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Doyle not playing favorites in Talgo location

August 13, 2009 By

talgoAs part of a deal announced last month, Spanish train maker Talgo plans to build two high speed rail trains in the state of Wisconsin. However, where the company plans to set up shop still needs to be decided.

Governor Jim Doyle says several cities are already asking him to lobby on their behalf to have the company pick them. However, Doyle says he doesn’t think that’s appropriate and he’s calling on local officials to contact Talgo on their own.

Doyle says there is a huge potential for whatever area Talgo chooses. The initial order for two trains could grow to as many as 50, if everything in a proposed Midwest high speed rail proposal is approved.

AUDIO: Governor Jim Doyle (MP3 :17)

Filed Under: Transportation

DNR considers licensing rules for feral pigs

August 13, 2009 By

DNR officials want more control over feral pigs being kept on private property.

The state has been trying to control a growing population of the animals, which have started showing up in several counties. The animals are a concern because they multiply quickly, damage crops, and can spread diseases to other livestock.

Efforts so far have included declaring them harmful wild animals, which allows hunters and land owners to shoot them at any time.

Now, DNR conservation warden Tom Van Haren says the agency is developing rules to license individuals who try to keep feral pigs on private property. He says that would allow the DNR to get a better idea of who is trying to keep the animals. It would also clear the way for strict requirements to make sure the animals do not escape.

The DNR is holding statewide hearings on the proposed licensing rules through the end of this month.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:07)

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation

Cutting health care reform red tape

August 13, 2009 By

No matter what federal health care reform plan gets implemented there will be confusion and bureaucracy according to Bobby Peterson, Director of ABC for Health, a public interest law firm.”Whatever new system comes up, its still going to have cost containment and cost containment usually translates to barriers, bureaucracy and red tape.”

Understanding the new system may be especially for those who are ill seeking help. He believes lawmakers are doing a poor job in addressing the transition.

“Unfortunately there’s an attitude in Congress, ‘if they build it they will come.”

The Madison-based attorney says he would like to see individual advocates working on behalf of patients to help people navigate the care and coverage channels. However he believes states should have some discretion in setting up advocacy networks.

Here in Wisconsin, Peterson says there is already a system in place, Seniorcare, that could be expanded to those under 60. The states prescription drug program for seniors has benefits specialists found in every Wisconsin county.

AUDIO: Peterson on health reform’s problematic transition (MP3 :19)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine

Cutting health care reform red tape

August 13, 2009 By

No matter what federal health care reform plan gets implemented there will be confusion and bureaucracy according to Bobby Peterson, Director of ABC for health , a public interest law firm.

"Whatever new system comes up, it's still going to have cost containment and cost containment usually translates to barriers, bureaucracy and red tape."

The new system may be especially for those who are ill seeking help.  He believes lawmakers are doing a poor job in addressing the transition.

"Unfortunately there's an attitude in Congress, 'if they build it they will come."

The Madison-based attorney says he would like to see individual advocates working on behalf of patients to help people navigate the care and coverage channels. However he believes states should have some discretion in setting up advocacy networks.

Here in Wisconsin, Peterson says there is already a system in place, Seniorcare , that could be expanded to those under 60. The state;s prescription drug program for seniors has benefits specialists found in every Wisconsin county.

AUDIO: Peterson on health reform's problematic transition(MP3 :19)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine

Driver charged in baby buggy death

August 13, 2009 By

Prosecutors in Wood County have charged 49-year-old Brian Witkus with negligent vehicular homicide, following a crash between a minivan and horse-drawn buggy on Wednesday that killed a six week old girl.

Witkus reportedly admitted to police that he was reaching down to pick up a book on the floor of his minivan when the crash occurred. Witkus said he took two hydrocodone pills earlier in the day. Police also reported he appeared impaired and failed field sobriety tests.

However, prosecutors say they don’t yet have enough to charge him with a drunken driving homicide.

Witkus is also accused of, but not yet charged with, a separate drunk driving crash in May.

A judge jailed him on a $10,000 cash bond.

AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :37)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts
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