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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jul 26 2008, 08:30 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Joseph Dwyer
Brookfield officers
Faith Mondry
My friend and colleague, state Representtaive Jim Ott
Franklin Little Leaguers
To a certain lion, these folks.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Jose Carman Gonzalez-Ricardo
Edwin Ramos
Milton Thomas........caught on video.
Barack Obama
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“I like to be an informed voter ... I want to take the time to make an informed decision.”
Debra Bartoshevich, the Waterford resident who was stripped of her delegate status Friday by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Bartoshevich said following Hillary Clinton's departure from the White House race that she would vote for John McCain instead of Barack Obama.
“You’re saying you can’t flip a switch and jump to Senator Obama, but you certainly were able to flip a switch and jump to Senator McCain. I find that to be a very serious flaw in your argument.”
Les Nakamoto, the Democrat Party’s 5th Congressional District Chair.
“I’m done. I will never support the Democrat Party again. Not after how they treated me ... If you don’t drink the Kool-Aid, I guess you can’t be a Democrat.”
Bartoshevich in an interview with Wispolitics.com.
“My opponent likes to tell people she is ‘out knocking on doors.’ But the voters know the difference between riding in a car watching staff drop off taxpayer-funded road maps that people did not even ask for and actually knocking on doors and talking to people.”
State Representative Sheldon Wasserman (D-Milwaukee), once again criticizing the health of his opponent for the 8th District Senate seat, Alberta Darling (R-River Hills).
“I take great offense to Sheldon Wasserman’s false accusation that I am not actually knocking on voters’ doors, and his continued insinuation that I am too sick to run for office and restricted to campaigning from a car.”
Senator Darling’s response.
“Consumers should be irate. It shouldn't be the government's job to make sure that they're paying more for gas.”
Christian Schneider, author of a Wisconsin Policy Research Institute study on the state’s minimum markup law. The study argues gas markups cost state drivers at least $267 million annually.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Sex offenders living .............in nursing homes.
Read more.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
Property taxes just keep going up, and up, and up, and up, and up.....
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Barack Obama's trip overseas. One gigantic news media lovefest.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Guys who dump woman at the altar, BEWARE!
Mystery noise in Green Bay
Cable repairman taken for ride
Black and white twins.
They named their kid....WHAT???
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jul 19 2008, 08:30 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Freedom Honor Flight Inc.
Good Samaritans
Maine fisherman
Johnny Depp
Still a hero
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Indra Book
Daniel Allen Everett
Andrea Curry-Demus
Waukesha County
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“The reality is, this is a $130 million tax increase.At a time when food and fuel costs are so high here in Wisconsin and across the country, the last thing we need is a $130 million tax increase."
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, on the County Board's proposed sales tax increase referendum
"We could take off our gas tax, but I believe the oil companies simply would make more profits. They would continue to price gasoline at the same level. Second, we need those funds to make sure we have good roads and that our bridges are secure. The big problem with a gasoline tax holiday, which (Sen. John) McCain (of Arizona) talked about, is that it would only save families on average about 30 cents a day or $30 a month. I think the oil companies simply would continue to charge the same price and pocket the additional profit."
Governor Jim Doyle
"It has become increasingly difficult to carry out the mission of the Department, and I do not want to stand in the way of continuing progress; because of that, I am resigning."
Jack Fischer, outgoing Wisconin Commerce secretary, in his resignation letter to Governor Jim Doyle. Fischer resigned following reports of questionable foreign trade trip spending while the state was under travel restrictions. Fischer served only eight months on the job.
"I am grateful for Jack Fischer’s service to the state of Wisconsin. He brought valuable experience from the private sector to the role of commerce secretary, and I thank him for all his work to promote Wisconsin businesses"
Doyle’s response to Fischer’s departure.
"I'm going to be a lot more reluctant with my vote for nominees with this governor."
State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield).
"I think Milwaukee is a great place to do business. This doesn’t reflect in any way on the city of Milwaukee or the state of Wisconsin."
MillerCoors President Tom Long, saying that the decision to move the corporate HQ to Chicago came from a desire to pick a neutral location for the headquarters.
"Whether you are for or against raising the sales tax to provide funding for property tax relief, parks, transit and EMS, you should be in favor of an advisory referendum on the issue."
Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway on the sales tax increase referendum.
"It does not speak well of a public official who would claim to be a member of one party in order to lure its members into assisting with his campaign effort -- be it with volunteer efforts or financial contributions -- then direct those contributions toward a completely different ideological movement."
