basketball-game/article_a70d382e-82bf-11ec-a1e6-33d6346bf77e.html |
Man killed in single-car Dunkirk crash Saturday identified
TOWN OF DUNKIRK (WKOW) — The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office has identified a man that died in a single-car crash in the town of Dunkirk Saturday morning.
According to a news release from DCME spokesperson Suzanne Eskola, Guntis Zeps died at the scene after he crashed into a tree. Authorities arrived at the scene at 6:40 a.m. Saturday.
A preliminary investigation indicated that Zeps was traveling north on County Highway A when his vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree. Authorities suspect speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Zeps' death is still under investigation by the DCME and the Dane County Sheriff's Office.
Guntis Zeps
Speed reductions on North Thompson Drive start Monday
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'Hospitals will not be able to handle it:' UW health warns of COVID-19, flu twindemic | 2022-01-31T21:22:50Z | www.wkow.com | Man killed in single-car Dunkirk crash Saturday identified | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/man-killed-in-single-car-dunkirk-crash-saturday-identified/article_2f63a7ae-82c4-11ec-a143-ff08cde6fccc.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/man-killed-in-single-car-dunkirk-crash-saturday-identified/article_2f63a7ae-82c4-11ec-a143-ff08cde6fccc.html |
'Just a big victory': Sauk City mobile home park residents avoid displacement
Displaced Mobile Home Park Residents Can Now Stay
SAUK CITY (WKOW) -- Like many challenging chapters in life, for Brenda LaCost, this one began with a letter. The owners of the mobile home park where she's lived for nearly 12 years informed residents in late December they'd have to vacate the property by January 31.
"I tell ya, I was so stressed out for the last- I am stressed out since December," LaCost said.
Holding the letter in one hand and a cane in the other, LaCost pointed out sentimental value of the lot where her trailer is located. Her daughter died in the trailer. Her late child and late husband planted a pine tree outside the trailer as a nod to their previous home in Oregon.
"A lot of memories have gone into living here," she said.
LaCost, and every other resident of the mobile home park, just off Highway 12 and just east of the Wisconsin River, got a measure of relief in recent days. Patriot Properties notified tenants they were taking over the property and planned to keep the park open, offering the renters new leases.
"It's just a big victory for everybody here," said Kody Schmitt, who raised more than $2,000 for residents in the park where he also rents a lot.
LaCost, however, said there was a catch for her. Due to her lot being considered two spaces, her rent would be increasing from less than $500 a month to $1,095.
"It's not feasible," she said. "I'm gonna try to reach out to Section 8 and maybe they can help me stay here."
Chris Gantz, who owns Waunakee-based Patriot Properties, said the company was not doubling anyone's rent because of their lot's size. Instead, he said the company would need to do extensive repairs to the park's sewage system and also putting heat tape on supply lines so residents wouldn't have to keep faucets open during the winter.
Gantz acknowledged the company was in some cases raising tenants' rent by hundreds of dollars per month. He described the rent increase as a one-time change to cover overdue renovations. Gantz said the company would work with residents who'd need to find assistance, such as Section 8, in order to afford the new cost of rent.
"We don't want people to leave," Gantz said in a phone interview Monday.
Schmitt said his rent was increasing too but not to the extent LaCost's was. Both he and LaCost said the sewage system had long needed to be repaired.
"Even though this is a victory, you know, the increased lot fee is a tough thing to handle, Schmidt said. "I'm kind of seeing it from both sides now."
Ordeal inspires legislation
Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) said the initial letter that sought to have residents out by January 31 was unacceptably short notice. He, along with Rep. Sondy Pope (D-Mount Horeb) and Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point), have proposed legislation mandating that mobile home park operators give at least 90 days' notice when terminating a tenant's lease.
"You have to find a place to move a trailer and that's not always easy," Considine said. "Especially with some of these [trailers] that are older ones."
Considine said the bill's authors were in the process of reworking the bill based on some of the initial feedback they've received. He acknowledged it's unlikely the bill will come up for a vote before the current legislative session wraps up around March but was hopeful to eventually get Republican leaders on board with a final version of the bill.
