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Janesville student prank raises alarms

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Janesville School officials are investigating what appears to be a student prank that caused a panic.

District Administrative and Human Services director Steve Sperry says the hoax was started by a group of middle school student athletes, who posted online on Facebook that a bus had been involved in a rollover crash and a coach was killed.

AUDIO: Steve Sperry (:14)

No such crash actually occurred though and the district had to send an emergency alert out to parents.

Sperry says the seven students they believe are responsible have been cooperative, but they could still face disciplinary action for starting the hoax.

Stan Stricker, WCLO

Janesville lawmaker faces residency challenge

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The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is filing a challenge against the residency of a state lawmaker from Janesville. State Representative Joe Knilans (R-Janesville) owns a home in the 45th Assembly District, even though he recently won a seat in the 44th District. Knilans says he’s trying to sell his home, but until that happens, he’s living in the basement of his brother’s house that’s within the district he represents. [Read more…]

Plea deal keeps former IT manager out of jail

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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

‘Car czar’ makes Janesville stop

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Janesville is ground zero for economic recovery in southern Wisconsin if a visit by a cadre of Obama administration officials is any indication. White House Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, Ed Montgomery, said Friday that the group is tasked to help link local and federal efforts for recovery. “The president asked us to make sure that we get out of Washington, that we recognize that what’s going on in Janesville is different than what’s going on in Detroit, Michigan or in Spring Hill, Tennessee or other areas around the country, so that we hear your particular problems, your particular concerns,” Montgomery said during a press conference at the Rock County Job Center. [Read more…]

Mom’s tears at killer’s sentencing (AUDIO)

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A seven year old is trying to cope with witnessing his mother’s murder in April 2009. The man responsible for the death of Erica Ostenson was sentenced Thursday in Rock County Court. Kyle Hicke will not be eligible for parole until 2052. The victim’s mother, Sue Ostenson, spoke at Kyle Hicke’s sentencing, tearfully explaining the effects the shooting has had on her grandson. “He misses her a lot, you can see it in his actions and on his face,” said Ostenson. “There is pain and anguish there, but at only seven years old, he can’t put his grief, pain and anger and sorrow into words. All he can do is lash out. He is missing out on so many things he could be doing with his mommy.” [Read more…]

Republican plot or plan for better oversight?

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The Rock County Board voted Thursday night to table a decision to switch to a medical examiner system. Those in favor of the coroner system say the county would strip voters of their rights. Those who want a medical examiner say the coroner’s office has a history of problems such as drug abuse and the county board doesn’t have enough oversight.

[Read more…]

Opening statements in trial of man accused in family’s slaughter

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A jury has heard opening statements in the Rock County murder trial of James Koepp. District Attorney David O’Leary said the evidence would show that Koepp committed the murders, although the only witnesses to the crime other than Koepp are dead. O’Leary told the jury they’ll hear a taped message Koepp made when calling his brother shortly after the murders.

AUDIO: D.A. David O’Leary (:40 MP3)  AUDIO: D.A. David O’Leary (:40 MP3) 

Defense attorney Walter Isaacson said Koepp was in the Lentz home the evening of January 11, 2007, but that he left, and someone intent on robbery entered the trailer later that night. Isaacson told the jurors that Keopp was a neighbor who had a friendly relationship with the victims, that Keopp did some repairs to the Lentz mobile home, and that Koepp admitted to having an affair with Danyetta Lentz.

AUDIO: Attorney Walter Isaacson (:40 MP3)  AUDIO: Attorney Walter Isaacson (:40 MP3) [Read more…]