Wisconsin voters are passionate, evenly split
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| Mark Hoffman |
Iowa gets them first, then New Hampshire.
But in the end, when autumn chill hits, the presidential candidates make their way to the political battlegrounds like Wisconsin. And it's here, in the closing days of a campaign, where the voters can reach out and touch the candidates. Or, at least, get a close look at the men who seek to embody the hopes and dreams of a country.
On Friday in West Allis, Lisa Walls, a 44-year-old stay-at-home mom from Kenosha, and her 10-year-old son, John, stood in the middle of the Products Pavilion at State Fair Park and listened to Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. »Read Full Article(59)
Candidates roll through key states, trying to hit the right final notes
Hurtling from one battleground state to another, President Barack Obama, Republican challenger Mitt Romney and their running mates raced through one last, long day of campaigning, each of them asking voters to trust that better days are ahead and deliver an election day victory.
In Madison, thousands of supporters squeezed into the two blocks between the Capitol and Monona Terrace for Obama's third trip to Wisconsin in five days and his second in a month to the state's capital city. Traveling with rock icon Bruce Springsteen, he then headed to Columbus, Ohio, and on to Des Moines - attempting to erect what has become known as a Midwest firewall against Romney's challenge.
"No retreat, no surrender," sang Springsteen, warming up Obama's crowd on a frosty morning. In his 24-minute speech, Obama remembered victims of superstorm Sandy, defended his record and attacked his Republican rival. »Read Full Article(1793)
Chilly, rainy forecast could affect voting
On election day in Wisconsin the political winds will be blowing from the south at 5 to 15 mph.
The forecast calls for a wintry mix of rain and snow in the south with an inch or more of snow in northern Wisconsin, leading to perhaps the chilliest election day in the Milwaukee area in more than three decades.
If surveys and recent historical data of presidential election turnouts are correct, the crummy weather may make Mitt Romney and other Republican candidates smile. »Read Full Article(4)
Ryan returns home to Wisconsin
Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan received a tumultuous reception during his homecoming late Monday night at Mitchell International Airport.
“One more day, Wisconsin, we’re going to do this,” Ryan told more than 2,000 Republican Party supporters crammed into a hangar at Sterling Aviation.
“This is a special moment for us,” Ryan said, joined at the podium by his wife, Janna, and their three children. “We have traveled across this country as a family, talking with people throughout America who care so deeply about their country; who know this is a unique moment, a serious moment, a serious time." »Read Full Blog Post(22)
County Board OKs tax increase; Abele vows veto
Milwaukee County's portion of the property tax bill would rise by $3.95 million to $279.3 million in 2013, or 1.4%, under a budget approved by the County Board Monday.
The board approved the levy and budget on identical 13-5 votes.
Major changes made to County Executive Chris Abele's plan included scaling back much of a large health care cost increase for county employees, rejecting a proposal to have the Milwaukee Police Department take over patrols of the lakefront and other county parks in the city and removing the County Correctional Facility-South in Franklin from Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr.'s oversight. »Read Full Article(40)
Suicide reported in Lambeau Field parking lot
Green Bay police Monday night were investigating the apparent suicide of a man in the parking lot outside Lambeau Field.
The man was found inside a vehicle shortly before 7:30 p.m. with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
SDC budget has assumption of Head Start funding built in
The 2013 proposed budget for the antipoverty agency Social Development Commission counts on a $21 million contract to continue operating Head Start, despite the uncertainties surrounding the children's services program.
Even with Head Start penciled into the budget, spending at the agency continues to shrink.
The agency had grown in recent years to a peak budget of $59 million a year in 2010. The agency's current budget is $49 million. »Read Full Article(4)
DNR deliberately setting fire to public land
Madison - The Department of Natural Resources will be doing some controlled burning on public land in Wisconsin this fall.
The DNR said the fires are an ecological and economic way to limit unwanted plants that overcrowd native vegetation. The agency said the burning also stimulates prairie grass and improves the habitat for game and waterfowl.
