"THE RUSH REVIVAL
DERANGED DEMS' OBSESSION WITH LIMBAUGH WILL BE THEIR UNDOING" THE RUSH LIMBAUGH REVIVAL - New York Post
"PAPER: OLYMPIC HERO PICTURED SMOKING BONG... DEVELOPING...
'NEWS OF THE WORLD' SET TO ROCK SPORTS WITH SHOCK PHOTO, STORY..." DRUDGE REPORT 2009®
In our exclusive photo Michael Phelps, who won a record EIGHT gold medals for swimming at the Beijing games last summer, draws from a bong.
The glass pipes are generally used to smoke cannabis.
"An apparent system error left millions of visitors to the site puzzled when links to all search results were flagged with the warning 'This site may harm your computer'.
It is thought the site had erroneously identified all other websites - and some of its own pages - as containing malicious software or 'malware'. " Millions hit by Google 'breakdown' - Telegraph
The glitch, which prevented internet users from directly clicking through to search results, was fixed within 30 minutes although users of Google's email service Gmail have since reported finding genuine messages sent mistakenly to spam folders.
Highly recommend this book by Tony Dungy"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama promised on Saturday to help lower Americans' mortgage costs with a new plan, coming soon, that would revive the financial system and "get credit flowing again."" Obama pledges mortgage help with new financial plan | Reuters
"Nearly 30,000 people and businesses are delinquent on Wisconsin taxes." Story, database: Thousands owe Wisconsin back taxes; search the 'Website of Shame' | Postcrescent.com | Appleton Post-Crescent
"1/30/2009 9:08:00 AM
The American people need a leader"
The American people need a leader
Gregg Walker Publisher
President Barack Obama has been in office only a little more than a week, and he has already disgraced himself and proven he is not responsible enough to have his job.
Case in point: The president and his team spent close to $160 million on his inauguration at a time when this nation is teetering on the brink of a depression.
No matter how you cut it, that's over the top, and the president would have known so if he had ever bothered to look into the faces of the crowds around him and seen the pain in their eyes.
Yes, Mr. President, people are hurting. Livelihoods and savings are disappearing. This past Monday alone, 62,000 jobs vanished, including 20,000 at Caterpillar. Since December 2007, 2.59 million jobs have gone by the boards.
Golf Stories
A husband and wife are on the 9th green when suddenly she collapses from a heart attack!
"Help me dear," she groans to her husband.
The husband calls 911 on his cell phone, talks for a few minutes, picks up his putter,
and lines up his putt.
His wife raises her
head off the green and stares at him. "I'm dying here and you're putting?"
"Don't worry dear," says the husband calmly, " they found a doctor on the second hole and he's coming to help you."
"Well, how long will it take for him to get here," she asks feebly?
"No time at all," says her husband. "Everybody's already agreed to let him play through."
-------------------------------------------------
A gushy reporter told Phil Michelson, "You are spectacular, your name is synonymous with the game of golf. You really know your way
around the course. What's your secret?"
Michelson replied, "The holes are numbered"
-----------------------------
A young man and a priest are playing together. At a short par-3 the priest asks, "What are you going to use on this hole my son? "
The young man says, "An 8-iron, father. How about you?"
The priest says, "I'm going to hit a soft seven and pray. "
The young man hits his 8-iron and puts the ball on the green. The priest tops his 7-iron and dribbles the ball out a few yards. The young man says, "I don't know about you father, but in my church, when we pray, we keep our head down."
----------- ------- ------------
Police are called to an apartment and find a woman holding a bloody 5-iron standing over a lifeless man. The detective asks, "Ma'am, is
that your husband?"
"Yes " says the woman.
"Did you hit him with that golf club?"
Yes, yes, I did.." The woman begins to sob, drops the club, and puts her, hands on her face.
"How many times did you hit him?"
"I don't know, five, six, maybe seven times.....just put me down for a five."
------------------------------
A golfer teed up his ball on the first tee, took a mighty swing and hit his ball into a clump of trees. He found his ball and saw an opening between two trees he thought he could hit through.
