February 12, 2012

You are here: Home / 2009 / August / Archives for 20th

Justice for police injured while apprehending

August 20, 2009 By

Lawmakers in Madison have put together a bill making it a felony if an officer is hurt in the line of duty because of a suspects’ resistance or attempt to flee. At a Thursday news conference, State Representative Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) and State Senator Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa) say it would make suspects more likely to comply if they know there are potentially harsher penalties in attempting to get away.

In cases where police are injured because those attempting to flee, the accused are rarely punished accordingly according to Jim Palmer with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. He says the prosecutor must prove intent of the accused which is difficult to do.

Several officers injured from resisting or fleeing suspects told their story, including Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy Dale Veto. While attempting to stop an erratic driver, Veto deployed road spikes. The suspect’s car swerved over, hitting Veto at 60 miles per hour. The impact caused on the deputy including breaking both of the deputy’s legs, as well as causing muscle and nerve damage. The driver, a teen in a stolen car, was never felony charged for the injuries because the intent was drawn into question. Veto says this bill would provide a “safety net” for cases such as his.

The Police Protection bill would also apply to third parties whose obstruction of a pursuit leads to injury of an officer.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :66)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, Legislature

Lawmakers hesitate to crack down on first-time drunk drivers

August 20, 2009 By

It might only be a ‘half-a-loaf’ as state legislators tackle drunk driving issues. Most legislators don’t take the issue of drunk driving seriously enough, according to state Representative Terese Berceau.

The Madison Democrat says there’s not enough support, for instance, for making first-time OWI a criminal, rather than a civil offense.”Everybody, I’m starting to think, thinks it’s just kind of funny,” says Berceau. “It’s something still, that within the legislature, it’s kind of ‘we can’t touch this.’” Berceau says, while that attitude seems prevalent among LEGISLATORS, the PUBLIC is demanding action on the issue. “Nobody wants ton go near it, even though the public now is saying ‘hey, it’s time to deal with these things. We’re ready.’”

Berceau says she’s particularly disturbed by the unwillingness to deal with the first time drunk driver. “People can kill the first time they’re out driving drunk,” she says. “We’ve had a lot of pressure to do something about it, make it at least a misdemeanor, and we can’t seem to get the legislature to go there.”

Berceau chairs the Assembly Committee on Local Affairs, which is considering several bills on OWI. She says the public is demanding action on the issue.

Submitted by John Colbert, WIBA 

AUDIO: John Colbert reports (:35 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Unemployment dips in July

August 20, 2009 By

The statewide unemployment rate experienced a slight drop in July.

Figures released by the Department of Workforce Development show the rate down to 8.7 percent for July, a drop of 0.5 percent from June’s rate. The numbers are even with the unemployment rate for May of this year.

DWD Economic Advisor Dennis Winters says it’s a sign the job market could be stabilizing right now and ready to turn up.

However, Winters says it may still be awhile before the state sees an influx of new jobs. He says businesses will typically try to bring existing employees back to full strength before adding new permanent help to their workforce.

Winters says July usually sees a drop in the rate, due to the impact of seasonal jobs. As a result, he says the adjusted numbers show unemployment may have actually held steady last month.

The statewide unemployment rate in July of 2008 was 4.6-percent.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:04)

Filed Under: Economy

Mercury Marine on contract changes

August 20, 2009 By

Mercury Marine officials may be done meeting with representatives of their employees union, but the company is still getting out information to hourly employees about contract changes as the union prepares for a vote. Mercury spokesman Steve Fleming says they set up a hotline staffed by volunteers to answer questions employees may have about proposed contract changes. That phone number is 1-866-637-2456.

Fleming says they are asking for a three-year wage freeze and after that there would be an evaluation that could increase pay. He says they also want hourly employees to accept a benefit package similar to what salaried employees receive. Those employees who are recalled from layoffs and new hires would get lower rates of pay.

The union votes on the contract changes Sunday. Without an agreement the boat motor manufacturer is likely going to move operations to Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Contributed by Bob Nelson-KFIZ

AUDIO: Fleming on when company may leave WI (MP3 :15)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

State geared up for flu season

August 20, 2009 By

State health officials are getting ready for what they expect will be a flare up of the H1N1 or swine flu virus this fall. But officials used a statewide summit in Rothschild Wednesday to share tips with local health agencies, educators, businesses and residents about how they can prepare and protect themselves from an outbreak.

The best piece of advice is to get vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus, said health officer Dr. Seth Foldy.

“This is a safe and very effective way of reducing influenza,” Foldy said, adding that seasonal flu vaccines will be available before the swine flu vaccines are.

He said people most at risk of contracting the flu virus should get vaccinated first, including health care workers, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and young people from 6 months to 24 years old.

New guidelines also suggest schools and businesses shouldn’t close just because one person comes down with the flu. But they should make accommodations for students and employees to work or study at home.

“Sick people shouldn’t be in the workplace but people who are exposed to the virus are OK if they don’t have any symptoms,” Foldy said.

Among the other advice officials shared – companies don’t need to cancel their annual picnics or holiday gatherings, travel bans aren’t necessary and healthy people don’t need to wear masks to protect themselves.

You can learn what steps you can take at home, school and work to protect yourself from the flu at the state Web site pandemic.wisconsin.gov. Local 2-1-1 call centers will also have the same information, Foldy said.

Contributed by Matt Lehman-WSAU

AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :40)

Filed Under: Uncategorized
Next Page »