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Focusing the fight on Mercury HQ jobs

August 25, 2009 By

With the days of summer dwindling and a decision by Mercury Marine about its future in Fond du Lac pending, local and county officials are re-shifting their focus to keeping the company’s corporate headquarters from leaving. They’re tweaking an incentive package that was originally designed to keep the outboard engine manufacturer’s entire operation in the city

An employee union vote Sunday rejected proposed contract changes. County Executive Al Buechel says they would like to see the union take another vote before the contract offer becomes invalid Saturday. As it stands now the manufacturing positions would be consolidated to Mercury’s Stillwater, Oklahoma facility. Buechel says retaining the 800 jobs tied to the corporate headquarters “would help lessen the impact” of the manufacturing flight.

City Manager Tom Herre says the union still has the opportunity to form a long lasting legacy for itself and Fond du Lac.

AUDIO: Herre’s plea to union (MP3 :13)

Meanwhile union leaders are scheduled to meet with Mercury Marine President Mark Schwabero Tuesday afternoon.

The original incentive package state, city, and county officials offered Mercury to stay in Fond du Lac was for a minimum of 12 years.

Contributed by Bob Nelson-KFIZ

Filed Under: Business, Economy

Campaigning in Cyberspace

August 25, 2009 By

Wisconsin’s highly contested race for governor in 2010 could have candidates trying to reach voters in whatever ways they can think of. Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign says that will likely result in more online advertising, as candidates try to take advantage of a growth industry.

Some candidates are already turning to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to reach supporters. McCabe expects to see a much larger presence online heading into the primary season, much greater than what’s been seen in recent years.

Still, he says the medium is in its infancy in terms of effective political communication. So, it could be several years before it’s used in ways similar as television.

McCabe says established forms of advertising are likely to remain the major focus though, such as radio and direct mailings. And of course, he says TV will likely remain the major focus of campaign advertising dollars.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:05)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Parts of state in extreme dry condition

August 25, 2009 By

Despite some recent rainfall, much of the state continues to experience drought conditions.

Specifically northwestern Wisconsin. Lake levels are down, the ground is extra dry, and that translates to a higher fire danger level.

“We’ve been monitoring the precipitation levels over the last couple of months and they are still down. They have had some relief over the last couple of weeks but they are still definitely well below normal.”

Catherine Regan, wildfire prevention specialist with the state DNR, says much of the Badger State is experiencing a five-year drought. And according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, some parts of Wisconsin are in an “extreme” drought. Regan says that has to do with a combination of factors, including rain and snowfall, or lack thereof.

The dry conditions are negatively effecting farmers crops, livestock, wild animals, and something Regan knows a lot about … wildfires. “In Wisconsin debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires. And typically we see a lot of people doing debris burning in the spring and in the fall and that’s typically when our fire season is at its peak.”

Regan stresses, it’s important to be aware of the fire dangers before burning debris, grass or even starting a campfire. She warns, make sure you have a proper burning permit and know your local conditions.

Jackie Johnson report (1:24 mp3)

Filed Under: Agriculture, Environment & Conservation, Fires/Accidents/Disasters
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