Republican Party of Wisconsin Executive Director Mark Jefferson in a letter to State Representative Jeff Wood (I-Chetek) who left the party last week. Wood was aksed to return a total of $1,225 in conduit donations he received this campaign cycle while a member of the party.
"I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured and I assure them as their pastor that I too share in their suffering.Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice."
The Pope during an address at a Mass at the church's World Youth Day in Sydney, apologizing to victims of clergy abuse.
"Violent crime in the city of Chicago is out of control. I'm offering resources of the state to the city to work in a constructive way with Mayor Daley to do everything we can possibly do to help stop this violence."
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, suggesting he might bring in state troopers or the National Guard to fight crime in Chicago.
"Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, or as she is called on the Big Dogs blog, 'the worst speaker in the history of Congress,'explained the cause of high oil prices back in 2006: 'We have two oilmen in the White House. The logical follow-up from that is $3-a-gallon gasoline. It is no accident. It is a cause and effect. A cause and effect.' Yes, that would explain why the price of oral sex, cigars and Hustler magazine skyrocketed during the Clinton years. Also, I note that Speaker Pelosi is a hotelier ... and the price of a hotel room in New York is $1,000 a night! I think she might be onto something."
Ann Coulter
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Indra Book's horrible choice.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
A janitor at a university is accused of racial harassment because........he was reading.
This Wall Street Journal column captures how institutions of higher learning have become hypersensitive.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Is Heath Ledger really that good in the new Batman movie?
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Police officer fired over free coffee.
You can buy just about anything on ebay.
You may never want to do laundry again.
Is the city of Denver trying to hide its homeless?
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jul 12 2008, 09:00 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Joseph Dwyer
Tony Gonzalez
LEGAL immigrants
Those who made this possible
Zach Kronz of Franklin
This manufacturer
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
James Kevin Pope
Theodore Pressman
Dale Decker
John Freshwater
Christian Phillips
German serial killer
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"I wanna cut his n_ts out”
Jesse Jackson caught on mic, talking about Barack Obama.
"For any harm or hurt that this hot mic private conversation may have caused, I apologize. My support for Senator Obama's campaign is wide, deep and unequivocal."
Jesse Jackson in a statement after his controversial remark. Jackson said he called Obama's campaign to apologize.
"Jesse Jackson has spent his entire life in love with the microphone. He knows them intimately. He's such an aficionado of the mike that Detroit's beloved late mayor, Coleman Young, dismissed one of Jackson's failed vanity bids for the presidency by noting that "all he's ever run is his mouth." Jackson's claim to have been caught unbeknownst by a "hot mike" slurring and threatening Barcak Obama is complete hogwash. Somewhere, deep down, he wanted the world - and Obama - to know how much he wants to "cut his n_ts out."
Charles Hurt, DC Bureau Chief for the New York Post.
“I agree that immigrants should learn English. But instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English - they’ll learn English - you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish. You should be thinking about how can your child become bilingual. We should have every child speaking more than one language.”
Barack Obama, answering a question on education when he said he doesn’t understand people who say “we need English only.”
"I am appalled that Sen. Barack Obama suggested that our children should learn to speak Spanish instead of that Spanish-speaking children should speak English.English is our language. Anyone wanting to live here should speak it. Not the other way around. Let's go a little further. What about all the other immigrants living here? Are we to learn their languages, too? Are they going to be told to learn Spanish along with English? What about the seniors, like me? Am I supposed to learn, too?"
MaryAnn Fritz in a letter to the Journal/Sentinel today.
"You've heard of mental depression; this is a mental recession.We have sort of become a nation of whiners. You just hear this constant whining, complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in decline."
John McCain's chief economics adviser, Phil Gramm, former U.S. Senator from Texas.
"I strongly disagree. Phil Gramm does not speak for me. I speak for me. America is in great difficulty. And we are experiencing enormous economic challenges as well as others."
John McCain's reaction to Gramm.
"I'm not sure of Jack's purpose on the trip, but it did nothing to help any of the participants' businesses."
Chris Frigo, founder of De Pere-based Forte Composites, criticizing Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer in his official evaluation of a March trade mission to Ireland and the United Kingdom. In less than three months this spring, Fischer and administrative assistant Deborah Godt billed taxpayers for parts of three international trips. Those trips came shortly after Governor Doyle imposed limits on travel because of the state budget shortfall.