Taking out his 3-wood, he took a mighty swing. The ball hit a tree, bounced back, hit him in the forehead and killed him.
As he approached the gates of Heaven, St. Peter asked, "Are you a good golfer?"
The man replied: "Got here in two, didn't I?"
------------------------------
The bride was escorted down the aisle and when she reached the altar, the groom was standing there with his golf bag and clubs at his side.
She said: "What are your golf clubs doing here?"
He looked her right in the eye and said, "This isn't going to take all day, is it?"
AMAZING SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES
1. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.
2. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK.
3. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.
4. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM
ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.
5. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE
AFRAID TO COUGH.
6. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.
7. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
DAILY THOUGHT:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
"A Russian arrives in New York City as a new immigrant to the United States . He stops the first person he sees walking down the street and says, “Thank you Mr. American for letting me into this country, giving me housing, food stamps, free medical care, and a free education!”
The passerby says, “You are mistaken, I am a Mexican.”
The man goes on and encounters another passerby. “Thank you for having such a beautiful country here in America.”
The person says, “I not American, I Vietnamese.”
The new arrival walks farther, and the next person he sees he stops, shakes his hand, and says, “Thank you for wonderful America!”
That person puts up his hand and says, “I am from Middle East. I am not American.”
He finally sees a nice lady and asks, “Are you an American?”
She says, “No, I am from Africa.”
Puzzled, he asks her, “Where are all the Americans?”
The African lady checks her watch and says, “Probably at work.”
Courtesy of Mr Ol Broad." An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings
ABC News has learned that the nomination of former Senator Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., to be President Obama's secretary of health and human services has hit a traffic snarl on its way through the Senate Finance Committee.
"During the vetting process to become HHS secretary, Daschle corrected the tax violation, voluntarily paying $101,943 in back taxes plus interest, working with his accountant to amend his tax returns for 2005 through 2007. " Political Punch: Bumps in the Road: Obama's HHS Secretary Nominee Faces Tax Questions Over Car and Driver
"This site is where I will be communicating with the residents of the 8th district, in the most efficient and direct way possible. I am concerned about our environment, and e-communication is a very green method of creating real connections in real time. You will be communicating with me, not with a staffer who will get back to you at their convenience, with a very perfunctory response. I want to hear what you have to say, and I want you to know not only what I think but what I’m all about and why I want to represent you in our nation’s capital." Savard for Congress
"By ANNELENA LOBB
Stocks wrapped up their worst January on record with a final plunge on Friday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished January down 8.84% on the month. Perviously, the worst January for the Dow had been that of 1916, when it fell 8.64%. Friday, the Dow dropped 148.15 points to 8000.86 after briefly dipping below the 8000 mark. The Dow has fallen five straight months and in 12 of the last 15."
Dow Closes at 8000 - WSJ.com
" WASHINGTON (AP) - Michael Steele was elected Republican National Committee chairman on Friday, defeating the incumbent party chief and three other challengers over six rounds of voting to become the first black to lead the GOP."
GOP elects first black national party chairman
Steele was the most moderate candidate in the field and was considered an outsider because he's not an RNC member.
WINTER LIBERAL
As a trucker stops for a red light, a liberal catches up. They jump out
of their car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door.
The trucker lowers the window, and they says "Hi, my name is Pat
and you are losing some of your load."
The trucker ignores them and proceeds down the street.
When the truck stops for another red light, the liberal catches up again.
They jump out of their car, runs up and knocks on the door.
Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the
liberal then says brightly, "Hi my name is Pat, and you are losing some
of your load!"
Shaking his head, the trucker ignores them again and continues down the
street.
At the third red light, the same thing happens again.
All out of breath, the liberal gets out of their car, runs up, knocks on
the truck door. The trucker rolls down the window. Again they say
"Hi, my name is Pat, and you are losing some of your load!"
When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next
light.
When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs
back to the liberal's car.
He knocks on their window, and after they lower it, he says:
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"Hi, my name is Tom, it's winter in Wisconsin and I'm driving
the SALT TRUCK!"
" WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says the economic slump is a "continuing disaster" for America's families and says the country's leaders can't "drag our feet" on finding solutions for the ailing economy.
Obama then announced series of orders aimed at "leveling the playing field" for America's workers. "
Obama calls economic slump 'continuing disaster'
"'Buy American' rule in U.S. stimulus bill could cost Canada jobs
Harper, Clement point to U.S. obligations under international treaties
Last Updated: Thursday, January 29, 2009 | 3:20 PM ET " '
Buy American' rule in U.S. stimulus bill could cost Canada jobs
"Kagen Opposed Real Tax Relief for Struggling Wisconsin FamiliesThe details.
Posted: Jan 29, 2009 09:44 PM "
WGBA -Kagen Opposed Real Tax Relief for Struggling Wisconsin Families
Yesterday, Rep. Steve Kagan (D-WI) did not live up to his campaign promises for fiscal responsibility when he voted against tax breaks for working families and small businesses (House Roll Call 44). Instead, he supported the Democrats' so-called "stimulus" plan, which will cost the constituents in Kagen's district $1,921,617,346.
Kagen voted against reducing tax rates for 490,214 of his constituents in Wisconsin
Kagen voted against a 20% tax cut for 439,190 small employers in Wisconsin
The Wall Street Journal editorial board put Kagen's choice for the Democrat "stimulus" bill into perspective:
"This is supposed to be a new era of bipartisanship, but this bill was written based on the wish list of every living -- or dead -- Democratic interest group." (Wall Street Journal Editorial, 1/28/09)
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich invoked his Wisconsin counterpart, Jim Doyle, again today in defending himself against impeachment charges at his Illinois Senate trial.
Among the articles of impeachment is Blagojevich’s program to allow state employees and retirees to import prescription drugs from foreign countries, a program Doyle and other governors also took part in. The impeachment report says that program violated federal law.
Blagojevich said if he is being impeached for that program, Doyle and other governors should be impeached, too. (See the Chicago Tribune’s coverage here.)
Last week, Blagojevich said he would have called Doyle and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, among other witnesses, to testify in his defense but that Illinois Senate rules prevented it." Lakeshore Laments
"State Rep. Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel) agreed with the governor on the need to create jobs in the state.
“The situation with jobs is really critical and I think he hit that spot on, and we need to work in a bipartisan way to try to get our state going again,” Tauchen said, adding he has talked with economists who have said state unemployment could reach 9 percent by the end of the year.
“We need to try to do things differently. We need to restructure. Hopefully this challenge will give us the opportunity to do that. Over the long haul, it will hopefully bring a lot of positives,” he said.
But Tauchen cited at least one budgetary issue that remains a point of concern — the so-called “raiding” of segregated funds.
“Over the last three sessions, and both parties have been responsible for this, the governors have used segregated funds as a tool to balance the budget. It’s become standard practice; they call them raids,” Tauchen said.
Tauchen has a bill calling for a constitutional amendment to prevent raiding of segregated funds.
“The only way we can stop that practice is to have a constitutional amendment to stop that practice from happening,” he said.
" Shawano Leader
"Schlitz again being brewed, bottled in Milwaukee
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Jan. 29, 2009 10:36 a.m.
Once again, Schlitz is being brewed and bottled in Milwaukee - at the MillerCoors brewery."
Schlitz again being brewed, bottled in Milwaukee - JSOnline
"
Investigation Requested on Obey’s Son I always forget the fact Dave Obey’s son Craig is a lobbyist.
A top House Republican is demanding an investigation into whether the more than $2 billion for national parks in the House economic recovery package is proper in light of the fact that the chief lobbyist for the National Parks Conservation Association is the son of House Appropriations Committee Chairman David R. Obey.
NPCA is a major player in advocating for national parks funding, and its senior vice president for government affairs is Craig Obey, son of Mr. Obey of Wisconsin, the long-time top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. The money included in Mr. Obey’s recovery bill $2.25 billion was about equal to the National Park Service’s total yearly budget, and marks a staggering increase.
