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Pro-tobacco burns through a million dollars

August 25, 2009 By

Pro-tobacco groups spent a record $1.25 million dollars lobbying  in the first half of 2009, according to David Ahrens, UW Carbone Cancer Center researcher. Ahrens says this was the first time the “million dollar threshold” has been crossed. The money was used to fight the statewide public smoking ban and cigarette tax proposals, both of which became law, but he says pro-tobacco groups did score a victory.

“At the end of the session, the funding for the tobacco control programs was slashed by 55 percent,” says Ahrens.

These control programs help maintain the state’s free tobacco quit line, as well as tobacco prevention for youth and adults.

Drawing from Government Accountability Board records, Ahrens says pro-tobacco lobbyists outspent the total of opposing groups like Smoke Free Wisconsin and the American Cancer Society by 7-to-1.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :70)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine, Legislature

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

New charge for man accused in triple slaying

August 24, 2009 By

A Nelsonville man is facing a new charge in connection to a triple slaying in late April. Shane Kettner was already charged with the three homicides for killing his girlfriend and two children. But Portage County district attorney Tom Eagon added a recklessly endangering safety charge because Kettner tried to set the house on fire with himself and a baby girl inside.

Kettner was overcome by gas fumes before he could finish the job. He stood mute Monday so a judge entered not guilty pleas to all four counts. A pre-trial conference is set for mid-September.

A final autopsy report released last week says Shane Kettner shot his two young children to death and repeated the idea that his girlfriend died from a complex homicidal fatality. Portage County district attorney Tom Eagon said it’s possible they may never know exactly how Christine Gollon died.

Submitted by Matt Lehman, WSAU

AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (:35 MP3)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts
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