The fires also improve cover for pheasants and other nesting birds and help create pockets of open water for waterfowl in low areas. »Read Full Article(1)
Southeastern Wisconsin foreclosure filings rise
Mortgage foreclosure filings rose 10% in October from the same month a year ago in southeastern Wisconsin, and remain up for the year so far.
Court records show there were 887 foreclosure filings last month, compared with 806 in October of 2011 in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. Filings rose in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Racine counties, while falling in Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. They were unchanged in Ozaukee County.
Through the first 10 months of the year, there were 9,186 mortgage foreclosure filings in southeastern Wisconsin, up about 5% from the same period in 2011. »Read Full Article(4)
Teen in crash that killed 3 gets year in jail
Fond du Lac - A Campbellsport woman was sentenced Monday to a year in jail for a crash that killed three of her friends in February.
Carly Ottery, 19, was sentenced in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court. Prosecutors said she was driving more than 100 mph when she lost control of an SUV filled with friends from Campbellsport High School.
Sabrina Stahl, 15, Katie Berg, 16, and Caitlin Scannell, 17, were killed. »Read Full Article(10)
State announces plan for 'unjamming' I-794 in Marquette Interchange
Relief is coming to those stuck in traffic jams on westbound I-794 near the Marquette Interchange, state officials promised Monday. But it won't happen until next year.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced Monday that it plans to re-establish a second lane of traffic from westbound I-794 to I-94 near 11th St. and add an auxiliary lane on I-94 from 25th to 35th St. The project will cost $4 million and take two to three months in the spring.
State officials say this will cause a positive domino effect to the east, reducing long delays near 11th St. where traffic merges into one lane at the bottleneck. »Read Full Article(21)
Rockwell earnings dip in quarter but beat forecasts
Rockwell Automation Inc. posted better-than-expected earnings in the final quarter of its fiscal year but said it faces a sluggish global economy as it begins a new business year.
"We delivered solid results in a challenging environment this year," Chief Executive Keith Nosbusch said in the quarterly statement issued Monday.
The Milwaukee-based supplier of factory automation systems made net income of $195.2 million, or $1.38 a share, in the fiscal fourth quarter ended Sept. 30, down from $201.8 million, or $1.39, a year earlier. Although the figure fell from last year's fourth quarter, Wall Street analysts on average had expected per-share earnings of $1.32. »Read Full Article
Man beaten to death leaving south side nightclub
A man was beaten to death after leaving a south side nightclub early Sunday and was identified by police Monday as Mariano Lopez.
Lopez had just left the Tropical Latino with a friend when the two were confronted by a large group of people and beaten shortly before 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police said. He died Sunday night.
Police did not make available details about his identity, including his age or where he lived. »Read Full Article
Train-maker Talgo sues Gov. Walker, Wisconsin
Madison - A manufacturer has sued Gov. Scott Walker and is claiming it does not have to turn over two new train sets that have cost the state more than $42 million.
The state agreed in 2009 to buy two new train sets from Talgo Inc. for Amtrak's Hiawatha line that runs from Milwaukee to Chicago, but Walker's administration and Republicans in the Legislature have repeatedly clashed with the firm since last year.
In March, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee voted 12-4 on party lines to reject borrowing $2.5 million for additional planning to replace a maintenance base for the trains. Walker's Department of Transportation said that vote meant the state would not be able to put the trains into service. »Read Full Article(102)
Report details fatal injuries suffered by Milwaukee boy, 5
Disturbing details emerged Monday in the case of a south side couple charged in the beating death of the woman's 5-year-old son last month.
A detective testifying Monday at a preliminary examination for Marcos A. Colin, 23, said the boy's mother told him Colin promised they'd both go to prison if she took her son to the hospital.