"We've got some things we need to work on yet but we wanted to put it out really quickly to basically show these people some support," Considine said.
LaCost said she was relieved to still have a place to stay Monday after initially thinking she'd need to have a new home lined up by this date. Still, she described herself as stressed as she sought to find either rental assistance or a new home before the current lease ends at the end of February.
"It's quite a relief," she said. "It gives me 28 more days to figure out what I'm gonna do."
Brenda Lacost
Chris Gantz
Kody Schmitt
Dave Considine | 2022-02-01T03:10:52Z | www.wkow.com | 'Just a big victory': Sauk City mobile home park residents avoid displacement | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/just-a-big-victory-sauk-city-mobile-home-park-residents-avoid-displacement/article_2e694a7a-82f1-11ec-8f92-7b3328b558c4.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/just-a-big-victory-sauk-city-mobile-home-park-residents-avoid-displacement/article_2e694a7a-82f1-11ec-8f92-7b3328b558c4.html |
Courtesy: eMed
MADISON (WKOW) -- Are you planning an international Spring Break trip?
If so, it is recommended that you book or buy your COVID-19 test to get back into the country ahead of time.
This is because the CDC requires air passengers two and older to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than one day before traveling into the United States.
So, before returning home, spring breakers will need to either visit an international COVID-19 testing site, or take an approved at-home test that they purchase in advance.
In order for an at-home test to qualify for international travel, the CDC says it needs to be a viral test proctored by an authorized technician.
eMed is one of few companies to distribute tests approved for international travel. Because of this, founder and CEO Patrice Harris says they are in high demand.
"My recommendation is to plan ahead," Harris said. "As soon as your plans are solidified, order your test."
Harris said tests cost $25 apiece or $150 for a six pack. They can be ordered online, shipped to people's homes and then packed in suitcases to be used from the comfort of their hotel rooms with a proctor.
"We have a live guide--we call them proctors, who guide the test taker through the test from beginning to end," Harris said. "From opening up the box, to verifying their identification and making sure they are performing the test correctly, so that the results are valid results."
Harris said the appointment with the proctor should also be set up in advance, adding that the appointment can be done 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"I've heard from friends, family and clients that they are so glad that they pre-ordered our tests and took them with them because they were in a country, they were set to return on a Sunday and they couldn't find any test locations in that particular country that were open," Harris said.
Two other COVID-19 tests approved for international travel are the video versions of Qured and Elume.
If you are planning to travel domestically, representatives from the Dane County Regional Airport also have tips for you as they gear up for a busy year.
"We're really energized about this year's Spring Break because there are more flights and destinations than last year," Michael Riechers, Director of Marketing and Communications said. "We have roughly 50% more volume in terms of airplanes and seats leaving Madison compared to last year's Spring Break."
To ensure smooth travels for everyone, Riechers recommends people arrive 90 minutes before takeoff with their ticket, a mask and their vaccination card.
"We do recommend carrying your vaccination card because more and more destinations are requiring it for one reason or another whether its to get into restaurants or your hotel room even," Riecher said.
Patrice Harris
Michael Riechers | 2022-02-01T03:11:04Z | www.wkow.com | Planning Ahead: COVID-19 tests approved for spring breakers traveling internationally | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/planning-ahead-covid-19-tests-approved-for-spring-breakers-traveling-internationally/article_8bc4111e-82f6-11ec-814d-3f56ea88fb6a.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/planning-ahead-covid-19-tests-approved-for-spring-breakers-traveling-internationally/article_8bc4111e-82f6-11ec-814d-3f56ea88fb6a.html |
'Our role is to keep this community safe': Janesville police and school district collaborate on athletic event safety plan
Janesville officials amping up security at school athletic events following Beloit violence
JANESVILLE (WKOW) -- After a crime spree in the city of Beloit left three people dead in less than four days, Janesville officials stepped up their security plan at school athletic events.
Janesville Police Chief David Moore said the new plan is meant to keep fans at school athletic events safe and was a collaborative effort between the school district and the department.
"Our role is to keep this community safe," Moore said. "If we think that Janesville may be involved in retaliation, we'll post up officers on those locations, or go out and make contact with the people and make sure that, you know, retaliatory events don't come our way."
