Seventeen snowmobilers died in Wisconsin last winter. More than three-quarters of the accidents involved alcohol. Sixty-five percent of the accidents were speed related. Nearly half of the fatalities occurred at night.

Matt Lehman, WSAU 

The report done by the interstate Great Lakes Commission shows three specific ways to separate that connection. It’s part of an effort to prevent invasive species including the Asian Carp from entering the Lakes.

Environmental groups say the expense would be worth it in the long run to keep the carp from ruining the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. The voracious feeders can grow up to 90 pounds destroying ecosystems which the Alliance for the Great Lakes says will lead to lost tourism and fishing related dollars.

Changes at the Mississippi River/Lake Michigan connection have been a contentious issue. Suggestions to close Chicago lock system have been met with opposition by Illinois officials who cite major economic loss from the heavily traveled shipping channel.

DNR Fisheries Supervisor Ron Bruch cites “public ownership” as a reason for the program’s popularity. He says the agency sets policy based largely in input received through the Winnebago Citizens’ Sturgeon Advisory Committee and Sturgeons for Tomorrow.

Bruch adds the sturgeon population is as robust as it’s been since the 1800s with DNR assessments showing a number of 200-pounders in the water.

With spotty winter conditions this year, Bruch advises spearers to be extra cautious when cutting into the ice.  Due to an algae bloom earlier this winter he says water clarity in the system is “marginal right now but they look to be improving.”

The season begins February 11 to February 26 or until spearers reach the harvest caps.

AUDIO: Robert Kraig interview (5:15)

“Stopping the encroachment of ObamaCare in our state, which has the potential to have a devastating impact on Wisconsin’s economy, is a top priority,” said Governor Scott Walker said in a statement last week announcing the rejection of nearly $38 million of Early Innovator Grant funds from the federal government. Walker also announced he would sign an Executive Order to repeal the executive order that established the Office of Free Market Health Care.

Kraig says the action by Walker was all the talk at last week’s conference. “Even people from very conservative states that you would consider to be to the right of Wisconsin, deep red states, are shocked by the behavior,” he says. “It really is stunning.”

The Wisconsin Bowhunters Association is backing the legislation which allows crossbows to be used during the gun-deer season, bear season and small game seasons. However the proposal would not change existing law that bars use of the weapon during the archery-deer season.

Ron Kulas, with the association, said the bill’s expansion of crossbow hunting is “consistent” with public opinion research conducted since 2005 by the Conservation Congress and the DNR.

AUDIO: Kulas lays out public opinion research (2:08)

During that hearing Wednesday, the Wisconsin Crossbow Federation took issue with the data.

“When you do five surveys and you survey only the user of a compound bow, or a traditional bow, of course you’re going to get an answer ‘we don’t want competition,” said Alan Schimelpfenig, while testifying against the bill.

AUDIO: Schimelpfenig on survey respondents (:31)

Kulas insists the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association is not “anti-crossbow,” and said stakeholders came to a consensus on the best way to approach new guidelines. Schimelpfenig said he didn’t know of anyone in his group that was part of that dialogue.

Currently, archery-deer hunters may only use a crossbow if they are over the age of 65 or have disabilities.

Alderman Ray Misner spoke of frustration at how long it’s taking to get anything developed there.

AUDIO: Ald. Misner (:18)

Alderman David Bogdala said it’s misleading to claim there are no other options for that site as there was another developer interested in the property.

Alderman Jessie Downing also admitted there had been talks with an unnamed developer for a $200-million project. But he also said, “If we have a chance on getting a casino there god bless, let it be built there.”

The tribe’s land option will run out in 15 months. The Kenosha County Board approved the IGA extension earlier this month. The tribe’s application is now under review in Washington.

Janet Hoff-WRJN

Shares cost $250 with a $25 per order handling fee. The stock has no monetary value and does not pay dividends.

Packers President Mark Murphy says the timing of the sale is great, with the team coming off a Super Bowl win last season and currently riding an undefeated record this year. Murphy says the sale is a great way for fans to offer their support and to help the Packers have competitive teams in the future.

Fans can buy the stock online, although a phone number has been set up for those without an internet connection.

AUDIO: Mark Murphy (:23)

The team designed a new stock certificate for the sale. Compared to the last one issued in 1997, it has different lettering and an image of Lambeau Field in the background.

In the first 11 minutes of sales this morning, the team sold 1,600 shares. The Packers are offering up to 250,000 shares this time around, which Murphy says they hope will raise about $20 million.

Mike Kemmeter, WHBY

Downtown Racine Corporation spokesperson Jean Garbo says the city “jumped at the chance” when approached by the organizers of the competition about moving there. She adds a number of organizers are themselves former competitors and champions in the circuit.

The snow sculpting competition will be held January 13th through the 15th at Racine Monument square and will involve 16 two person teams. The winners will compete in the 2013 national championships in Lake Geneva.

AUDIO: Janet Hoff-WRJN

Capitol tree (IMAGE: WRN)

The state Capitol Christmas tree was center stage today at two ceremonies but at one them – veterans and service members were the stars. At the morning event, Governor Scott Walker said it is appropriate to honor their sacrifice of often being away from their families.

“Sometimes people ask me where our young veterans get that kind of pride and determination and I look back on our state’s history,” said Walker adding this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War – which began when the Badger State was only 13 years old.

State Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos said it’s important to thank veterans “with actions” including jobs, educational outreach and benefits.

“There is something very special about the holiday season. We all have our own traditions, our own faiths but I think the common core we can agree on is family,” said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsin’s National Guard Commander.

A number of Walker protestors were on hand, some brandishing signs. Some of them chose to turn their backs when he took the podium. The second tree program, held midday, focused on the tree itself, a 36-foot balsam fir from Northwest Wisconsin.

AUDIO: Full speech – Tonette Walker, Dunbar, Scocos and Gov Walker (8:00)

The shares will cost $250 each, plus handling costs. They’re available through the Packers website or by mail.

Initially up 250,000 shares will be available and people can’t own more than 200 of them. The shares have no monetary value.

The team announced preliminary details Wednesday and they’ll release more information next Tuesday morning.

Mike Kemmeter-WHBY