Another Wisconsin city dropping Flock (MANITOWOC)
The City of Manitowoc will not renew its contract with Flock Safety. Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nichols issued a statement saying that the city has notified the company and asked Flock to remove the cameras installed under their agreement as soon as possible. He said that Flock owned the cameras in the city, which is why they have not been bagged or altered in any way. Mayor Nichols added that the cameras remain deactivated and that the city did not experience any data selling or tracking concerns reported in other communities. The city’s upcoming budget will also not include funding for Flock or a citywide camera system but does include “investing in public safety tools from companies that operate in the same broader field as Flock.” Mayor Nichols added that this does not mean necessarily automated license plate reading cameras, but tools like tasers or parking related technology. Mayor Nichols concluded saying the city “remains committed to transparency, safety and protecting community trust.”
Three Wisconsin Starbucks among 250 closed nationwide (UNDATED)
Several Wisconsin Starbucks are among hundreds of locations closed nationwide. That includes a Starbucks on South Park Street in Madison which opened just last year. Located blocks from the popular locally owned Cargo Coffee, the Park Street Starbucks is among 250 closing nationwide. The company said that’s due to due to lower-than-expected customer-experience levels or financial projections and represents about 1% of all stores. Two other Wisconsin Starbucks are closed on Brady Street in Milwaukee and Washington Street in Two Rivers.
Interim superintendent cancels high school Flashdance performance (WATERTOWN)
The Watertown School District pulls the plug on a Flashdance performance. Interim Superintendent James Feil canceled the production of the 1983 movie for the spring musical next year, saying he received concerns. The movie is about a young woman who is a welder by day, and dances at a bar at night who hopes to become a professional dancer. It was rated R, but the high school choir director did modify it for a younger audience. The Watertown district got national attention earlier this year when it banned an instrumental from being performed at a band concert as the piece is tied to LGBTQ history.
Complaint filed after blind patron and guide dog kicked from Fox Valley bar (GRAND CHUTE)
A complaint charges a Fox Valley bar owner illegally kicked out a blind patron and his guide dog. The incident happened last Wednesday at Flagstone Bar and Grill in Grand Chute. Patron Connor Kane and his service dog were escorted from the bar by owner Jesse Valeri and several staff members after being told no animals were allowed under any circumstances. Kane complained about the incident on Facebook, which lead to Valeri offering an apology and a statement that he thought health codes preempted the Americans with Disabilities Act. Kane says he’s already filed complaints with the state and federal Justice Departments.