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Doctor accused of fondling patients

September 17, 2009 By
A Marshfield doctor is accused of fondling patients at least 12 times since 2003. The state’s Medical Examining Board has begun considering formal disciplinary action against Kevin Lang, a former gastroenterologist at Marshfield Clinic. Lang will have the chance to defend himself at a future hearing. He faces a range of discipline options, including reprimand, license suspension or revocation.

According to a complaint filed by the department of regulation and licensing, Lang inappropriately touched a female patient on March 13, 2009, as she was recovering from sedation after a procedure. Officials at St. Joseph’s Hospital confronted Lang about the incident. He gave up his hospital privileges, self reported the incident to the Medical Examining Board and sought treatment.

During treatment, Lang admitted 11 acts of sexual misconduct against patients between 2003 and 2007 as they went in and out of consciousness following their procedure.

Marshfield Clinic has set up a dedicated phone line for patients concerned about allegations in this case. The number is 715-221-6606.

“We deeply regret the actions of Dr. Lang and wish to express great sorrow to all those who have been affected,” the clinic said in a written statement late Wednesday.

Lang is not currently working as a doctor.

Contributed by Matt Lehman-WSAU

 

AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :38)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, Health & Medicine

Midwest states show unity in DC for high speed rail

September 17, 2009 By
Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi (left) with Governor Jim Doyle (right)

(File Photo) Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi (left) with Governor Jim Doyle (right) as they announce the purchase of two Talgo train sets.

Representatives from Midwestern states meet Wednesday in Washington to push for a high-speed rail network.

Wisconsin is one of eight states joining forces to get federal funding to develop the Midwest corridor. Several officials met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to make their case.

Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi says the intention of the meeting is to show unity among the states.

“You know we have a coordinated approach. Unlike probably the rest of the country, I believe the Midwest has got its act together.” And he says, “I think it’s important that the people in Washington see that.”

A representative of Busalacchi’s office made the trip to D.C. Busalacchi participated in the conference call.

So, when will the feds decide who gets the stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?

Busalacchi says, “I do not know when they’re talking about making the announcements on the grants. I really don’t.”

Kristi Lafleur with the Illinois governor’s office adds that there is nothing more than speculation right now about who will benefit from federal stimulus money, and there’s no way to know when the decision will be made. She says the main reason for the meetings was to show unity and to make Secretary LaHood aware that the Midwest states have responded to his advice by creating a steering committee, and have meetings and communicating regularly.

NOTE: The Midwest High Speed Rail Steering Group met with the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, Federal Rail Administrator, Amtrak leadership, staff from the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, and members of the Midwest Congressional High Speed Rail Caucus.

Jackie Johnson report (1:41 mp3)

On the web:

Governor’s announcement to buy Talgo trains
Midwest High Speed Rail Association

Filed Under: Transportation Tagged With:

Assembly to vote on OWI reforms

September 17, 2009 By

Lawmakers have been under increasing pressure in recent months to go after drivers who repeatedly get behind the wheel after drinking. It’s a message those at the Capitol have heard loud and clear, according to State Representative Donna Seidel (D-Wausau).

The Assembly is scheduled to vote on a bill today that would make sweeping changes to the state’s drunk driving laws. Those reforms include making 4th offense OWI a felony, reqiuring ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, and expanding treatment options for earlier offenses.

The proposal still falls short of what many anti-drunk driving groups have been calling for. However, Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan says the debate is far from over and he expects action later on additional bills to toughen penalties. The Speaker says lawmakers just want to make sure they “get something on the books” now.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :56)

Filed Under: Legislature Tagged With: ,
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