February 12, 2012

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Reilly touts faster graduation times as money saver

December 11, 2009 By

University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly is working on a plan to encourage students to graduate faster as way to save money as some campuses seek tuition increases to improve their quality. Reilly addressed the issue during Friday’s meeting of the UW Board of Regents.

In the coming months, administrators will work to more clearly define the steps a student needs to take to graduate in four years, instead of five, saving $15,000dollars or more in tuition and room and board. Reilly says the plan will also free up spots for new students. Some campuses also plan to offer three-year degrees.

The effort to market cost-saving tips comes as the Board of Regents is discussing whether to allow more campuses to seek stiff tuition increases to improve academic programs and student services.

Kevin Reilly (1:10) AUDIO: Kevin Reilly (1:10 MP3)

Jason Fischer

Filed Under: Education Tagged With:

Cold weather can mean water main breaks

December 11, 2009 By

If you spot a patch of wet pavement while driving in frigid weather, a broken water main may be the culprit. As temperatures plunge, the chance for water main breaks increases, and that can be a hazard for motorists as well as for crews dispatched to make repairs.

Janesville Water Superintendent Katie Karow says drivers who see fresh water bubbling onto the street need to call their local water utility to check it out. She also recommends slowing down if you see workers in the street, since that water can swiftly turn to ice. “A lot of our repairs, just because of these shorter days, have to be done when it’s dark out,” Karow notes. “That can make it hazardous for drivers and for our crews.”

Bob Hague (:55) AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:55 MP3)

WCLO’s Beth Wheelock contributed audio

Filed Under: Transportation, Weather

Livestock shootings investigated in three counties

December 11, 2009 By

Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says it is believed that 11 cows and horses have had to be put down in three counties of northwest Wisconsin, because they were shot in drive by shootings during the gun deer hunting season in late November. Fitzgerald believes the shootings in Barron, Dunn and St. Croix Counties may be related. Five cows in Barron County were shot during the opening weekend of deer hunting, Fitzgerald says.

Law enforcement in the three counties are working together, looking for suspects, and more information. Fitzgerald says investigators believe at least two people were involved. A reward of $2500 is being offered in Dunn County for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons involved the shooting deaths of three horses.

Kurt Mayer, WXCE

Filed Under: Agriculture, Crime & Courts

Minnesota rejects tax reciprocity proposal

December 11, 2009 By

The latest effort by Wisconsin lawmakers to resolve a dispute over tax reciprocity is being rejected by officials in Minnesota.

For years, Wisconsin has reimbursed Minnesota for taxes paid by Badger State residents who cross the border for work. But the agreement was dropped when Minnesota said the payments were coming too slowly.

State lawmakers have been working to reach a new deal, which would have had Wisconsin paying Minnesota $90 million over the next 18 months.

However, state Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls) and Representative Ann Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake) say Minnesota has rejected that proposal, arguing it can get the full $131 million it’s owed to by taxing Wisconsin workers directly.

If an agreement can’t be reached, who commute across the border will have to file tax returns in both states starting with the 2010 tax year.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:37)

taxrepjr121109

Filed Under: Taxes

Funding for tobacco cessation declines

December 11, 2009 By

Wisconsin ranks in the bottom third in the nation when in comes to funding tobacco control programs.

A new report estimates Wisconsin will collect record amounts of tobacco revenue next year, while cessation programs suffer with record budget cuts. It’s estimated the state will generate more than $661-million in tobacco tax revenue next year, but only spending $8-million in tobacco control and prevention. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Politics & Government
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