May 16, 2012

Boy’s body recovered from river

A water recovery effort is over in western Racine County, with the tragic reality still sinking in for many. The body of a missing 7-year old boy, identified as Slade Allen Baker, was pulled from the Fox River in downtown Burlington this morning by searchers, who’d resumed an operation after doing several hours worth Monday evening.

The boy had been playing with two friends when he reportedly walked out on thin ice and then went into the water. He was swept downstream as rescue attempts were either made or mounted, including one eye witness.

Emergency responders say this is another tragic lesson about the dangers of ice that may not be thick enough in many locations, especially with the water moving.

Tom Karkow, WRJN

MPS debate goes straight to city

Resident of Milwaukee will get a chance on Tuesday to sound-off on proposed reforms to their public schools.

The state Senate Education Committee is set to hold a public hearing today at the MPS Central Offices, where they’ll take testimony on proposals aimed at reforming the school system. State Senator John Lehman (D-Racine), who chairs the committee, says members felt it was important to give residents of the city an easy chance to share their opinions about the reform effort. [Read more...]

Lawmaker wants auto insurance transparency

Many consumers have complained about their auto insurance premiums increasing, as a state law gets set to take effect later this year that requires drivers to carry coverage. However, state Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) says why that’s happening remains unclear since the insurance industry doesn’t share how they determine they calculate premiums. [Read more...]