A medical examiner's report also was released Monday that detailed the extensive injuries doctors say killed the boy, revealing that his biological father rushed here from Florida when he heard the boy was hospitalized, and showing that the child had not been involved with social services. »Read Full Article
Douglas Dynamics 3Q earnings fall more than 40%
Douglas Dynamics Inc. said Monday third-quarter earnings fell more than 40% because of record-low snowfall last winter, continued economic weakness and record drought.
The Milwaukee maker of snow plows for light trucks said net income declined to $2.33 million, or 10 cents a share, from $3.92 million, or 18 cents, a year earlier. Sales declined 29.3% to $37.8 million from $53.5 million.
"Our preseason order period in 2012 was basically in line with our internal expectations, but fell short of 2011 results due to the record low snowfall during the 2011-'12 winter season, which was the lowest since 1961-'62, according to the U.S. national Snowfall Records," President and chief executive James Janik said in a statement. »Read Full Article
Driver who struck deputies' car now facing homicide charge
An 18-year-old St. Francis man who authorities say plowed into Waukesha County Sheriff's patrol car on a freeway last week now faces a homicide charge for the death of his own passenger.
According to the criminal complaint:
Ihor M. Sahan was speeding east on Interstate 94 about 2:40 a.m. Thursday when he slammed into the squad car that was parked in the turnaround area at Sunny Slope Road. Deputies Bryan Skaar and Patrick Sykes were running radar speed enforcement and noted Sahan's vehicle approaching at 74 mph right before it struck their car. »Read Full Article
1 dead, 1 arrested in Jefferson motel shooting
Jefferson - A woman was fatally shot at the Hilltop motel early Monday and a man in his 20s was arrested, authorities said. The woman's name and other details were not released.
Bank Mutual raises quarterly dividend
Bank Mutual Corp. said Monday it has raised its quarterly dividend to 2 cents a share from 1 cent.
The Brown Deer-based parent company of Bank Mutual bank said the dividend will be paid Nov. 30 to shareholders as of Nov. 16.
With assets of about $2.5 billion, Bank Mutual is the fourth-largest bank headquartered in Wisconsin. It operates 76 branches in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota. »Read Full Article(1)
GAB: More than half million voters asked for absentee ballots
The Government Accountability Board said Monday that more than 545,000 voters had requested absentee ballots so far for Tuesday's election, including nearly 393,000 requesting them for in-person, early voting.
“It is clear absentee voting plays an important role in the election, with more than half a million people making requests during a shorter time period,” said Kevin J. Kennedy, the GAB's director and general counsel. "Absentee voting in clerks offices finished up Friday, giving clerks more time to be better prepared for election day on Tuesday.”
The GAB said that, as of Monday morning, at least 545,060 voters had requested absentee ballots, according to Wisconsin’s local election officials who track them using the Statewide Voter Registration System. There were 392,912 ballots requested in clerks’ offices, and 152,148 ballots requested by mail and other methods. »Read Full Blog Post(4)
Shuttle area at Miller Park is getting an upgrade
Shuttles to and from Miller Park for Milwaukee Brewers' games have become an increasingly popular option for fans.
But the spot just behind home plate outside Miller Park has become a bottleneck in recent seasons for those who use the shuttles and those who are arriving at the stadium on foot.
As a result, work is under way to improve the shuttle area. »Read Full Blog Post(6)
Brookfield Trader Joe's celebrates grand opening today
Grocery chain Trader Joe's officially opened its Brookfield location today.
The 12,500-square-foot store celebrated its grand opening at 12665 W. Bluemound Road this morning with Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto and store manager Jeff Clark cutting a ceremonial lei. Festivities will continue throughout the day, with face painting for kids and food demonstrations.
The chain describes itself as a grocery store like no other, carrying domestic and imported items including fresh-baked artisan breads, international frozen entrees, 100 percent juices, deli items, and vitamins and supplements. »Read Full Article
Stave knew immediately his injury was serious
Madison - Wisconsin officials made quarterback Joel Stave available for a brief interview session on Monday.
