Approved Janesville data center measure one of many nationwide (JANESVILLE)
Voters put the brakes on data center development at Janesville’s former General Motors plant. Nearly 63 percent supported a ballot measure which requires voters to approve “mega development” projects with costs over $450 million through future referendums. The Janesville City Council had already voted unanimously in June to allow an agreement with a Colorado developer to lapse, followed by a unanimous vote in September to enact a 12-month data center moratorium. Opponents argue all this will discourage investment in the 250-acre GM site, but Janesville voters weren’t alone – analysis by Ballotpedia found a total of 41 local data center related measures in 13 states, with only one favoring data center development gaining voter approval.
Airport surveillance footage shows ICE detaining State Trooper (MADISON)
Newly released surveillance video shows the moment ICE agents detained a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper in Madison. Footage from Dane County Regional Airport shows undercover ICE agents stopping several men to check their id before locating 21-year-old Carel Van Der Merwe on November 5th and arresting him inside the terminal. Van Der Merwe, who was born in South Africa, does hold a valid work permit while awaiting a pending asylum decision. He was released from custody a day later. Authorities believe transportation security officials may have tipped off federal agents prior to the flight.
Marshfield woman gets probation for defrauding Ronald McDonald House (MARSHFIELD)
A woman who stole 120 thousand dollars from a Marshfield charity will avoid prison time if she completes probation. A judge handed Iilee (I-lee) Pederson an imposed and stayed prison sentence, meaning if she completes a seven-year probationary term she will avoid prison time. Terms of that probation include a six month stay in the Wood County Jail with work release privilages, to begin after the Holidays, and full restitution to insurance company for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield- who covered most of the money the 40-year-old funneled into her pay pal account over two years beginning in 20-22. Pederson provided the board with altered bank statements to cover her tracks. When confronted- she told investigators she was helping a family member navigate financial stress.
Man accused in fatal central Wisconsin drunk driving crash may have been extremely drunk (PORTAGE COUNTY)
A man accused of a Central Wisconsin drunk driving homicide may have been exceedingly drunk. Portage County prosecutors say 30-year-old Jose Loa Zuniga of Wautoma had a point-3 4 3 B A C when he ran into the back of a motorcycle Sunday afternoon, killing the passenger and injuring the driver. Police tracked him down some time after he then allegedly left the scene. Zuniga is being held on a 500-thousand dollar cash bond, and will be back in court later this month for his initial appearance.
Community group wants change in MPD pursuit policy after multiple fatalities (MILWAUKEE)
Milwaukee community leaders want a change in police chase guidelines. Five bystanders have been killed during police chases in just two weeks. The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression says the answer to stopping reckless driving in the city isn’t more reckless driving from police. Mayor Cavalier Johnson tells W I S N TV the city tried ending all police pursuits, but that just made reckless driving worse. Milwaukee’s police and fire commission recommended changes to the pursuit policy earlier this year, but the proposal did not make it past the common council.
Dueling plans to rebuild State Veterans Museum remain locked in court (MADISON)
Plans to redevelop a downtown Madison building are stalled in court. The Wisconsin State Journal reports a dispute between the state and the four owners of the Capitol Square building which houses the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is now in its third year. The building is deteriorating, and officials say the state has purchase rights to build a new, state of the art museum facility on the site. The building’s owners claim the state lost the option to purchase it by letting a clause in its lease expire. They want to build apartments, with a few floors for the museum. The case remains in Waushara County Court.