Wisconsin’s residential real estate market began the year on an up note, according to numbers released by the state’s Realtors organization. But the state’s unemployment rate continues to play a role in home sales. “That unemployment rate, even though it’s below the national average, has still got to come down, and when it does, that will revive the industry even more,” said Wisconsin Realtor Association President Bill Malkasian. The year began as 2009 ended, with strong sales and stable prices. “Not a surprising set of numbers, considering the circumstances of low interest rates and the first time home buyers tax credit, but all in all good numbers, and the third quarter in a row where the numbers are going in the right direction,” said Malkasian. [Read more...]
Lassa says she’s ready
A Stevens Point native wants Dave Obey’s seat in Congress. Democratic state Senator Julie Lassa says she’s qualified for the job. “My record working on economic development, on government accountability and transparency issues, helping to save taxpayers money and focusing on those issues that are really of concern to working families, really makes me a good candidate for congress,” said Lassa. [Read more...]
Group wants foreclosed property for the homeless
It may not be a bad deal to move into a foreclosed property, especially if you don’t have to pay rent. It’s called squatting, and a group called Operation Welcome Home is celebrating a Madison woman’s move into a vacant home on the city’s West side.
Desiree Wilson and her two children recently moved into the property. With the help of the group, she fixed up the house and changed the locks. Wilson had been living in a single bedroom with her children with relatives. [Read more...]
Colledge signs tender with Packers
Green Bay Packers guard Daryn Colledge signed his restricted free agent tender on Monday, clearing the way for him to join voluntary workouts before OTA’s start next week.
Colledge started 60 of 64 games since being drafted in 2006 and is expected to compete for the starting left guard job with veteran Jason Spitz and possibly rookie Marshal Newhouse.
The Packers still have three unsigned restricted free agents: end Johnny Jolly, cornerback Tramon Williams and safety Atari Bigby.
Brewers shutdown by Braves’ Hanson
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tommy Hanson went 8 scoreless innings and struck out 8 to lead his team to a 8-2 win over the Brewers at Miller Park in Milwaukee.
The loss dropped the Brewers to 4-9 at Miller Park, the fewest home wins of any team in the National League.
Doug Davis (pictured) worked 4 2/3 innings of no-hit ball against the Braves, although he did allow four walks during that stretch. Things fell apart for Davis in the 5th inning however.
Troy Glaus hit the first Braves homer in four games, and Martin Prado hit a grand slam in the 6th, the first Braves grand slam in 253 games to break things open. Davis was charged with 6 of the 7 runs allowed but only three were earned. Davis walked six, one of them intentionally. His record dropped to 1-4.
Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun left the game late after getting hit by a pitch in the fourth and suffering an elbow contusion. He’s expected to be day to day.
