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Wisconsin's population grows, unlike neighbors

August 13, 2007 By

Wisconsin is the only state in the upper Midwest to increase population.

The estimates released by the Department of Administration show a 5.3 percent increase in Wisconsin's population since the 2000 U.S. Census. DOA's Linda Barth says that's more than any of our midwest neighbors.

"That's good news for Wisconsin; it means that we're doing what we need to do as far as economic develop, schools, quality of life issues, environmental issues." Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan had more people leave the state than move to the state.

Barth says the addition of more than 283-thousand new residents is good news for Wisconsin's economy and job market.

"In Wisconsin a lot of people have been talking about a brain drain, but what we're finding out is that people from Wisconsin live here, go to school here. They may go away for a little while but when it's time to raise their families they come back."

Other states' population growth usually centers on large metropolitan areas or one particular part of the state, but Barth says Wisconsin's growth has extended to communities of all sizes throughout the state.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:27 MP3)

Filed Under: Miscellaneous

Plea deals reached in Green Bay school plot

August 13, 2007 By

The three former Green Bay East students accused in a plot to attack the high school have all reached plea agreements.

18-year-old William Cornell could face the longest sentence, after pleading no contest to conspiracy to commit murder and two other charges. Prosecutors are recommending an eight year prison term, with another 12 years of extended supervision.

18-year-old Shawn Sturtz also pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit murder. Brown County district attorney John Zakowski is asking for a four-and-a-half year prison sentence, plus five-and-a-half years on extended supervision.

Prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison term for the third teen, 19-year-old Bradley Netwall, after he pleaded no contest to conspiracy to cause damage with explosives.

The three teens were accused of plotting a Columbine-style attack on Green Bay East high school. Police say the trio were making bombs and collecting guns. They were arrested last fall after another teen tipped off school officials.

District Attorney Zakowski says he feels the recommended sentences are appropriate. However, Cornell's attorney Shane Brabazon says he doesn't feel the recommended sentence for his client is fair, since his client withdrew from the plot at one point in time.

All three will be formally sentenced during the first week of October.

WHBY's Rick Schuh contributed to this report.  

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 2:03)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Fundraising surges during budget doldrums

August 13, 2007 By

What's the hold up, with the state budget? Mike McCabe with the Wisconsin Democracy campaign says it's not as if elected officials don't know what they're supposed to be doing: getting the budget done. Granted, there's little consensus between the Senate and Assembly, but McCabe notes there are plenty of fundraisers going on, while the budget conference committee rarely meets. Democracy Campaign analysis shows Governor Jim Doyle and legislators in both parties raised $2 million dollars in the first six months of the year. Time for a ban on fundraising during the budget, says McCabe. However a bill that would do that (AB-61) has failed to get much support.

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Nobody else like Rove

August 13, 2007 By

Some thoughts on Karl Rove, from the head of the state Democratic party. Joe Wineke says it's really no surprise that Rove, perhaps the key behind the scenes player in the Bush White House, is taking his leave of the administration now rather than later. Rove "has largely outlived his usefulness," after presiding over the GOP loss of Congress, says Wineke. Wineke calls Rove "an attack dog" largely responsible for a tone of partisan negativity in D.C. these days. And Wineke insists there's really no one like Rove in his party. Wineke expects Rove will now "ride his black horse off into the sunset, and write a book."

 

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government, Top Story

Drought dries up feed supplies

August 13, 2007 By

The drought in Douglas, Iron, Bayfield and Ashland counties is now hurting livestock feed supplies.

 

The first hay crop wasn't bad but the lack of rain means no second crop. UW Extension Agent Jason Fishbach says there's only been an inch of rain this summer which helped corn and while that will help dairy farmers a little, it won't do anything for beef producers.

A second year of drought is also producing another problem. Grasshoppers. Eggs during last year's dry spell are hatching this year and Fishbach says the hungry insects are chewing up what's left of the hay fields.

The UW Extension in Bayfield is organizing a hay list to help farmers who have hay to sell connect with farmers who need it. Details on how to sign up can be found at: www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/bayfield

Fishbach says many farmers have given up on this year and are getting ready for next.

AUDIO: Jim Dick reports ( 1:10 MP3 )

Filed Under: Agriculture, Weather
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