“I’m calling for an investigation — it really does beg the question of, is this an earmark, is this a family connection and should it have been disclosed at least in the spirit of what the Democrats said they wanted, and the answer is it should have been disclosed,” said Rep. Darrell E. Issa of California, top Republican on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
The NPCA didn’t return calls for comment but a spokeswoman for the House Appropriations Committee said the money had nothing to do with Mr. Obey’s relationship with his son. Kirstin Brost said the funding was included at the request of the subcommittee chairman Norman D. Dicks, Washington Democrat, and that it was a popular request."
Lakeshore Laments
"Wisconsin budget shortfall reaches $593M, up 70%
By Scott Bauer • The Associated Press • January 29, 2009 " Wisconsin budget shortfall reaches $593M, up 70% | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
MADISON — Wisconsin’s budget problem got worse today.
The shortfall for the current fiscal year has increased by more than 70 percent from $346 million to $593 million, the Legislative Fiscal Office reported.
Lawmakers must come up with a way to plug that gap between now and June 30.
"Kagen to Sit on Livestock & Dairy House Subcommittee
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 01/29/2009
Members of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, which includes Wisconsin Congressman Steve Kagen, met this week to organize their rules and subcommittees for the 111th Congress.
" Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
This year, the Appleton Democrat will sit on the Subcommittee for Livestock, Dairy and Poultry--which has jurisdiction over issues concerning livestock, dairy, poultry, meat, seafood and seafood products, inspection, marketing, and promotion of such commodities, aquaculture, animal welfare and grazing.
"MCIDC Asked To Fund Forest Resource Study
A national wire service article published on Tuesday, Jan. 27 incorrectly reported that Niagara has obtained a federal grant to study the possibility of turning the former paper mill into a wood fiber-based ethanol plant, Marinette County Industrial Development Corporation (MCIDC) Administrator Don Clewley commented informally during an MCIDC Board of Directors meeting at 4 p.m. that afternoon.
Clewley said as soon as the article came out he was contacted by “four television stations, three radio stations and several newspapers” for more information. “There’s no truth to it,” he declared. He felt the report appeared to be a follow-up to local news articles that someone misinterpreted.
" Peshtigo Times Wisconsin Community Newspaper
"Rainbow returns to Doc's
By Nathan Falk, Leader Reporter
The bird is back!
Doc’s Harley-Davidson of Shawano County says their rare plum-headed parakeet named Rainbow was returned Wednes-day morning, after it was reportedly stolen on Saturday.
“We received a couple tips from people that said they had seen the bird, and now we have him back,” said store manager Kersten Heling. “This morning I was just starting to think that enough time had passed that we wouldn’t get him back, but then we got the phone call.”
Store owner Steve “Doc” Hopkins said that a man named Henry Salazar, a volunteer at the American Indian Center in Appleton, saw another man come into the center Tuesday afternoon with the bird on his shoulder. Shortly afterward, Salazar saw a media report that said the bird was missing.
“He knew the man who came into the center. Henry called him, and said he had to get the bird back. Henry offered to bring the bird back to us,” Hopkins said.
Salazar received a reward of $250 for the return of the bird.
Hopkins said Salazar didn’t know if the man who returned the bird was connected in any way to its disappearance.
“Henry was overjoyed that he received the money for bringing the bird back. I’m sure neither one had anything to do with this,” Hopkins said.
Although Hopkins said he doesn’t plan to pursue charges against the suspect, the incident is under review by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.
“They know who this (suspect) is. She’s on probation,” he said. “I’m not pursuing anything on my end. We don’t have concrete proof, but they were the only two people in the store.”
Hopkins said he’s very happy the bird is back.
“All the girls here were happy to have him back too. He came in and saw all of us. You couldn’t shut him up — he was overjoyed
to be back,” said Hopkins. “It’s like harmony was returned.”"