"I want a Commerce secretary who's out promoting Wisconsin products. The trip to Ireland and the U.K. was a well-organized trade mission."
Governor Doyle defending Fischer.
"I’m fed up with the Republican Party. I don’t think Ronald Reagan would recognize the party anymore. It seems the party has left me and a lot of others behind."
State Representative Jeff Wood, Independent from Chetek, announcing on the day of the candidate-filing deadline that he has departed the Republican Party to run as an independent for the 67th Assembly District.
"That’s why I want to go, to have the opportunity to see him, to hear him. If he can’t convince me in this kind of platform, how’s he going to convince millions of Americans to support him?"
Debra Bartoshevich, the 1st Congressional District Hillary Clinton delegate who has indicated her support for McCain, on why she wants to retain her status as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention despite objections from the state Democrat Party.
"In this age of violence, if we don't take back our streets, more of us will be burying our children."
State Senator Spencer Coggs, Democrat of MIlwaukee calling on witnesses to come forward with information regarding a gang-related quadruple homicide that occurred July 4.
"Considering the state of the economy, now is the worst time to approve a $130 million tax increase. Every day, I hear from people who are worried about their jobs, upset about gas prices and frustrated with high grocery bills. Adding to their financial burden is not the answer.Supporters of the $130 million sales tax increase will argue that the measure provides property tax relief, but lawyers for the county note that nothing in the referendum question can legally guarantee property tax relief. In fact, history shows just the opposite to be true. In 1991, the County Board passed a 0.5% sales tax increase for the purpose of 'property tax relief.' From 1992 to 2002, the tax levy went up 55%."
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, in a letter to the editor of the Journal/Sentinel.Walker is evtoing the sales tax referendum approved by the Milwaukee County Board.
"Um, is Brett Favre coming back?"
11-year-old Miranda Black of Oconto Falls, posing a question to Green Bay Packer head coach Mike McCarthy.
"I want to know which one of those media individuals made you say that. Those are things we'll obviously, we'll get to down the line. But great question."
McCarthy's response.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
A trashy book coming out this September will smear First Lady Laura Bush. Caution: this article has a link to graphic material that might be offensive. That's why it's the outrage of the week.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
The issue that enabled Democrats to take over Congress in November of 2006, the war (remember how Democrats promised to end it?) is no longer #1 with voters. Could it be because the surge is working?
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Brett Favre?
CC?
Nope.
Celebrity divorces.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Sit down.........again and again and again and again....
Court awards British woman over $14,000 over broken heel.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jul 5 2008, 09:05 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Waterford police officer Jimmy Hecht
Greendale woman's rescuers
Kids with Courage
11-year old Emily Moore
Tatyana McFadden
NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip
Tim Hoeksema of Midwest
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John Franke, but more importantly, Franklin's Mayor, Common Council, Citizens for a Safe Wisconsin, and the citizens of Franklin.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Summerfest officials and the small band of peaceniks they caved to on the Army's vrtual game on the Summerfest grounds. Summerfest, after pressure was applied following discussion on talk radio, somewhat changed their decision, allowing a tamer version of the game.
Mark Dean Schwab
Lenient judge
Ricardo Gonzalez
Emanuel Lopez
Wesley Clark
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“I don’t feel I need to sell myself to the fans. They need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut.”
Green Bay Packer QB Aaron Rodgers, on Packer fans.
"I've got the itch."
Green Bay Packer Al Harris on ESPN, quoting what Brett Favre told him about playing again.
"It's all rumor."
Favre when questioned about wanting to play again.
"A lot of kids, when they get out school, are kind of lost," said Jamie Norton, a firefighter in Gridley, Calif. "When you get out of high school, what are you educated to do?"
Jamie Norton, a firefighter in Gridley, California, responding to an AP poll that Americans don't believe schools are doing a good job preparing children.
"For nearly a week, lines at the Coggs center in Milwaukee’s central city stretched out the door and around the block. All indications are the majority of applicants were inner city residents. Most residents of that region are renters, so any flood damage would be the responsibility of the landlord. Besides, there wasn’t much flooding there. So how did we get 10,000 applicants? Because most were lying."
WISN 's Mark Belling in his weekly column.
"Our instincts tell us the answer lies more in the direction of competition and the innovation of free enterprise, not in the direction of government control and centralization. We urge healthy skepticism toward politicians who advocate a government-run single-payer system."
