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Assembly approves puppy mill regulations

October 27, 2009 By

Legislation that would regulate dog breeders in Wisconsin has cleared the state Assembly. Lawmakers on Tuesday approved the bill unanimously on a 96-0 vote.

It would require dog breeding operations that sell more than 25 dogs a year to be licensed by the state. The measure would also allow the state to investigate breeders and suspend or revoke their license.

Animal rights groups have been trying to get the legislation passed for over a decade, in order to stop so-called puppy mills from operating in the state.

The bill now heads to state Senate.

Filed Under: Legislature

Bill bans phosphorous in dishwasher soap

October 27, 2009 By

Legislation keeping dishwashing detergents that contain phosphorous off of store shelves in Wisconsin heads to the governor.

Approval of the bill on detergents comes in the wake of an earlier ban on lawn fertilizers containing the chemical. State Representative Spencer Black says phosphorus is responsible for algae blooms and excess weed growth that detract from the water quality of Wisconsin’s lakes and streams.

Phosphorous is already banned from the majority of soaps, but there’s an exemption for products used in automatic dishwashers, and this bill would add those products to the list. Black says major companies that make the detergents have agreed to the change, and will have until summer of 2010 to get new products on the market that are phosphorous free, something that’s not expected to increases prices consumers pay.

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Lawton discusses decision

October 27, 2009 By

In a surprise move, Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton on Monday dropped out of the race for Governor, citing “personal reasons.” The Lt. Governor is not revealing what those reasons are though, saying only it was a very complex decision that she made with her family. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Politics & Government

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
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