Janesville Deputy Chief Chad Pearson initiated the original discussion with the school district. They were particularly concerned after the homicide outside of Beloit Memorial High School.
"I reached out to the school district, and we had a discussion regarding these matters," Pearson said. "They were completely on board with it. They requested the assistance of the additional officers to be present. And we wanted to work with them to provide that.”
In a statement to 27 News, Janesville School District spokesperson Patrick Gasper said:
"One of our promises is to prioritize the safety, health, and wellness of our school community. Students have had to deal with a lot over the past two years, and given events that have occurred regionally and nationally, the district and the Janesville Police Department decided that as a precautionary measure, an increased police presence at our afterschool sporting events would be helpful."
Pearson said the changes are a part of the department's ongoing safety plan, and have been welcomed by members of the Janesville community.
"The Janesville police department is focused on ensuring their safety so they can enjoy the sporting events being put on by the school district,” Pearson said.
Chief Moore added that the department will be meeting during the week to discuss possible further changes to the department's current plan.
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Country Time launches lemonade stand bailout program | 2022-02-01T06:17:34Z | www.wkow.com | 'Our role is to keep this community safe': Janesville police and school district collaborate on athletic event safety plan | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/our-role-is-to-keep-this-community-safe-janesville-police-and-school-district-collaborate-on/article_c7e68c8c-8308-11ec-b1a6-dbb6bc299b24.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/our-role-is-to-keep-this-community-safe-janesville-police-and-school-district-collaborate-on/article_c7e68c8c-8308-11ec-b1a6-dbb6bc299b24.html |
One of the warmest day this year followed by cold rest of week
MADISON (WKOW) - A strong storm system passing through the region will cause a wide range of temperatures, though we miss out on most of the precipitation.
Temps top off in the upper 30s and low 40s midday with falling temperatures later this afternoon as a cold front moves through. However, it will be windy with winds gusting up to 30 mph turning from the south to the northwest.
Southeastern Wisconsin may get clipped by some light snow tonight through Wednesday, with up to an inch possible for the I-43 corridor. Colder weather wins out region-wide. Temperatures bottom out in the upper single digits. Highs stay in the teens on Groundhog Day through the rest of the workweek. Temperatures recover to the mid to upper 20s this weekend. | 2022-02-01T13:10:50Z | www.wkow.com | One of the warmest day this year followed by cold rest of week | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/one-of-the-warmest-day-this-year-followed-by-cold-rest-of-week/article_e9d51044-8352-11ec-87a5-77fa4a020d51.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/one-of-the-warmest-day-this-year-followed-by-cold-rest-of-week/article_e9d51044-8352-11ec-87a5-77fa4a020d51.html |
American Family Insurance pledges $5 million gift to United Way of Dane County
MADISON (WKOW) — The United Way of Dane County is celebrating its 100 year anniversary and will be receiving the largest single corporate gift in United Way's history by one of its long time partners: American Family Insurance.
According to a press release from spokesperson Ashley Manthei, former CEO Jack Salzwedel established a Corporate Challenge Grant, through with American Family is pledging two $2.5 million gifts to be matched by other corporate partners in Dane County.
“I am beyond grateful to our partners at American Family Insurance for this inspiring, catalytic gift,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO, United Way of Dane County. “As we look forward to the future, we have so much we want to accomplish in Dane County – and American Family Insurance is making another century of impact and innovation possible."
Manthei said the gift is "meant to inspire local businesses to unite in effective community change." The funds will go toward two resources: United Way 211 and United Way Volunteer Resource Center. The investments further the United Way's ability to mobilize the community to find and deliver solutions through team work.
“United Way of Dane County has helped lead the way for 100 years in improving the lives of individuals and families and making communities more inclusive, stronger and resilient,” said Bill Westrate, American Family CEO. “These goals align with ours, and we’re honored to continue our support of United Way of Dane County with this centennial gift, which will have both a positive and lasting impact in our communities."