The Green Bay Press Gazette editorializing against government health care.
"It's time for Milwaukee to break from the old, reflexive anti-rail thinking of yesterday. It's time for Milwaukee to get over its rail-phobia, move boldly into the future and reap the massive benefits of rail."
MIlwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
"We are trying to be good stewards. We are not trying to escape our responsibility to Mother Earth. But at this time, the mandate is not contributing enough to clean air."
State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), quetioning the value of the mandate in SE Wisconsin for reformulated gas (RFG). When the Journal/Sentinel asked the Environmental Protection Agency exactly how the gas benefits air quality today, the EPA said it didn't have the data to supply an answer.
“It represents life. It represents 1,313 babies saved from abortion and the mothers saved from the impact of an abortion.”
Wisconsin Right to Life director Barbara Lyons on the 14% drop in abortions in Wisconsin.
"It is laughable. Planned Parenthood, the largest performer of abortions in Wisconsin and nationwide, is taking credit for the 14% drop in abortions in Wisconsin in 2007. According to PP’s news release, abortions are down because PP and others made emergency contraception more available. Wow! PP forgot to mention that its Milwaukee and Appleton abortion clinics were closed for about seven months last year. Now that’s a concept — close abortion clinics and the number of abortions go down."
Wisconsin Right to Life director Barbara Lyons
"Everyone is going through tough times. That's certainly with regard to taxpayers who are footing the bill. If they have to live within their means, government has to live within their means."
State Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) at a forum in Marshfield.
“A male motorist was still holding his cell phone in his hand while talking to an officer . . . He claimed he was using it to scratch his head.”
“A female motorist was talking on her phone and saw the officer looking at her. She attempted to throw (the phone) out the driver's window, but it clanked and fell into her lap.”
Some of the excuses offered by motorists in California caught violating the new law banning the use of cellphones while driving.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Scumbag defense attorney for sex offender says the parents of the victims are at fault.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
The ruling by Judge Franke in the Franklin sex offender ordinance lawsuit, I spent close to two hours on it on WISN. The Journal/Sentinel buried the story. televison was too caught up in Summerfest and the 4th of July. Hopefully they'll catch up because the story isn't over yet. And the fight against sex offenders will never end.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Will he or won't he?
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Ladies, if you have implants, watch out for flying plastic apples.
Get free gas....and more....here.
What? No cole slaw?
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jun 28 2008, 08:18 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Wyatt Yocum
Once again, the Boy Scouts
Jay Thurston and Mike Kinziger
Resourceful Jessica Bruinsma
The 6 Milwaukee County Board members who voted against a proposed sales tax referendum
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Adam Peterson
The MATC Board
Cleveland teenagers
Animal abusers in Oshkosh
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Barack Obama is "John Kerry with a tan."
Anti-tax activist Grover Norquist in an interview with the LA Times.
“She rocks, she rocks.”
Obama describing Hillary Clinton at a joint appearance in Unity, New Hampshire.
"This felt like when your mom forces you to go visit your Aunt Ida and she has to pinch your cheeks and you're sitting there in an uncomfortable suit and you can't wait to leave.”
A Clinton donor describing the mood on the campaign plane with Obama and Clinton.
“The Democratic Party of Wisconsin and its members have been embarrassed in the local and national media by the decision of Ms. Bartoshevich to endorse Senator McCain.”
From a letter to the Democratic National Committee from the state Democrat Party, asking that Debra Bartoshevich, an elected Hillary Clinton delegate for Racine County, be stripped of her delegate status over her support for John McCain. The party voted to endorse her expulsion as a delegate at the DPW convention in Stevens Point earlier this month.
“I still very much want to be a delegate for Hillary. I still support Hillary Clinton as the nominee. I hope to still go (to Denver). All I can do is sit and wait.”
Bartoshevich on her delegate status.
“Today’s incident only highlights the tough economic times many in our area face. After the flooding we have seen, in addition to high unemployment, energy, housing and food costs we cannot be surprised when thousands show up at 5 a.m. seeking assistance to feed their families.”
Wisconsin Congressman Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, in the aftermath of a crowd rushing a Milwaukee human services building Monday morning in search of disaster relief food vouchers.
“Monday’s incident shows that there needs to be regulations in place to verify that when a person applies to receive federal disaster benefits, in this case due to flooding, the applicant’s residence should actually have incurred flood damage.”
Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, who has asked Milwaukee County DA John Chisholm to look into the incident and has introduced a bill intended to eliminate fraud in disaster-relief claims.
“I’m the gatekeeper.”
Convicted former Milwaukee Alderman Michael McGee on tape during his trial discussing the power he had over licensing.
“This is a test for the council. It has to respond. It can’t just simply say this never happened. It happened.”
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett urging a study of best practices on city licensing.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Thousands turned out in the inner city earlier this week claiming to be flood victims in an attempt to gain food vouchers. Naturally, pushing and shoving broke out and police had to intervene.
One had to question how valid some of these claims were.
Charlie Sykes and others had observations.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
We have got to start placing the same amount of attention and scrutiny that we do on local and states taxes on our technical colleges.
This week, the Journal/Sentinel reported, "The Milwaukee Area Technical College Board on Tuesday night unanimously approved a 2009 budget that increases the property tax levy 4.9% — an increase that means the college has boosted the levy 31% in the last five years."
In a column last August announcing legislation to make unelected boards like the MATC Board elected, state Senator Mary Lazich wrote, "It appears from all the data, the increases being hoisted upon taxpayers are substantial. Consider the total tax levies for the state's 16 technical colleges. According to he non-partisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, the technical college tax levies have increased from $251 million in 1992-'93 to $622 million in 2005-'06. That’s an increase of almost 150 percent compared to a 75 percent increase in overall levies during the same time period. Governor Doyle exempted technical colleges from levy limits in the 2005-07 state budget. Technical college boards were free to raise tax levies, and taxpayers were powerless."
Technical colleges are soaking us the most, and yet they continue to get a free pass.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
As wonderful as Summerfest is, let's not invent stories just to fill time on the 6 and 10:00 news.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
German man torches car.....read why.
Inmate falls through ceiling and winds up ?????
Something went wrong when she tried to make manure bombs.
Young man decides to disrupt graduation dressed as.......well.....take a look.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jun 21 2008, 07:55 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Flood heroes (added 9:00 pm, 6/21/08)
Pistol-packer
The Boy Scouts
Jenny Masche
Shawn Johnson
Kendall Bailey
Johnny Depp....the story.........the video.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Mother of the Year candidate
Jeff Pelo
Virginia charity
Ohio teacher
The state of Wisconsin.....tax hell
The state of Illinois
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"That is a really creepy feeling to look around your house and say what is most important. I can 't tell you how sickening that was. "
Rita Strutz of Saul County on what personal belongings she would save from the flooding.
"It's insane. I've never experienced such extremes. I've lived in Wisconsin all my life and this is just crazy. You just think, 'Oh no.' You think it isn't going to strike twice. But then I never thought it could the first time. You're a little bit on edge now."
Renee Klotz, of Wheatland, used to love watching storm clouds gather. But that was before a freak tornado in January destroyed her home and she watched flood waters this week cover the street outside her Burlington apartment. Now whenever she hears a storm warning she gets nervous.
"You begin questioning your own safety.”
Bill Henricks, a psychologist at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee.
“The only people parking in our lot are those coming to see the lake. I feel like someone I knew died. You go through a grieving process. Things will eventually get back to normal. We just have to get through this year.”
Kathy Zowin, co-owner of Lake Delton Water Sports.
“Like everyone else, I get in my car and I moan and groan. It's going to be a bottleneck. But you know what? We won't have the 100-mile detour.”
Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi on the $896,000 bypass ordered to replace a 100-mile detour on a flooded section of I-94 in Johnson Creek. The project was completed Thursday.
"I have an off-line product, and it's an online world. It's another example of laws not being able to keep up with technology."
Wisconsin Lottery Director Mike Edmonds, who wants to have online games in Wisconsin. They’re now unconstitutional.
“Unless you’re one of the fringe that actually rides the bus, transit just isn’t that important. Almost everybody who has a job drives to it or gets a ride from somebody else. Throwing tens of millions at such a tiny part of the transportation ridership is pointless. Creating a train that runs along Lake Michigan is beyond pointless; it’s moronic. Raising our already onerous tax burden for the benefit of the cult that uses transit is another nail in the region’s economic coffin.
‘But rising gas prices will be a boon for buses and trains!!!!!’ So they tell us. If that’s so, the increases in fare box revenues will take care of all of our transit needs. Don’t count on it. Most people hate riding the bus and will cut out Starbucks, car washes and Doritos before they give up their cars to ride a train. And next to none of them will take the bus.”
