February 12, 2012

Testimony on banning cell phones while driving

The issue of driving while using a cell phone gets another hearing at the capitol.

Eric Peterson from State Senator Lena Taylor’s office testified on the Milwaukee Democrat’s behalf regarding her proposal.

“We’re pleased to join with Representative Smith of Eau Claire to offer this legislation which prohibits a driver from using their cell phone in a hand-held mode — namely holding on to it — for verbal communication, sending or receiving text messages or email or other device functions that communicate with other persons.”

Peterson says drivers would be able to use a hands-free device, including an earpiece or something hooked up to their stereo system. His testimony refers to an article on this subject, which discusses the effect of cell use while driving.

“If you’re driving while cell-phoning, then your performance is going to be as poor as if you were legally drunk.”

Opponents say there’s already a law on the books banning “inattentive driving,” and that should be enforced. [Read more...]

Wisconsin-Manitoba connection strengthened

Governor Jim Doyle, Premier Gary Doer

Governor Jim Doyle, Premier Gary Doer

A new emphasis on cooperation between Wisconsin and a Canadian province. Governor Jim Doyle and Manitoba provincial Premier Gary Doer sign a Memorandum of Understanding, to promote collaboration and trade. The governor says Wisconsin is one of Manitoba’s most important trading partners – and the energy sector is growing.

AUDIO: Governor Jim Doyle (:15 MP3)

Premier Doer says Wisconsin and the region are moving in the right direction.

AUDIO: Premier Gary Doer (:17 MP3)

The MOU encourages “collaboration in supporting a climate of research, innovation and technology development.” According to Doyle’s office, trade between Wisconsin and Manitoba amounts to 900 million dollars annually.

A big winner in Marinette

A Powerball ticket sold in Marinette is worth $31 million.

The winning ticket for Wednesday night’s drawing was sold at the City Limits convenience store. Manager Portia Bowden says people have been coming in to ask about the winner since four this morning. She says there are plenty of rumors about who may have purchased the ticket or when it was sold, but nothing has been confirmed.

Bowden says this is the first time that anyone has won a large prize at the store. She says, until now, they hadn’t even sold a $100,000 ticket.

The winner has 180 days to claim the prize.

Since Powerball started in 1992, 15 jackpot winners have come from Wisconsin.

AUDIO: City Limits Manager Portia Bowden (MP3 :09)

UPDATE: State Lottery officials have identified the owner of the winning ticket as Doug Miron of Marinette. Miron brought the ticket to the Lottery’s headquarters in Madison today. He has opted for the jackpot’s single lump sum cash payment of $16.7 million. After taxes, he’ll take home $11.2 million.

Good news on the jobless front

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate fell seven tenths of a percentage point during the month of September, according to the latest numbers from the state Department of Workforce Development.

August’s unemployment rate of 8.4 percent compares with the September rate of 7.7 percent. DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman says the state’s unemployment rate has declined steadily and now equals the lowest rate of the year, although she acknowledges this “remains a difficult time for many.”

In a sign that job recovery may be slow, state Department of Revenue economist John Koskinen said this week that he expects the state “probably will not return to 2007-level employment until late 2011.”

According to DWD, the September rate was three and a-half percentage points higher than the state unemployment rate of four-point-two percent in September of 2008.

WRN

Harley-Davidson drops Buell brand

Harley-Davidson has decided to stop producing one of its motorcycle brands. Erik Buell developed the sport bike in 1983. He made the announcement on the company’s website.

AUDIO: Erik Buell (:17 MP3)

The decision will result in the loss of about 80 manufacturing jobs in East Troy and about 100 salaried positions. Harley-Davidson says its third-quarter profit slid 84-percent on lower motorcycle shipments and recession-related difficulties in getting loans for its customers. The company also plans to sell its MV Augusta division.

Jason Fischer