Jack Salzwedel
Ashley Manthei
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Pet of the Week: Meet Ajax! | 2022-02-01T16:48:07Z | www.wkow.com | American Family Insurance pledges $5 million gift to United Way of Dane County | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/american-family-insurance-pledges-5-million-gift-to-united-way-of-dane-county/article_dc48dcfc-836c-11ec-8361-63b4a6fb0efd.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/american-family-insurance-pledges-5-million-gift-to-united-way-of-dane-county/article_dc48dcfc-836c-11ec-8361-63b4a6fb0efd.html |
New survey highlights COVID-19 pandemic's impact on teachers
(WKOW) — A survey released Tuesday from the National Education Association is highlighting the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on teachers.
National Education Association President Becky Pringle said 55% of teachers reported they plan to leave or retire early. That's up from 37% in August.
62% of Black teachers are reporting they plan to leave early, with 59% of Latino teachers reporting the same thing.
Pringle says there were already teacher shortages even before the pandemic, and COVID-19 has made the problem a lot worse.
She says a big reason for teachers leaving the industry is the pay, and the strain on them as students need more mental health services.
"We are asking that everyone lift up their voice and demand from our elected and appointed officials from the school board, all the way up to the White House, that they provide the sustained funding that our public schools need," Pringle said.
Pringle said during the pandemic, there have been over 500,000 fewer teachers across the country, and almost 10,000 less in Wisconsin.
More information, and resources are available at on NEA's website. | 2022-02-01T19:59:28Z | www.wkow.com | New survey highlights COVID-19 pandemic's impact on teachers | Coronavirus | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/new-survey-highlights-covid-19-pandemics-impact-on-teachers/article_bd6e5282-8374-11ec-b5b5-075c360441ea.html | https://www.wkow.com/coronavirus/new-survey-highlights-covid-19-pandemics-impact-on-teachers/article_bd6e5282-8374-11ec-b5b5-075c360441ea.html |
Beloit School District implementing new protocols at athletic events
BELOIT (WKOW) -- The Beloit School District is implementing new security restrictions for sporting events, effective immediately.
The announcement comes days after a fatal shooting outside Beloit Memorial High School after a basketball game.
According to a letter sent to parents from Beloit School District spokesperson Monica Krysztopa, each student-athlete from both Beloit and visiting teams will be allotted three tickets per event. Athletes must provide the names of attendees in advance and only those on the admittance roster will be able to attend the event. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Beloit Memorial students may attend games, but must sign up by 4:00 p.m. the day of the event. Additionally, athletes on freshman and JV teams will be required to leave at the end of away games. Freshmen and JV teams visiting Beloit Memorial High School will follow the same policy.
On top of policies for student-athletes and visitors, Beloit Police Department will have an increased presence and security with conduct periodic parking lot checks.
"We want to keep the focus on our student-athletes and their sporting events and competitions with local and regional teams. These protocols will allow us to do so," Krysztopa said in the letter.
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Wisconsin Hospital Association: do not go to emergency rooms for COVID-19 tests | 2022-02-01T22:49:34Z | www.wkow.com | Beloit School District implementing new protocols at athletic events | Top Stories | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/beloit-school-district-implementing-new-protocols-at-athletic-events/article_f44fe3de-83a0-11ec-af2a-5f16413cfcca.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/top-stories/beloit-school-district-implementing-new-protocols-at-athletic-events/article_f44fe3de-83a0-11ec-af2a-5f16413cfcca.html |
Former Madison child care provider will head to trial in abuse case
Kimberly Gebhard, 50, appeared in court for her preliminary hearing on Tuesday where she entered a not guilty plea. She is charged with physical abuse of child with a modifier that the abuse was by a child care provider.
Gebhard is the former owner of Best Friends Day Care, a childcare center that operated out of her home. The childcare center's license has since been revoked.
Gebhard originally told first responders the child had been fussy and his breathing sounded "weird" prior to having a "seizure moment" that caused the child to hit his head. A first responder who interacted with Gebhard said her description of the event was odd because in a demonstration she didn't indicate she was support the child's head.