A few quick highlights:
Stave, who suffered a broken collarbone on UW's first offensive play of the second half against Michigan State, knew immediately the injury was serious and his season in jeopardy. »Read Full Blog Post(5)
Done Deals for Nov. 5
Home sales are provided by the Metro Multiple Listing Service. »Read Full Article
Kids choose Obama in presidential election simulations
Who would young people pick for president?
That's what a variety of youth-focused election activities and mock elections have attempted to capture recently, as groups aim to educate children about the importance of voting and participating in a democratic process.
A publishing company out of Madison - Knowledge Unlimited - that has a presence in Milwaukee Public Schools collected 3,000 votes for president from students in member schools nationwide. The majority of votes cast were to re-elect President Barack Obama. »Read Full Blog Post(58)
Brandon Jennings named conference player of week
St. Francis - Brandon Jennings' big opening weekend was hard to ignore.
The Bucks point guard was named the Eastern Conference player of the week on Monday after leading his team to back-to-back victories over Boston and Cleveland.
It was the first such honor for Jennings since his rookie year, when he was honored after his 55-point game against Golden State. »Read Full Blog Post(43)
Judge bemoans city's violence as he sends another teen to prison
A judge could not contain his frustration Monday as he faced, once again, the task of sentencing a Milwaukee teenager for the senseless death of another young man.
"This is another case that's evidence of the complete and utter disregard for life in some parts of this community," said Milwaukee County Circuit Judge David Borowski. "Nothing changes. No one seems to care about the epidemic of violence."
He noted that the many long sentences he and other judges impose, meant in part to deter others, seem to have little effect. »Read Full Blog Post
Details offered in suspected child abuse death of 5-year-old
Disturbing details emerged Monday in the case of a south side couple charged in the beating death of the woman's 5-year-old son last month.
A detective testifying at a preliminary examination for Marcos A. Colin, 23, said the boy's mother told him Colin promised they'd both go to prison if she took her son to the hospital.
Colin, 23, and his girlfriend, Alyssa Marie Banda, 20, are charged with being party to the crime of child neglect resulting in the death of Banda's son, Jayden Banda. »Read Full Blog Post
$1.1 million contract backed for MMSD hazardous household waste program
Veolia Environmental Services Technical Solutions LLC would be paid $1.1 million in 2013 to operate the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's household hazardous waste collection and disposal programs, under a proposed contract.
The operations committee of the MMSD Commission on Monday recommended approval of a one-year extension of Veolia's existing contract for the program open to Milwaukee County residents.
Veolia's Technical Solutions LLC based in Menomonee Falls - also known as the Dukes of Hazardous Waste on the MMSD website - manages three year-round collection facilities and several mobile collection sites for the district. »Read Full Article(1)
3 injured, 1 held in Sheboygan Falls shooting
Sheboygan Falls - Three people are hurt and another is in custody after a shooting in Sheboygan Falls.
Police Chief Steve Riffel told The Sheboygan Press that police responded to an eight-unit apartment building about 6 a.m. Monday after a physical fight between three men and a woman spilled out into a parking lot.
Riffel said gunshots were fired both inside and outside the apartment building. Three men were taken to hospitals, two with gunshot wounds to the leg, and the third with unspecified injuries. »Read Full Article
Roadrunner Transportation acquires California company
Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. said Monday it has acquired Central Cal Transportation, a provider of intermodal transportation from northern California.
The purchase price was about $4 million plus additional future compensation based on the business achieving certain future financial goals. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under Roadrunner's credit facility.
Central Cal transports primarily nuts, wine and retail import products. »Read Full Article(2)
Madison police chief says all OK for Obama event
Madison -- Madison Police Chief Noble Wray said there have been no incidents or problems so far for the event with the president and Bruce Springsteen.
A final crowd count is on the way, Wray said. (13)
Manitowoc 3Q earnings fall 6.3% amid lower overseas demand
The Manitowoc Co. reported a 6.3% decline in third-quarter earnings Monday, as growth in crane sales in the Americas was offset by lower demand in Europe and Asia.
