Crowley, Tiffany to face off for governor in November (UNDATED)
The scene is set for November’s race for Wisconsin governor. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated Democratic Socialist state Representative Francesca Hong in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. Crowley spoke to reporters and supporters on Wednesday in Milwaukee “This isn’t establishment versus progressive. This is an insider versus outsider. This is Democrats defeating a mega extremist and Congressman Tom Tiffany and that’s what we should be focusing on moving forward.” Congressman Tom Tiffany says he’s ready to bring “common sense” back to Madison. He spoke to supporters at a victory party Tuesday night after easily beating political newcomer Andy Manske. “The question isn’t whether government should promise more. The question is who will pay for all of those promises. And every time government grows, the bill grows with it, doesn’t it? And sooner or later, the bill lands on your doorstep.” Both candidates are now touring the state.
Human error delays final vote count in Milwaukee (MILWAUKEE)
Late night human error tabulating thousands of absentee votes in Milwaukee forced a delay of the primary vote count. Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Paulina Gutierrez says several memory sticks had the wrong files on them when they were brought in for the count. Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson said Wednesday morning that the error was fixed.
Final batch of Ridglan Farms beagles are free (BLUE MOUNDS)
A joyous day as the last Ridglan Farms beagles were released on Wednesday. 155 mostly puppies took an hour bus ride from the facility in Blue Mounds to a park area east of Madison. The animal rights group Dane 4 Dogs was on hand to live stream the arrival. Big Dog Ranch Rescue of Florida is taking custody of the final batch of beagles. They’ll receive medical and behavioral evaluations before being cleared for public adoption. Ridglan Farms voluntarily surrendered its breeding license earlier this summer after years of advocacy by animal rights activists.
Lightning strikes cause multiple fires Tuesday (UNDATED)
Lightning strikes are the culprit for several fires in southern Wisconsin. Strong storms hit on Tuesday morning. In Dane County, lightning sparked a fire at a home in the town of Oregon, causing 400 thousand dollars in damage. Later in the morning, a residence in Fitchburg, which borders Madison’s south side, was hit, resulting in a fire that displaced residents. Southwest of Madison, 3 fires were reported in Iowa County, in the Dodgeville and Hollandale areas, with 2 of them confirmed to have started from a lightning strike. No injuries have been reported.
FEMA surveying tornado damage in Fox Valley (MENASHA)
FEMA teams are on scene in the Fox Valley. Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel will work to verify damage from last month’s E F 3 tornado that left a trail of destruction through Menasha, Appleton and other areas in the Fox Cities. Governor Tony Evers requested aid from FEMA last week, and once this initial survey is complete, there will be a clearer indication on how much federal assistance might be coming.