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8 more people die from COVID-19 in Wisconsin; 48 more hospitalized | 2022-02-02T01:25:36Z | www.wkow.com | Former Madison child care provider will head to trial in abuse case | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/former-madison-child-care-provider-will-head-to-trial-in-abuse-case/article_3440a0b0-83af-11ec-aa49-27bc14e24717.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/former-madison-child-care-provider-will-head-to-trial-in-abuse-case/article_3440a0b0-83af-11ec-aa49-27bc14e24717.html |
GOP election bills include renewed effort to tighten indefinitely confined laws
GOP Bill: Pandemic No Reason for "Indefinitely Confined" Status
MADISON (WKOW) -- Republican lawmakers are circulating a series of election-related bills, including one measure that would overhaul the way voters in Wisconsin can claim to be indefinitely confined.
The status is meant for voters who struggle to leave their home due to a medical condition and allows those voters to automatically have an absentee ballot mailed to them every year. In 2020, a little more than 215,000 sent back absentee ballots with indefinitely confined status for the November election. In the November 2016 and 2018 elections, about 66,000 and 70,000 voters respectively returned absentee ballots as indefinitely confined voters.
A Republican bill authored by Sen. Kathy Bernier (R-Lake Hallie), Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Cedarburg), and Rep. Cindi Duchow (R-Town of Delafield) would make clear voters could not use a public health emergency to declare themselves indefinitely confined.
The bill would strip away the status of all voters who received the status between March 12, 2020 and the November 2020 election. Barbara Beckert, Director of Advocacy for Disability Rights Wisconsin, said she worried that provision cast too wide of a net.
"We think there are people who this provision is important to who need it who are going to lose that status and have to re-apply," she said. "And that can be quite difficult for people with significant disabilities."
Bernier acknowledged the language could mean someone with a legitimate disability under the bill would have to re-apply but said it was necessary due to the volume of voters who obtained the status during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Bernier cited the state supreme court ordering Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell to stop suggesting people seek the confinement status, the number of voters seeking that status surged in both Democratic and Republican counties.
One key difference between a bill Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed last summer and the bill circulating is the first bill would've required indefinitely confined voters to show ID when requesting a ballot for each election. Bernier said she believed such a requirement was unnecessary in most circumstances.
"There seems to be no reason to keep re-applying but if you vote in person, if you move, if you do not return a general election ballot, you'll be taken off the list and you would have to re-apply," she said.
Beckert said she appreciated the removal of a requirement demanding confined voters show ID for each election. She said she was concerned about the bill requiring the Wisconsin Elections Commission to create a new, separate application for people seeking to claim indefinitely confined status. Currently, it's a box voters can check on their absentee ballot application.
"We're afraid that if that occurs, the awareness of this provision would significantly decrease," Beckert said.
Bernier said the move would eliminate instances of people mistakenly seeking that status. GOP gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch said she had accidentally labeled herself indefinitely confined for the state supreme court election in the spring of 2020.
Campaign spokesman Alec Zimmerman said Tuesday Kleefisch supported the GOP bill tightening the indefinitely confined provision. Former Marine Kevin Nicholson, who's challenging Kleefisch for the Republican nomination, said in a statement he also would sign the bill as governor.
"Nobody should be allowed to improperly claim “indefinitely confined” status when they vote," Nicholson said. "It represents an illegal end-around sensible Voter ID requirements."
The bill is part of a larger package all but certain to end at the tip of Evers' veto pen.
Other measures would codify rules for when special voting deputies must visit nursing homes and, if that's not allowed due to a public health crisis, allowing nursing home workers to be designated care assistants who help residents vote.
Another would ban clerks from accepting outside money or equipment from private entities. That bill stems from GOP suspicions of more than $10 million that flowed into Wisconsin from the Mark Zuckerberg-funded Center for Tech and Civic Life; more than 85 percent of those dollars went to the state's five biggest cities, prompting conservatives to argue that unfairly benefited communities that traditionally vote for Democrats.
The bills would also require the elections commission to cross-check its voter registration records more frequently against Department of Transportation records of individuals' licenses and death records from the Department of Health Services.
