The rainy weather at Farm Technology Days matched the mood of many attendees who knew Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen. Nilsestuen died Wednesday evening while swimming in Lake Michigan. Nilsestuen was taking part in a Habitat for Humanity building project in Michigan while on vacation. He was 62. [Read more...]
Final conviction in attempted sex with corpse case
July 22, 2010 By
A bizarre criminal case which began nearly four years ago when three young men dug up the body of a young woman recently killed in a motorcycle accident has reached conclusion. It took a 12 member Grant County jury approximately 45 minutes Thursday morning to find a Mt. Horeb man guilty of being a party to attempted third degree sexual assault. The case involved 24-year-old Alexander Grunke who attempted to dig up the grave of a Cassville woman in September of 2006 to have sex with her corpse. The case was heard by visiting Vernon County Judge Michael Rosborough. A pre-sentencing investigation has been ordered, and must be completed by September 2nd. Sentencing will be held at a later date. [Read more...]
Lawsuit rejected in murder of UW student
July 22, 2010 By
The fiancée of a slain UW-Madison student can’t collect damages in her murder.
The state Appeals Court ruled Thursday that Jordan Gonnering, who was engaged to slain UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmerman, cannot collect damages for emotional stress in her murder. [Read more...]
Linking scientific ideas with business minds
July 22, 2010 By
The Wisconsin Science & Technology Symposium at UW-Green Bay aims to link research ideas with the business community. WiSys Technology Foundation Managing Director Maliyakal John says the event will allow smaller UW schools, already known for their academic resources, to show off research work they’ve been doing in recent years.
Plea deal keeps former IT manager out of jail
July 22, 2010 By
A former Janesville School District IT manager, accused of buying school district computer equipment from his own companies, could avoid a felony charge if he makes scheduled restitution payments. Rock County Judge Richard Werner says 32-year-old Brandon Keirns must pay $70,000 up front, as part of the $178,000 restitution. The agreement comes as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. If Keirns completes restitution payments during his probation, a felony charge of being a public employee entering into a contract with private interests could be dropped. Keirns pleaded no contest to that charge and five misdemeanor counts of theft Wednesday. He still faces a civil case with the school district.
AUDIO: Judge Richard Werner (:70)
Beth Wheelock, WCLO