The Manitowoc-based manufacturer of construction cranes and food service equipment said net income fell to $22.2 million, or 17 cents a share, from $23.7 million, or 18 cents, a year earlier. Sales increased 2.2% to $955.7 million from $935.4 million.
"While third-quarter results fell short of our expectations in some key areas, we also had several notable positives despite lingering uncertainty and continued pressure in the global macroeconomic environment," Glen E. Tellock, Manitowoc's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. »Read Full Article
Harley-Davidson Museum offers free admission to veterans this weekend
The Harley-Davidson Museum is offering free admission to veterans, active-duty military personnel and their immediate families Saturday and Sunday.
It is part of the museum's veteran celebration weekend, which includes activities such as St. John's Northwestern Military Academy cadets honoring veterans from World War I to the present.
The museum has a permanent gallery, on the second floor, dedicated to Harley's relationship with the military. Here's a link for information about the weekend program. »Read Full Blog Post(4)
Obama, Springsteen take stage
With a crowd numbering thousands between the Capitol and Monona Terrace, Obama sought with his 24-minute speech to lock down a second term with his second trip to the state in the three days. Later in the day he and Springsteen will hit
Suspect sought in fatal Beloit shooting
Beloit - Beloit police are looking for a suspect in a fatal weekend shooting.
Officers and paramedics responded to a residential property Sunday about 11 a.m. where a 19-year-old Chicago man with multiple gunshot wounds was found in a yard. Police said Ricky Sims was taken to Beloit Hospital, where he died during surgery.
Investigators said the suspect and victim had been in two separate vehicles just before the shooting. Police said the 28-year-old man from Harvey, Ill., is also a suspect in an April attempted homicide case in Beloit.
Watch '60 Minutes' interview with Aaron Rodgers
Here is the 11-minute interview with Green Bay Packer Aaron Rodgers that ran on Sunday's "60 Minutes." Two odd things:
1) The broadcast was delayed by football, so if you set your DVR to record the show you may have missed the interview, which was the last segment of the night.
However, I was in the car between 6 and 7 p.m. and listened to it air during its scheduled time period on Chicago's WBBM-AM. »Read Full Blog Post(2)
Milwaukee a finalist in Bloomberg challenge
Milwaukee is one of 20 cities named a finalist in The Mayor’s Challenge, a national competition organized by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to generate innovative, local solutions to national problems.
More than 300 cities entered the competition, which comes with a $5 million grand prize.
“Let me start off by saying, we’re in, we made the cut,” said Mayor Tom Barrett to a group gathered Monday at Walnut Way Conservation Corp., a neighborhood organization and urban garden in a former drug house. »Read Full Blog Post(18)
Medical offices in Milwaukee, Mequon sold
The Water Tower Medical Commons building, 2350 N. Lake Drive, Milwaukee, and the Seton Professional building, 13133 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, are among 14 buildings in six states recently sold by Seavest Healthcare to Duke Realty, according to Xceligent real estate reporting service.
The 162,000-square-foot Water Tower Medical Commons sold for $40.9 million, and the the 72,822-square-foot Seton building sold for $11 million.
Indianapolis-based Duke Realty is one of the nation's largest owners of commercial real estate.(1)
DNR urges hunters to donate venison
Madison - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging hunters to donate venison to feed the hungry.
In the past 12 years, hunters have donated 80,000 deer that were processed into more than 3.6 million pounds of ground venison. It was distributed to food pantries across the state.
Brad Koele, the DNR's wildlife biologist coordinating the venison program, said the hunters, meat processors and volunteers have been incredibly generous but they need help again this year with donations. »Read Full Article(3)
On Tap for Today: Making holiday plans already
Oh, Monday. You're such a minx.
On one hand, you're the punishing notice that the weekend has ended. On the other hand, you hold all the promise of a new week.
And these events: »Read Full Blog Post
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