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Fitchburg police search for man who robbed gas station with gun | 2022-02-02T03:49:06Z | www.wkow.com | GOP election bills include renewed effort to tighten indefinitely confined laws | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/gop-election-bills-include-renewed-effort-to-tighten-indefinitely-confined-laws/article_7ece1054-83b9-11ec-91eb-5b73e361189f.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/gop-election-bills-include-renewed-effort-to-tighten-indefinitely-confined-laws/article_7ece1054-83b9-11ec-91eb-5b73e361189f.html |
Courtesy: Sarah Cherney
Running the floor to running the farm: Cherney sisters staying busy
WONEWOC (WKOW) -- With their jam-packed schedules, it's hard to believe Reedsburg basketball stars Trenna and Sydney Cherney find time to sleep.
A normal day for the Cherney sisters consists of waking up at 5 a.m., taking care of their morning chores, going to school, heading back home to do afternoon chores, and then driving back to school for basketball practice.
Even then, they're still running the floor and leading the top-ranked Reedsburg Beavers.
The Cherney Family Showstock farm raises pigs that are eventually brought to state and county fair shows. Their father, Todd, who bought the farm back in 1993, says his daughters have always been around the pig-raising operation since "they could walk." Now, he's thrilled, but not shocked, by how passionate his girls are.
"About seven years ago, they took over ownership of the pigs and it's all solely their business. Both of my girls play two sports. Well, this is their third sport," said Todd.
Trenna, a senior forward, sees a lot of comparisons between basketball and raising pigs.
"When I'm playing basketball, I'm in a zone but when I'm in a show ring or around livestock, I'm in a zone where I just can't get out of it."
Their head coach, Mark Simon, knows the Cherneys are hard workers and can tell it translates to the court.
"No matter how hard their day is when they get in those lines on the basketball court, they're ready to really compete and get after it." said Simon. "Anything they do, they want to win."
The Cherney family follows a unique mantra for expecting the unexpected: 'management by crisis.' That mindset has prepared the girls for just about anything.
"We do stuff hectic all day long," said Sydney, a sophomore guard. "When you're on the basketball court, you could just be like, 'I've done this before. I've done crazy things all the time.'"
Recently, Trenna and Sydney were put to the test as they helped birth a batch of piglets the night before an early morning game. The two made sure the piglets were healthy and call those instances "great bonding moments."
Reedsburg is currently 19-0 and ranked first in Division 2.
Sydney Cherney
Trenna Cherney
Trenna | 2022-02-02T11:08:49Z | www.wkow.com | Running the floor to running the farm: Cherney sisters staying busy | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/running-the-floor-to-running-the-farm-cherney-sisters-staying-busy/article_fa9ceca2-83da-11ec-97f1-2f1b9142d4be.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/running-the-floor-to-running-the-farm-cherney-sisters-staying-busy/article_fa9ceca2-83da-11ec-97f1-2f1b9142d4be.html |
Wisconsin Black Legislative Caucus celebrates Black History Month
Kicking off Black History Month at the State Capitol
MADISON (WKOW) -- Wisconsin lawmakers celebrated the start of Black History Month with an event at the State Capitol.
Members of the Legislative Black Caucus, Governor Tony Evers, and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes attended.
Barnes said the month highlights progress made, and work that still needs to be done.
"We need to call for us all to do the work to pave the wave for the just, inclusive and equitable future that we all need and deserve," he said.
Lawmakers will hold a number of events this month, including a small business panel Wednesday afternoon, a panel on mental health, and a roundtable discussion on youth justice reform.
"These events are an opportunity to learn about how these important areas impact the black community and how we can make a meaningful change moving forward," said Democratic Representative Shelia Stubbs.
Black History Month also highlights the overall theme of 2022, which focuses on the importance of Black health and wellness.
Click here for more information on this month's events.
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UPDATE: Authorities identify bicyclist killed in Columbia County crash | 2022-02-02T11:09:01Z | www.wkow.com | Wisconsin Black Legislative Caucus celebrates Black History Month | News | wkow.com | https://www.wkow.com/news/wisconsin-black-legislative-caucus-celebrates-black-history-month/article_2108a216-83b1-11ec-a214-77b46c698df8.html | https://www.wkow.com/news/wisconsin-black-legislative-caucus-celebrates-black-history-month/article_2108a216-83b1-11ec-a214-77b46c698df8.html |
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