News – May 9, 2019

(Waupun) Some Assembly Republicans are upset Governor Tony Evers gave temporary raises to workers in just six of the state’s prisons.  Nineteen representatives sent a letter to the governor this week stating the raises were not fair, and compensation should be addressed in the next state budget.  An Evers spokeswoman says the governor is trying to fix problems Republicans have ignored. The raises of up to five-dollars-an-hour are at Dodge, Waupun, Columbia, Green Bay and Taycheedah correctional institutions – along with the Lincoln Hills youth prison.

(Juneau) It’s National Correctional Officer Week. Since 1985, the first full week of May has been dedicated to recognizing the contributions made by correctional workers. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says corrections officers have a difficult job but one that is important to the criminal justice system. Correctional Officer Hanna Mueller, who has been employed at the Dodge County Jail since 1999, says officers work together against the many challenges and changes they face. She says they take pride in being one of the top facilities in the state and the country for housing immigration detainees.

(Columbus) The Columbus City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow the Columbus Community Hospital to borrow up to $10-million dollars utilizing city tax exempt bonds.  The funds would cover costs associated with the acquisition, construction, renovation, remodeling, furnishing and expansion of the hospital facilities located within the city.  Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President JD Milburn praised the hospital and their commitment to the community, calling the collaboration “awesome.”

(Clyman) A Clyman man charged for his role in burglarizing a bar in Clyman was arraigned yesterday (Wednesday). The court entered a not guilty plea on behalf of 22-year-old Kaleb Reardon, who stood mute on charges of felony Burglary. 19-year-old Matthew Schneider, also from Clyman, is facing similar charges for his alleged role. Reardon and Schneider allegedly broke into Mercer T’s during the early morning hours on March 31 and took over $400 worth of alcohol, cigarettes and a money jar. If convicted, Reardon is facing over 19 years in prison while Schneider could spend roughly 14 years behind bars.

(Mexico) A delegation of Wisconsin’s dairy and agricultural companies are in Mexico to showcase the state’s products and technology at Expo Leche, the country’s largest annual dairy conference.  The hope is to continue to showcase the strong ties the state has with its third largest export market, which imported over 250-million dollars in products last year.

(Fond du Lac) Ground was broken yesterday for the long-awaited expansion of State Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Plymouth. A lawsuit by the group 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin held up the project that will expand a 19-mile stretch of the highway to four lanes. Supporters say it will improve safety on the highway, which the DOT says saw 217 crashes from 2013 to 2017. State Senator Dan Feyen of Fond du Lac says, “It’s so rewarding to see construction plans for expanding state Highway 23 finally take off after years of effort.” Governor Tony Evers was among those attending the ceremony at the Wade House Historic Site. Work on the project beings May 13th and should wrap up in 2022.

(Madison) For the first time in a decade, the state DNR has not put any parts of Wisconsin under a buck-only deer hunt for the fall deer hunting season.  Officials say no county deer advisory councils requested one.  This shows the deer herd is growing in the state, especially in northwestern and southern Wisconsin where past buck-only hunts have been in place.

(Horicon) Bird watchers from throughout the country descending on Dodge County this weekend. The Horicon Marsh Bird Club is hosting its annual ‘Bird Festival.’ Events include bus and boat trips along with guided hikes for both experts and beginners. This year’s featured speaker is the Director of the International Owl Center in Minnesota. Karla Bloem (bloom) will provide an in-depth vocal study on Great Horned Owls on Saturday. Some events require pre-registration. More information is at horicon-marsh-bird-club-dot-com.