Shawano Leader
"Rep. Steve Kagen pitches pluses of federal economic stimulus package
By J.E. Espino • Post-Crescent staff writer • January 29, 2009 " Rep. Steve Kagen pitches pluses of federal economic stimulus package | Postcrescent.com | Appleton Post-Crescent
U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton, said he cast his vote in favor of an expansive economic stimulus package because it was the "right medicine" for the times.
"It's an investment we need to make to stimulate our economy," Kagen said Wednesday in a phone interview from Washington, D.C., minutes before the U.S. House of Representatives put the $825 billion bill up for a vote.
Kagen said the plan has many benefits for Wisconsin and especially the northeastern part of the state, where distressed constituents have been flooding him with calls in telephone town hall meetings.
# Pump $50 million in tax revenue into northeast Wisconsin school programs and construction.
# Provide Appleton schools with an additional $7 million and Green Bay schools $17 million.
Could the caption be, "Rare bird stolen from Harley dealership
By Nathan Falk, Leader Reporter
A local business is asking for help in returning a rare bird stolen from their store last weekend.
Doc’s Harley-Davidson of Shawano County says a customer walked off with their rare plum-headed parakeet named Rainbow on Saturday, just before the end of the day.
Employees of Doc’s watched a surveillance video, and say they believe one of the women stuck the bird in a bag and walked out of the store with it.
Store owner Steve “Doc” Hopkins said he doesn’t understand why someone would try to steal one of their pets. He’s offered a reward for the bird’s return.
Hopkins said one of their other birds has a homing device so if gets lost, they can track it.
“Maybe we should put those in all our birds. I never though anybody would steal the bird,” he said. “If she knows we will not prosecute, that may help in getting the bird back.”
For information, contact Heling at Doc’s Harley-Davidson at 715-758-9080." Shawano Leader
"Own it. Embrace it. Swallow it. The House version of the $1.1 trillion Generational Theft Act of 2009 is all the Democrats’ doing now.
Not one Republican voted for it. (1 Republican had to leave early).
177 Republicans and 11 Democrats opposed.
No bending over today." Michelle Malkin » GOP holds the line: 244-188. This crap sandwich is all yours, Dems
"Democrats Launch Petition Against Rush Limbaugh
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
By Melanie Hunter-Omar
(CNSNews.com) – The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched an online petition for readers to express their outrage at conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh for saying last week that he wanted President Barack Obama to fail. " CNSNews.com - Democrats Launch Petition Against Rush Limbaugh
Boehner to GOP: Vote against stimulus
By PATRICK O'CONNOR & JONATHAN MARTIN | 1/27/09 10:08 AM EST Updated: 1/27/09 9:24 PM EST
"Likewise, Republicans left the meeting with kind words for the president — but still resolved to oppose him on the floor Wednesday when Democrats bring his massive economic stimulus plan up for a vote. " Boehner to GOP: Vote against stimulus - Patrick O'Connor and Jonathan Martin - Politico.com
"Niagara to study mill conversion
The Associated Press • January 27, 2009 " Niagara to study mill conversion | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
NIAGARA — A small northeastern Wisconsin community has a federal grant to study the possibility of turning a former paper mill into wood fiber-based ethanol plant.
he city of Niagara lost 300 jobs when the New Page paper mill closed last August.
But, the $15,000 planning grant could result in a decision to retool the mill to make ethanol.
City administrator Don Novak says research on converting wood fiber to ethanol is still developing.
But, Novak says city leaders think the prospect is worth pursuing, especially since two-thirds of the mill workers who lost their jobs are still unemployed.
From Politico"House GOP member to Rush: Back off
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 1/27/09 4:13 PM EST Updated: 1/27/09 5:46 PM EST
" House GOP member to Rush: Back off - Jonathan Martin - Politico.com
Rush Limbaugh may command a large following, but his caustic comments Monday about the GOP’s congressional leadership have at least one Republican House member defending his colleagues and offering an unusually candid critique of the talk radio powerhouse and his fellow commentators.
