February 23, 2012

You are here: Home / 2009 / Archives for December 2009

Former Racine mayor Becker pleads guilty

December 22, 2009 By

Former Racine Mayor Gary Becker entered a guilty plea Tuesday to charges of attempted second degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement, as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Becker pleaded guilty to two of the eight charges against him. Becker was charged with attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child, child enticement, using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, exposing a child to harmful material, misconduct in public office and three counts of possession of child pornography. He entered pleas on Tuesday afternoon to the sexual assault of a child and child enticement charges. The other charges were dropped.

Janet Hoff, WRJN

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

No foul play in Blanchardville fire

December 22, 2009 By

The State Fire Marshal says no foul play is suspected in a fatal blaze in Blanchardville that claimed four lives.

Investigators believe the Monday morning fire started in a void between the second and third floors of the building housing the Silver Dollar Bar. They have not been able to determine how it started, but the State Fire Marshal’s office says there’s no evidence it was intentionally set. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fires/Accidents/Disasters

Doyle signs OWI bill

December 22, 2009 By
Governor Jim Doyle signs OWI bill

Governor Jim Doyle signs OWI bill

Governor Jim Doyle has signed Wisconsin’s new, tougher drunk driving bill. It criminalizes first time drunk driving when kids are in the vehicle, makes some fourth time drunk driving offenses a felony, allows use of ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, and includes significant increases in fines. But Doyle concedes it’s not the last word. “It’s not everything I wanted, and I think if we went around this room, we could all say there were things we wanted in this bill that are not there,” said Doyle. “But it is a good bill.” [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, Politics & Government Tagged With: ,

Another challenge to Impartial Justice law

December 22, 2009 By

Another legal challenge has been filed to a new public financing system for Supreme Court elections.

A lawsuit filed by former Supreme Court candidate Randy Koschnick challenges the Constitutionality of the so-called Impartial Justice bill, which was signed into law earlier this month by Governor Doyle. The suit contends that the law violates the free speech and equal protection provisions of the U.S. Constitution. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, Legislature

Health hazards prompt Beloit evictions

December 22, 2009 By

An estimated 175 people in Beloit have until noon today to move out of their apartments, which have been deemed unsafe by the city. Marc Perry with Community Action says about 75 from Countryside Village apartments will go to an emergency shelter. The remaining 100 people are staying with relatives or friends. Personnel from the Beloit police and fire departments, along with other volunteers, are helping to transport the residents. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Human Interest
« Previous Page
Next Page »