Mark Belling in his weekly column.
“I’m kind of disenfranchised. I will not be voting for Obama. I will cast my vote for John McCain. I just feel you need to have somebody who has experience with foreign matters.”
Clinton delegate Debra Bartoshevich of Waterford.
“It's extremely important that we send a message that Democrats in the state of Wisconsin will never support somebody who supports John McCain for president.”
State Democrat Party chair Joe Wineke urging delegates to approve a motion to oust Bartoshevich.
“I am enthused and eager and it will be a new challenge. This allows me to continue in an area that has always been important to me, which is serving the public.”
Retiring State Senator Carol Roessler, R-Oshkosh, announcing that she would resign her office early to take a Doyle administration position as head of Revenue's Division of State and Local Finance.
“With Barack Obama in the state, Obama's top campaign staffer, Jim Doyle, gave voters a glimpse of the Democrats' priorities this year -- politics over Wisconsin families.”
State Republican Party chair Reince Priebus criticizing the governor for his appearance at a golf fundraiser while dealing with flooding in the state last week. Doyle’s office said his appearance at the fundraiser had no impact on the flood response; a campaign spokesman said Doyle "spent most of the day dealing with official state business." Doyle’s campaign said Thursday it would keep the money raised at the event.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Teenage girls make a pact to get pregnant.
Apparently, teens think it's cool.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
Governor Doyle....golfing for dollars while Wisconsin deals with flooding.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
As I mentioned last week, all of the flood coverage, and now this week, the flood aftermath reporting, is warranted.
However, there's a fallout.
People see and hear about the devastation in the news media, and suddenly vacation plans are put on hold.
Tourism is already starting to suffer.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Tough to nail it down to just one.
An enema monument.
High heels.........for babies.
Bumper stickers = road rage
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jun 14 2008, 08:00 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
All those who came to the aid of flooding victims this week.
Boy Scout victims
Boy Scout survivors
Mount Rainer hiker
Gerald Miller
ER nurses
Chef Adam Siegel at Lake Park Bistro
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Trent Christopher Benson
Dena Schlosser (Background of the story)
Brice Brian McMillan and Sandra Elizabeth McMillan
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"My truck'll come through the water if I can get to it. I'll probably have to put my swimming suit on to get it out. What really makes me mad is my Harley's in the garage, and it's in water, and I don't like that."
Duane Wilson. Both of his vehicles were under water on his brother-in-law's property near 92nd St. and 8 Mile Road in Franksville. His Peterbilt truck was in about 4 feet of water. But he was worried about his Harley motorcycle, a 1994 Dyna Wide Glide.
"Let's not talk about it. It's my foolishness."
Former state senator Donald Stitt, who was pulled by firefighters from Milwaukee River floodwaters in Saukville shortly after 11 a.m. Monday after his vehicle became submerged. Firefighters waded into about four feet of water to rescue Stitt, of Port Washington. He was heading south on Highway W when he drove around road closure barricades. Stitt continued driving another quarter-mile until his SUV got caught in floodwaters, nearly submerging. Police planned to cite Stitt for failure to obey an official sign.
"It was full of fish, full of boaters, full of life—and now it's gone."
Harland Tourdoy, looking at what was once Lake Delton.
"Please, please don't cancel your reservations. Ninety percent of the Dells is still up and running."
Lake Delton Village trustee and Tommy Bartlett Show proprietor Tom Diehl.
“Let me be absolutely clear. Milwaukee drinking water is safe.”
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
“I’m sure people are going to be upset with me. I will not be voting for Obama. I will cast my vote for John McCain. I just feel you need to have somebody who has experience with foreign matters. I’m on a lot of the (pro-Clinton) blogs, and so many people, male and female, feel the same way as I do. The Democrats jumped on this wagon of Barack Obama, and nobody really knows him.”
Debra Bartoshevich of Waterford, an elected delegate to the Democrat National Convention in Denver this summer.
“Not a delegate? To the national convention? We have a Clinton national (convention) delegate who says she’s voting for John McCain? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
Joe Wineke, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
“Don’t take (Republican nominee John McCain) for granted, particularly in Wisconsin. If Barack Obama loses Wisconsin, he’s not going to be president.”
Senator Russ Feingold, addressing the Democrat state party convention in Stevens Point.
