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JFC hears DA pay plea

March 31, 2009 By

The pay of assistant district attorneys in Wisconsin needs to be increased to keep the justice system in the ball game. During Monday's Joint Finance Committee hearing on the proposed state budget at Racine Case High School, assistant Racine County D.A. Jim Newlun, representing the Association of State Prosecutors, said there has been a 75 percent turnover since 2001 because of the inability of prosecutors to move up the pay scale.

Paul Rifelj, a state public defender, said having inexperienced, underpaid prosecutors and public defenders does not serve justice. Racine County D.A. Mike Nieskes, discussing the governor's plan for early release of nonviolent offenders, said the program will eventually become a spigot for saving money. County board supervisor Van Waangard, a former police officer, also urged the committee to reconsider the plan, saying releasing prisoners early increases the chance they will reoffend. 

 

AUDIO: Newlun, Riefelj, Nieskes, Waangard

Filed Under: Budget, Crime & Courts, Politics & Government

Horseback riding: New varsity sport?

March 31, 2009 By

A growing number of Wisconsin high schools are creating equestrian teams.

The Waunakee School Board meets tonight to consider a plan to join the Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association .

Right now, the 20 or so students who are interested in the team participate against each other in horsemanship competitions. The students say a school-sponsored team would provide more recognition and could help the participants gain the attention of college programs.   

Nine other school districts in the state have approved horseback riding as a club. Participants tend to pay for what's needed. Still, some school board members in Waunakee are concerned about coaching and liability. A local horse trainer has offered to coach the team for free.

If approved, the team would be in place starting this fall.

The students would also like the team to get varsity status, which would be a first for the state.

A similar proposal is also being considered by the Poynette School District.

Filed Under: Education, Human Interest

Seed sales up as the economy slumps

March 31, 2009 By

Some in the industry call it "recession gardening." Dick Zontag, President of Wisconsin-based Jung's Seeds, says there's been a big increase in the sale of all edible crops. There appears to be a correlation. Zontag says when he started with the company in the 1970's, during a recession, vegetable gardening was popular, however as the economy improved fewer people gardened. 

The National Gardeners Association says an estimated seven million more households plan to grow their own food this year, a 19% increase. Zontag says they've seen a 10-15% increase in the number of orders and the dollars volume within those orders than in previous years.

It's estimated one pack of seeds can produce $50 worth of vegetables, plus there are other benefits which includes good exercise and the freshest produce possible.

If you're getting into gardening this year, Zontag's best advice is to start small.  Big gardens can lead to big workloads, and that can lead to discouragement.  Local Extension offices are a great place to find gardening help.

AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (MP3 :93)

Filed Under: Agriculture

Hoffman heads to DL; Brewers win!

March 31, 2009 By

The Milwaukee Brewers will be without closer Trevor Hoffman to start the season.  Baseball's all-time saves leader has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle. 

Hoffman hasn't pitched much since straining the muscle back on March 13th.

The Brewers won another Cactus League game on Monday, 9-7 over the Seattle Mariners.  Rickie Weeks continues to perform well, collecting three more hits and extending his hitting streak to 8-straight games and 15 of 16 overall.

Backup infielder Casey McGehee hit his 6th home run of the spring, a 2-run shot in the ninth to win it for the Brewers.  Milwaukee will face the San Diego Padres under the lights tonight.

 

Filed Under: Brewers

Prayer death parents can’t afford attorney

March 31, 2009 By

The Weston prayer death parents will go before a judge Tuesday to argue that they are unable to pay their legal expenses. Dale and Leilani Neumann must prove that they do not qualify for a public defender before they ask Judge Vincent Howard to declare them indigent and appoint an attorney at county expense. Howard will base his decision on a form the Neumanns are required to file, declaring how much property they own and their financial assets and liabilities.

Both parents will appear even though Dale is already represented by a county-appointed attorney. Leilani is represented by a private attorney whom she can no longer pay because a defense fund has run dry. It's unclear how the decision will affect the start of Leilani's jury trial May 14th.

AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :38)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, Top Story
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