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Limits proposed on drink specials

August 26, 2009 By

A state lawmaker wants to put a stop to “all you can drink” specials at bars in Wisconsin.

Legislation from state Representative Josh Zepnick (D-Milwaukee) would ban bars from holding events where people can drink as much as they want after paying a flat fee. He says such events are often targeted at younger drinkers and encourage binge drinking.
The Milwaukee Democrat also believes those specials can result in people getting behind the wheel after a night of heavy drinking, since it’s unlikely anyone will pay an admission price and then not drink.

Concerns have been raised that the bill could limit charity events where alcohol is provided. Zepnick says they’re working with groups to address those issues.

The bill is being considered by an Assembly Committee.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:07)

Filed Under: Legislature Tagged With:

Packers make roster moves

August 25, 2009 By

The Green Bay Packers have released C/G Duke Preston and placed TE Devin Frischknecht on injured reserve. 

Preston signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in March after four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Frischknecht, a non-drafted rookie from Washington State, signed with the Packers in June and suffered a broken leg in the Packers 31-21 win over Buffalo last Saturday night.

Filed Under: Sports, Titletown Report Tagged With:

High school student wants to draft Barrett

August 25, 2009 By

Call it a ‘youth movement’ to draft a candidate for governor. He won’t be old enough to vote in the 2010 governor’s election, but a high school student wants Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on the ballot.

“He really does care about Milwaukee and Wisconsin,” says Asher Heimermann, who will be a sophomore at Sheyboygan South High School this fall. “We believe that it Barrett runs for governor, he can really bring some change to Madison.”

With that goal in mind, Heimermann has launched a social networking effort to encourage Barrett to make a run. “Using Facebook is a good way of connecting with Wisconsinites and other people who want to get involved,” says Heimermann. “We want supporters who are not only Democrats, we also want Republicans and Independents who feel other candidates are not their choice, and who want Barrett to run or who would support Barrett if he were to run for governor.

Barrett made a run for governor in 2002, when he finished second to Jim Doyle in the Democratic primary. No word yet from Barrett on whether he’s even considering another attempt. Heimermann says his effort is entirely independent of either the state or national Democratic parties.

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Attorney appointed to defend registry

August 25, 2009 By

Governor Doyle has appointed an outside attorney to defend the state against a challenge to the domestic partner registry.

The Governor has appointed Madison attorney Lester Pines to represent the state, if a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the registry is accepted by the state Supreme Court.

The move comes after Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced last week he would not defend the law, which was included in the state budget Doyle signed at the end of June. Wisconsin Family Action has petitioned the high court to strike down the registry, claiming it violated the state’s 2006 Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage or any similar legal status for same sex couples.

Pines is already involved in a lawsuit before the Supreme Court that challenges the gay marriage ban. He’s defending a UW-Oskosh political science professor who says the amendment was improperly presented to voters.

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Inmates growing veggies and skills

August 25, 2009 By

Inmates from a Rock County jail diversion program are learning how their labor can help others, by working in a community garden. “What it teaches them is, it gives them a positive reinforcement, they work together collectively. It’s good solid work, and they see the fruits of their efforts at the very end,” says Sheriff’s Captain Russ Steeber. “It really is a good program.”

Steeber says the inmates in the Community Recap program are helping fill food pantries. Inmate grown produce is also going to WIC Clinics and senior centers. “Where seniors may not necessarily be able to go to a farmers market, the farmers market can come to them,” says Steeber. “We’ve expanded the program from smaller plots, to about an acre and a half right now.”

Grant money provides garden classes for the inmates through UW-Extension. “They (the classes) give them a skill set that when they leave the jail, after they’ve graduated out of ReCap, they’ve done their sentence, that they can take back with them,” says Steeber. “Let’s face it, if you have something that you can do as a hobby or kind of on the side, to keep you occupied, you’re more likely to succeed in society.” The Sheriff’s office is offering an open house at the garden on Wednesday.

Submitted by Beth Wheelock, WCLO

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:45 MP3)

Filed Under: Human Interest, Labor
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