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EAA offers much to fans of flight

July 24, 2009 By

Aviation enthusiasts will soon be gathering in northeastern Wisconsin.

There's too much to mention about the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration in Oshkosh. Dick Knapinski (nuh-PIHN-skee) with the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture says, for starters, you can learn about the next generation of space tourism from Virgin's Sir Richard Branson.

"The White Knight Two space tourism carrier vehicle."

The unmanned Predator B has already landed at Wittman Airport. It's the first appearance for the spy plane.

And, Knapinski says a super huge airplane will makes its first North American public airshow appearance.

"The world's largest passenger jetliner — the Airbus A380 ."

Crowd favorite Harrison Ford returns to the home of the Young Eagles program, but the Indiana Jones star won't be the only hero on the grounds. U-S Airways "Miracle on the Hudson" pilots are on tap.

"Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles will be here."

There will be 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars, more than 2,500 show-planes, over 700 exhibitors, and Knapinski says, you'll see aircraft from World War II.

"The Warbirds, there'll be up to 400 of them."

Knapinski says visitors will enjoy many upgrades, including superior wi-fi coverage. The 57th annual convention kicks off Monday night with a concert.

"We're very happy to welcome the Doobie Brothers."

More than 500,000 people are expected to attend AirVenture over the course of the week.

NOTE: The convention runs from Monday, July 27th through Sunday, August 2nd.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:28 mp3)

Filed Under: Human Interest

Doyle defends domestic partner registry

July 24, 2009 By

Governor Jim Doyle says the creation of a domestic partnership law through the state budget process was not “sneaky.”

That was the word used by the executive director of Wisconsin Family Action to describe the partnerships for unmarried couples. Julaine Appling filed a lawsuit seeking immediate action by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to overturn the law, citing a 2006 voter-approved constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. Speaking in Hudson Friday, Governor Doyle was confident the law will be upheld, and that domestic partnerships are not the same as marriages. And Doyle indicated that he thinks Appling and the others filing the lawsuits have themselves been deceptive in their public comments

Doyle and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty met at Hudson for a St. Croix River cruise highlighting environmental protection efforts made by the two states since the signing of a cooperation agreement back in January. 

AUDIO: Governor Jim Doyle (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government Tagged With:

Smart Growth opponent conjures up UN scenario

July 24, 2009 By

Depending on who you listen to, those pushing comprehensive planning, AKA Smart Growth, are either concerned citizens, or working for the Devil himself. 

Amid a firestorm of controversy, the Clark County Board voted down a comprehensive plan in 2006. The Planning and Zoning Committee brought a resolution to the board Thursday night that would have resurrected the process. It was voted down 12-15, But not before some familiar arguments were dredged up.

Margaret Grottke of Chili told the board Smart Growth stemmed from the United Nations' Agenda 21. "It is in no way designed to make our country safe or strong. It is a plot designed to undermine or constitutional government, and to destroy all that our country stands for," said Grottke, who went on to accuse anyone who voted for Smart Growth of being "a traitor to America."

Committee chairman Carl Kallberg of the Owen area said there's no grand conspiracy here. He says municipalities that don't want a plan won't be forced to adopt one. Their land is left as "unrestricted" in the county plan. But, municipalities need a comprehensive plan if they want to enforce zoning. "We held over a hundred meetings that people could come to. The very first meeting we held, we told townships and municipalities this was not something they had to do."

Opponents disagree that a comprehensive plan is needed to enforce zoning, but Kallberg said the county has contacted lawyers that agree with their ruling of the statute.

AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (1:20 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Jury seated in second Weston prayer death trial

July 24, 2009 By

Eight men and six women will serve on the jury in the next Weston prayer death trial. The 14-member jury was empanelled Friday afternoon and will report for opening statements Saturday morning.

There was a brief delay in the process because court officials originally forgot to call the 14th member and had to summon her back since she had left the courtroom.

All will hear arguments over whether Dale Neumann caused his daughter's reckless homicide by refusing to seek medical care for her as she died from untreated diabetes but only 12 will actually decide his fate.

A judge will rule on whether the defense can call a Texas faith healer as an expert witness before the trial begins.

 

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Extra caution for rare disease

July 24, 2009 By

Dr. Carl Getto, Sr.On June 11th, a UW Hospital in Madison patient had brain surgery and was later discovered to have Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease. Since then 53 patients who received operations have been contacted about possible contamination through the surgical gear. Dr. Carl Getto, Sr. VP of Medical Affairs, says there is an “infinitesimally low” chance the patients will contract the fatal brain disease.

UW officials said the patient had a CJD type that is not associated with Mad Cow or Chronic Wasting Disease.

The hospital will cover the cost of follow up with physicians or even counseling if needed. Because there is no single test for CJD, the UW official says diagnosing the rare disorder involves careful analysis of symptoms on patients. Getto adds symptoms can often be explained by other conditions.

The hospital follows standard surgical tool sterilization but in cases of CJD occurring there is an “enhanced” sterilization procedure that all surgical equipment is now undergoing. He says 1976 no one has contracted CJD despite three similar occurrences at other hospitals.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says CJD affects about one person per million annually.

AUDIO: Brian Moon Report

Filed Under: Health & Medicine
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