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New Purple Heart stamp unveiled

August 7, 2007 By

Purple Heart stamp unveiling (Photo: Jackie Johnson) During the Purple Heart Day ceremony (Tue), dignitaries unveiled a new version of the Purple Heart stamp. (Large image)

Originally issued in 2003, the U.S. Postal Service re-issues the Purple Heart stamp to honor the sacrifice of United States soldiers who have been killed or wounded in action.

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton says the Purple Heart marks a solemn moment that defines a life of a solder that going forward will forever be different. Lawton says keeping this stamp in circulation keeps the reality of war present for all of us.

Speaking at the capitol rotunda ceremony, Madison Postmaster Paul Nistler says the new 41-cent stamp honors the sacrifice of our men and women in the military.

Tuesday's Purple Heart Day ceremony marks the third time the specialty stamp has been issued.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:27 MP3)

Filed Under: Military, Top Story

Dignitaries honor Purple Heart recipients

August 7, 2007 By

Purple Heart Day 2007 at the Capitol (Photo: Jackie Johnson) Governor Jim Doyle proclaims August 7 as Purple Heart Day in Wisconsin with a ceremony in the state capitol rotunda.

Talking to the crowd which includes members of the military, veterans service organizations, and many Purple Heart recipients, Governor Doyle says the Purple Heart is more than just a medal. "The Purple Heart has been one of our nation's highest honors. It is also one of our most somber and hallowed honors."

Doyle says since 9-11, 2001, more than 140 Wisconsin soldiers have been awarded the purple heart, and hundreds more have earned the medal since it has been rediscovered and renamed in 1932 … some of whom were recognized at the capitol ceremony. "On behalf of the state of Wisconsin I want to thank you for your incredible bravery and dedication."

Also speaking at the event were Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton, Major General Al Wilkening and acting Veterans Secretary Bill Kloster. The Purple Heart is awarded to any service member who is wounded or killed while serving his country.

"We owe these brave people AND their families a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid." But, Doyle says, what we can do, is pledge to remember their service and honor their sacrifice.

NOTE: In 2003, Sergeant Susan Sonnheim became the first soldier in the Wisconsin Army National Guard since World War II to be awarded the Purple Heart – and the first woman in history of the Wisconsin Guard.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:28 MP3)

Filed Under: Military, Top Story Tagged With:

Regents approve tuition increase

August 7, 2007 By

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System has approved a tuition increase for students at the 13 four year campuses. Prior to Tuesday's vote in Madison, the Regents heard from students, including United Council President Jeff Allen of UW La Crosse: "when will Wiscosnin realize that students need a break?" Allen and other students wanted a tuition freeze. But university staff, such as Professor Derek Jeffreys of UW Green Bay, made a pitch for the tuition hike. "To augmemt faculty salaries, we need this small tuition increase," said Jeffreys. The board voted 17-to-3 to approve the tuition increase proposed by UW System President, Kevin Reilly . Effective this fall, in-state tuition will rise $330 at UW-Madison, $323 at UW-Milwaukee, and $251 at the 11 other four-year campuses. Tuition would remain the same at the 13 two-year colleges.

 

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (1:10 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Scam warning going out to homeowners

August 7, 2007 By

Wisconsin homeowners are being warned against a new scam.

Clark County Register of Deeds Lois Hagedorn says an organization calling themselves National Deed Service advertised they would provide a copy of a homeowner's deed for the low, low price of $59.50. The only problem is that Wisconsin statute dictates property deeds be provided through the Register of Deeds office for only $2 for the first page, and $1 for each additional page.

Hagedorn says it takes "a matter of minutes" for their office to produce a deed. She says the high prices are a clear scam for people unfamiliar with the system.

Hagedorn says if you need a deed, simply get in contact with your Register of Deeds' office. She says you should avoid dealing with third parties.

AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (MP3 :51)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Blue-green algae warnings in Lake Winnebago

August 7, 2007 By

Fond du Lac County's Public Health Officer doesn't recommend exposure to the blue-green algae that's choking some of the shorelines of Lake Winnebago. Diane Cappozzo says it's full of toxins that can make you sick if you swallow it, inhale it or expose your skin to it.

Cappozzo says if you think you've been exposed to the algae, make sure to wash yourself thoroughly from head to toe right away.

She says it can be an even bigger problem for pets that tend to clean themselves by licking their fur.

Cappozzo says the blue-green algae problem is somewhat newer to the Fond du Lac area. She says usually it's a bigger problem in the Neenah-Menasha area or northern shores of the Lake. 

AUDIO: Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Diane Cappozzo (MP3 :12)

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation
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