January 29, 2012

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Traffic deaths at lowest since 1945

June 29, 2009 By

Fatalities on Wisconsin roads are at their lowest since after World War II. But we're on the verge of a more dangerous time to be on the roads says Dennis Hughes Chief of Safety Programs for the Wisconsin DOT. During the months of July, August and September people are doing more driving late at night, on weekends as well as drinking and driving.

As of Friday there were 235 fatalities in 2009, compared to a record low of 246 in 2008. Hughes says the economy is factoring in. Cash strapped wallets and relatively high gas prices have led to less risky travel.

Hughes adds people are developing safer habits over the years like watching their speed, using the seatbelt and not getting behind the wheel after drinking.

CORRECTION: The number of fatalities has been corrected to show 235, not 235-thousand. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Filed Under: Sports, Transportation

Brewers allow another pitcher to win big league debut

June 29, 2009 By

For the fourth time this season, a Brewers opponent has dipped into the minor leagues for a starting pitcher and for the fourth time in as many tries, that pitcher has won his major league pitching debut.

Ryan Sadowski scattered four hits over six scoreless innings to win his major league debut, 7-0 over the Brewers before 43-thousand plus at Miller Park on Sunday.  

Matt Downs hit his first major league home runa nd Nate Schierholtz added four hits, including a home run for the Giants, who ended a 6-game losing streak.

The loss goes to Jeff Suppan, who struggled again.  Suppan allowed 5 runs on 9 hits, lasting just 5 2/3 innings.

The Brewers still managed to take 2 of 3 in the series.  They'll open a 3-game series against the New York Mets at Miller Park tonight.

Listen / Download – Jeff Suppan on his struggles on the mound. :15
Listen / Download – Ken Macha on Suppan's outing :18

Filed Under: Brewers

USA drops World University exhibition

June 29, 2009 By

Bo Ryan The World University Games men's basketball team, coached by Wisconsin men's basketball coach Bo Ryan, fell to Serbia on Sunday, 98-82. 

The Americans got 16 points from Ohio State's Evan Turner and 12 points from Corey Fisher of Villanova.

The games officially open in Serbia on Thursday (July 2).  The U.S. has claimed a medal in every World University Games since beginning play in 1965, including 13 gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze medals.  The U.S. owns a 125-7 won-loss record in World University Games play.

This summer marks Bo Ryan's third USA Basketball coaching assignment, his first as a head coach. 

Listen / Download – Bo Ryan knows Americans are expected to win. :13
Listen / Download – Bo Ryan expects host Serbia to challenge :16

Filed Under: Badgers

Packers money man still has plenty of work ahead

June 29, 2009 By

Aaron Kampman The Green Bay Packers locked up wide receiver Greg Jennings through the 2012 season, making him the second highest paid member of the team, behind only quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  While that's a huge deal for the organization, there's still plenty of work to do for the Packers contract negotiator, Russ Ball.

The Packers still have 10 players that are entering the final year of their contract this season and seven of those ten are starters.  They also have five draft picks that remain unsigned, including the teams two first round picks, B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews. 

Now the Packers have to decide who they want to sign next.  Aaron Kampman, Nick Collins, Atari Bigby and Ryan Pickett are the top defensive performers entering the final year of their contracts.  Jason Spitz and Daryn Colledge are sure to get new deals on the offensive line.

For the defensive players, the timing couldn't be worse.  They're learning a new defense while entering contract years.  Included in that group is Kampman (pictured), who appeared upset early on about his change from defensive end in the 4-3 to outside linebacker in the 3-4.

Training Camp opens up the last weekend in July for the Packers.

Filed Under: Green Bay Packers, Top Story

Balancing the wolf population

June 29, 2009 By

Gray wolves are thriving in our state, but it's both good and bad news.

As the wolf population thrives and grows in our state, DNR Secretary Matt Frank says there needs to be a balance in controlling that population. "If that population continues to grow at some point it does present other concerns and we need to be responsible about how we manage that. So it is a fine balance and it's something we're committed to."

The DNR last week updated the Natural Resources Board on their long-term wolf management plan, with the state's gray wolf population estimated at between 626 and 662 animals – up from just 25 wolves in 1979.

Frank says the population growth of the endangered species is indicative of the state's wilderness areas, but he realizes that farmers aren't happy with wolves killing their livestock and family dogs.

"This really is an incredible success story in that at one point wolves were endangered, the population was quite low, it was not clear that the population would survive."

Frank says the DNR's wolf-management plan, due next year, includes reviewing population goals for the animal, controlling wolves that prey on livestock, and the potential for a public harvest – among other things.

US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently reinstated a decision by the U-S Fish-and-Wildlife Service to remove gray wolves from the federal endangered species list, after having been on and off again several times.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:38 MP3)

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation
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