“President Bush has admitted to The Times that his gun-slinging rhetoric made the world believe that he was a “guy really anxious for war” in Iraq. He said that his aim now was to leave his successor a legacy of international diplomacy for tackling Iran. In an exclusive interview, he expressed regret at the bitter divisions over the war and said that he was troubled about how his country had been misunderstood. “I think that in retrospect I could have used a different tone, a different rhetoric.” Phrases such as “bring them on” or “dead or alive”, he said, “indicated to people that I was, you know, not a man of peace”. He said that he found it very painful “to put youngsters in harm’s way”. He added: “I try to meet with as many of the families as I can. And I have an obligation to comfort and console as best as I possibly can. I also have an obligation to make sure that those lives were not lost in vain.”
From timesonline.co.uk
"Well, I know Michelle, she's been my friend, a friend of my wife, for many, many years. She can take it. She can handle herself. She's a very accomplished person. But I will tell you this: the hottest ring in hell is reserved for those in politics who attack their opponents' families. And if there are some Republican strategists who think that's the way to win the election, I think they're wrong."
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) on criticisms of Barack Obama's wife, Michelle.
The team "wet the bed - a nice big one, too. One of the ones you can't put a towel over."
Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant after the Lakers blew a 24-point lead and lost to Boston in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Celtics now lead the best of seven series, 3 games to 1.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Another illegal immigrant, another horrific crime.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
If not for talk radio (Mark Belling) and the bloggers, you wouldn't have heard about this story.
Or this.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Weather.
Weather.
And more weather.
But the vast majority of the coverage this time was warranted.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Norman Bates didn't kill that woman...
Here's a summer festival Milwaukee doesn't have.
Hey guy, put a shirt on!
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY TO VOTE IN THE 2008 BEST IN FRANKLIN-AREA DINING SURVEY
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By Kevin Fischer
Saturday, Jun 7 2008, 08:54 AM
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Returning vets
Men in high heels
Michael and Eileen Schmalz
Norma Haddad and the family that assisted her.
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Phillip A. Geissler and LaVonne Tillery
Organ donation company
Con artist
Georgia high school baseball pitcher and catcher
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"I kicked him between his legs with both feet."
84 year old Norma Haddad, describing how she survived a carjacking in downtown Milwaukee.
“It was like hearing about a death in the family. This is a kick in the gut. GM repeatedly told me that Janesville was the best work force and most productive plant. Everyone here did everything right. Did GM just wake up yesterday and realize gas prices were high? Why didn't they get some lines in here that could withstand these prices?”
Governor Doyle responding to the news that General Motors will close its plant in Janesville by 2010, eliminating about some 2,500 jobs.
“Did Gov. Doyle just wake up? GM has been in decline for years and Gov. Doyle made the deal with a declining company- something businesses typically are careful of. What has Wisconsin done to make itself more competitive? Toyota, Honda and Hyundai are doing fine despite high gas prices. Where has the State of Wisconsin been when it comes to attracting the new manufacturing facilities of the successful auto makers? If I recall correctly, the last time Honda was looking for a site for a new plant Gov. Doyle did nearly nothing to even get Honda to consider Wisconsin (possibly because with our high tax rates we would not be competitive).”
" OK Hello... GM is not the only plant in the world that is going under... what is it with everyone only looking at company's who employ alot of people.. GM workers aren't the only workers who need help with gas prices, house payments, or any financial needs. This whole economy is down and they are only worried about GM workers. What about others.. there is no help for others... Let's just worry about GM workers not having a job... It's everyone... This state has no idea who needs help.... "
Online comments to the Beloit Daily News website.
“He didn’t give me any reason to think this was a decision that was easily reversed.”
Congressman Paul Ryan, after talking to the GM chief.
“While I support vigorous investigations of oil companies’ practices to fight price gouging, the simplest and surest way to lower the price of gas is to lower the price of oil. And the surest way to reduce the price of oil is to increase its supply.”
Former Assembly Speaker John Gard who is running against Congressman Steve Kagen, announcing a series of proposals to tackle gas prices, including increases in oil refineries and domestic oil drilling.
“The Republicans haven’t done one single thing since 2001, and there are two reasons for the high gas prices: Bush and Cheney.”
Congressman Steve Kagen.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Barack Obama and porta potties.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
Wisconsin has dropped out of the top ten highest-taxed states in the nation.
But why?
State Representative Frank Lasee explains in one of his releases:
It has been widely reported that Wisconsin has FINALLY dropped out of the top ten highest taxed states in the nation. Good news? Well, it all depends on how you | |
