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Doyle defends domestic partnerships

August 3, 2009 By

The governor continues to defend a statewide domestic partner registry for same-sex couples. (Andrew Beckett)

Gay couples across Wisconsin were able to begin registering this morning for government-recognized domestic partnerships. Governor Jim Doyle says the provision included in the state budget grants those residents some basic protections, which he views as a major step forward for basic rights.

The registry grants about 43 protections to same sex couples, such as hospital visitation rights. Doyle says it's far from the over 200 protections given to same-sex couples that get married.

The registry still faces a legal challenge from a group that says it violates a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Doyle says those who filed the suit are going against what they said when the amendment was being pushed for a public vote, when supporters claimed it would not prohibit a set of basic rights for domestic partners. Doyle remains confident the registry provision is legal.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:12)

Filed Under: Politics & Government

"Historic day" for domestic partners

August 3, 2009 By

They've waited nearly 30 years but a Madison couple didn't want to wait a minute longer. Dane County's first couple to file with the Wisconsin domestic partner registry was Crystal Hyslop and Janice Czyscon. The two showed up just after 5 in the morning for the 8 o'clock registry opening.

Hyslop calls it a “historic day” which legally validates their 29 year relationship. During that time the two have exercised other opportunities available including a commitment ceremony and registering as domestic partners with the city of Madison in 1984.

Czyscon also says they've kept meticulous records on hand to prove their relationship including power of attorney, health documents and wills.  She says the new state registry will settle the “anxiety” that comes with dealing with those issues.

The domestic partner registry, which was part of the recent state budget, extends a greater number of legal rights to same sex couples.

There was a line out the door at the Dane County office, a county where as many as 2,400 same sex couples reside.

 

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :55)

Filed Under: Politics & Government, Sports, Top Story

Kentucky man to face double murder charges

August 3, 2009 By

A Kentucky man waives extradition to Wisconsin, where he's accused in a thirty year-old double homicide.

Edward Wayne Edwards said "I'll go," when a Jefferson County district judge asked if he wanted to fight extradition. The 76 year-old Edwards, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, with a cast on his left arm, is accused of killing 19 year-old high school sweethearts Tim Hack and Kelly Drew. The couple disappeared from a wedding reception August 9th, 1980. Two months later, searchers found their bodies a few miles from the reception hall.

Wisconsin investigators, armed with a DNA match, arrested Edwards on Thursday in Louisville. He faces two counts of first degree murder.  

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:35 MP3)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Kentucky man to face double murder charges

August 3, 2009 By

A Kentucky man waives extradition to Wisconsin, where he’s accused in a thirty year-old double homicide. Edward Wayne Edwards said “I’ll go,” when a Jefferson County district judge asked if he wanted to fight extradition. The 76 year-old Edwards, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, with a cast on his left arm, is accused of killing 19 year-old high school sweethearts Tim Hack and Kelly Drew. The couple disappeared from a wedding reception August 9th, 1980. Two months later, searchers found their bodies a few miles from the reception hall.

Wisconsin investigators, armed with a DNA match, arrested Edwards on Thursday in Louisville. He faces two counts of first degree murder.

Submitted by Brenna Angel, Kentucky News Network

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Adopt a highway program seeks volunteers

August 3, 2009 By

You can help keep Wisconsin highways clean and green.

The Wisconsin DOT is looking for groups willing to adopt a state highway. Jim Merriman with the DOT's Adopt-A-Highway program says it allows groups to volunteer and support the state's anti-litter program in a direct and visible way.

Wisconsin has about 3,000 groups keeping the roads clean, but Wisconsin has about 12,000 miles of state highways.

And, considering the tight budget, it's increasingly important to have volunteers help to keep roadsides clear of debris and litter. Merriman says his agency provides the safety vests and trash bags and county highway crews pick up the bags of collected trash. There is no expense to participants.

Each crew is assigned a two-mile stretch of state highway, and should pick up litter at least three times each year.

If you want, the DOT will install a sign announcing your group's sponsorship of a highway. Political groups need not apply. Each year, Wisconsin Adopt-A-Highway groups clean up about 300 tons of litter along state highways — about 30 tons of that are recyclables. Check the DOT website for more information.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:21 mp3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government
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