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Wisconsin added to grocery chain’s list

October 27, 2009 By

Hy-Vee, a major Midwest grocery retailer, opens its first store in Wisconsin today.

“From what I’ve heard Hy-Vee is looking at the state rather than just one market,” says President of the Wisconsin Grocers Association Brandon Scholz.

He says the capitol city is considered by industry insiders to be a wide open market for additional stores, this despite a recent Cub Foods closing just down the road. Although Madison might support a new grocer other Wisconsin cities may not as regions vary depending on demographics and employment levels, according to Scholz.

Hy-Vee, who operates employee owned stores, is known for having a strong management system.

Wisconsin makes the eight state for the Iowa-based grocer to set up shop, an addition that Scholz calls “a positive sign” that the Badger State is positioned for growth despite a recession.

The new location is a 90,000 square foot facility on Madison’s east side.

Filed Under: Business, Economy

Janesville to chip in cold cash for ice arena

October 27, 2009 By

The city of Janesville is willing to kick in two million dollars for new ice arena if the Janesville Youth Hockey Association raises at least $1.2 million by March 1. The city council Monday passed an advisory vote to build the new facility on the city’s south side.

“The $2 million would be dedicated to complete first sheet of ice, the second 500,000 would be for the second sheet of ice.” explains Larry Squire who represents private investors.  He adds the construction of the second sheet would not begin until enough private sector money has been kicked in.

City Councilman Yuri Rashkin says could be better spent on upkeep at the current facility.

AUDIO: Yuri Rashkin (MP3 :17)

But the majority of the council agreed with Council Member Russ Steeber who says that facility is on its last legs.

AUDIO: Russ Steeber (MP3 :20)

The suggested location would eventually need to be approved by the city’s plan commission.

Contributed by Beth Wheelock-WCLO

Filed Under: Miscellaneous, Recreation & Entertainment

Dems searching for candidate

October 27, 2009 By

Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton, the only announced Democratic candidate for Governor next year, dropped out of the race Monday. “It really is a shocker,” said UW political scientist David Canon. “No one saw this coming, everyone thought that she was gonna be one of the several strong candidates . . . on the Democratic side. So this really is a complete surprise.”

Democratic Congressman Ron Kind of La Crosse said several weeks ago that he wouldn’t run, so there’s no Democratic candidate as of now. Some being mentioned are Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “It really is just a wide open field right now,” said Canon.

Lawton cited “very personal reasons,” and her commitment to family, in an e-mail to supporters and a posting on her campaign website. “I think we’ll just have to find out over the next couple of days what really is behind that,” said Canon. “It really seems like there must be something that we’ll probably find out about in the next day or two.”

WIBA’s John Colbert submitted this report

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Party leaders react to Lawton decision

October 27, 2009 By

Officials with Wisconsin political parties reacted Monday to Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton’s decision to drop out of the race for governor.

Lawton cited “very personal reasons” in deciding to withdraw from the race for governor. Could those reasons have been a lack of support from Governor Jim Doyle, and rumors that the White House has been pressuring Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to enter the race? “I don’t know that that’s it,” said State Democratic Party chairman, Mike Tate. “Whatever it is, it’s a personal and private decision. I don’t think it’s my place to speculate, on whether it was lack of support . . . that caused her to make this decision.”

But state Republican Party executive director Mark Jefferson thinks the timing of Lawton’s announcement is interesting. “It is a little bit interesting that this comes shortly after Governor Doyle really refused to give her a very high recommendation in her run for governor,” Jefferson said.

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (1:05 MP3)

Last week, Doyle gave a lukewarm assessment of Lawton’s achievements as lieutenant governor, and Monday, a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist reported that White House poll numbers indicate Barrett would beat either Republican candidate, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker or former Congressman Mark Neumann. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Politics & Government Tagged With:
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