Lawmaker wants legislative action on Flock cameras (MADISON)
A call for legislative action on Flock safety cameras. State Representative Calvin Callahan is calling for a ban on unchecked use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras by government agencies. Callahan says he’s heard a lot from constituents that have real privacy concerns. The Tomahawk Republican Chairs the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection and intends to hold a hearing on surveillance cameras when the Legislature returns in January. He says if constituents feel their privacy is being overlooked, it’s up to lawmakers to take appropriate action. Callahan says some sheriffs he’s spoken to want the cameras gone, while others see the need for the legislature to step in. Many local governments have dropped or scaled back Flock contracts amid public concerns over data privacy and surveillance.
Wisconsin Rapids plan commission denies proposed data center project (WISCONSIN RAPIDS)
Bipartisan opposition to a proposed data center in the middle of Wisconsin Rapids. Over three hours of speakers turned out for a plan commission meeting last week, including Republican State Representative Scott Krug (KROOG). “It’s nothing against anybody in the trades. There will be other projects.” New York-based developer PNK Group has been trying to turn the vacant papermill into a data center using existing power and water connections along the Wisconsin River, with little local support. The plan commission voted down the project unanimously.
Beloved lion dies at Henry Vilas Zoo (MADSION)
A beloved lion dies at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. Zookeepers noticed 13-year-old Pelo the lion becoming uncoordinated and unable to move properly in June. He initially responded to treatment, but took a turn for the worse last week and was euthanized. Pelo came to the Zoo in 2014 and was a beloved mainstay of the zoo community, even having cubs with a female lion at the park.
Cold case murder arrest in Fond du Lac (FOND DU LAC)
An arrest and charges in a 1995 cold case murder from Fond Du Lac. Deputies arrested 83-year-old Jerome Baier on Friday and charged him with first degree homicide in the death of then 40-year-old James Ruland. Ruland and Baier were roommates at the time, and Ruland went missing in October of 1995. His body was never found, but prosecutors say new forensic testing prompted Baier’s arrest. He’ll be in court today (Monday) for his initial appearance.
Man faces charges after a property-line dispute near a school (FRANKLIN)
A Franklin man faces charges after a property-line dispute near a school. Prosecutors say Sixty-two-year-old Steven Trudell pointed a gun at an employee of the Indian Community School during a property-line dispute. Trudell is charged with endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. Authorities say the confrontation happened while a school employee was clearing brush near land Trudell owns. The employee told police Trudell pointed a handgun at him and made threatening comments. Trudell has pleaded not guilty. A judge ordered him to have no contact with the school and to surrender any dangerous weapons while the case proceeds.
Man sentenced after crashing into city hall sign (WAUKESHA)
A Waukesha man is sentenced after crashing into a city hall sign while drunk and carrying a loaded handgun. Twenty-four-year-old Colton Sanders pleaded no contest to a felony gun possession charge. Police say Sanders was speeding through downtown Waukesha with his headlights off in February when he slammed into the City Hall Municipal Court sign. Officers found a loaded handgun in his waistband and a knife inside the vehicle. A breath test later showed a blood alcohol level of point-13, well above the legal limit. Sanders was also sentenced to two years of extended supervision.