Responding to President Obama’s recommendation to Republican congressional leaders last week that they not follow Limbaugh’s lead, the conservative talkmeister said on his show that Obama is “obviously more frightened of me than he is Mitch McConnell. He's more frightened of me, than he is of, say, John Boehner, which doesn't say much about our party."
Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., did not take kindly to this assessment in an interview with Politico Tuesday.
Kagen to hold tele-town meetings starting tonight
"U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, M.D. (D–Appleton) will hold three Tele-Town Hall meetings — interactive conference calls with constituents — in the next week.
Participants in the Tele-Town Hall will have the opportunity to ask questions and listen to Kagen discuss the proposed economic recovery package and other issues of importance to residents of Northeast Wisconsin.
The tele-town hall meetings will be held for Eighth Congressional District residents of Outagamie, Waupaca and Calumet counties today at 7 p.m.; residents of Brown, Door and Kewaunee counties Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.; and residents of Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Menominee, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas counties Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m." Marketplace Today Blog - Kagen to hold tele-town meetings starting tonight
"Air quality watch for Wisconsin on Wednesday
Press-Gazette • January 27, 2009 " Air quality watch for Wisconsin on Wednesday | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
All of Wisconsin will be under an air quality watch on Wednesday, the state Department of Natural Resources announced today.
The watch goes into effect at midnight and expires at midnight Thursday.
The DNR expects elevated levels of fine particle pollution. That is microscopic dust, soot, liquid droplets and smoke particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller. It comes primarily from power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and outdoor fires.
Wisconsin's Air Quality Index is expected to reach the orange level, which is considered unhealthy for people with heart or lung disease or asthma, and for older adults and children. They are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous activities.
"GORE HEARING ON WARMING MAY BE PUT ON ICE
Mon Jan 26 2009 17:59:26 ET
Al Gore is scheduled before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday morning to once again testify on the 'urgent need' to combat global warming.
But Mother Nature seems ready to freeze the proceedings.
A 'Winter Storm Watch' has been posted for the nation's capitol and there is a potential for significant snow... sleet... or ice accumulations.
"I can't imagine the Democrats would want to showcase Mr. Gore and his new findings on global warming as a winter storm rages outside," a Republican lawmaker emailed the DRUDGE REPORT. "And if the ice really piles up, it will not be safe to travel."
A spokesman for Sen. John Kerry, who chairs the committee, was not immediately available to comment on contingency plans.
Global warming advocates have suggested this year's wild winter spells are proof of climate change.
Developing... " DRUDGE FLASH 2009®: GORE HEARING ON WARMING MAY BE PUT ON ICE
"The state's financial books show that Wisconsin ended the last fiscal year with a $2.15 billion deficit, under accounting principles that are standard for private companies, according to a report that the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance released Friday." Study sees big deficit - JSOnline
"twalter@greenbaypressgazette.com •
January 5, 2009 "
Brown Co. graded below soot standards | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette" Berry Laker: WDNR
"DNR: Brown County air clean enough in '08
Doyle likely to ask for removal from EPA's violators list
By Tony Walter • twalter@greenbaypressgazette.com • January 26, 2009 " DNR: Brown County air clean enough in '08 | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
Brown County could be close to regaining its air quality compliance status from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The 2008 data on air quality has shown a significant improvement, which should lead to a recommendation by Gov. Jim Doyle that the county be removed from a negative designation on the federal government's grading on soot standards, a Department of Natural Resources official said.
"We just finished our quality assurance process for 2008, and Brown County did not violate the standards," said Al Shea, the DNR's air and waste management division administrator. "I'm very confident we will continue to see improved air quality in Brown County and the whole state."
"Wolves still protected, at least in the near future
By Giles Morris, Rhinelander Daily News
Wisconsin’s wolves were on their way off of the list of Federal endangered species and now it looks like they’ll be staying on it, at least in the near future.
Last week the Wisconsin DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that they had addressed concerns expressed by a federal judge and expected a ruling to de-list wolves on Jan. 27 that would take effect in late February. President Obama’s announcement to hold any Federal rulings issued by the Bush administration in its final 120 days has halted, once again, the Wisconsin DNR’s 11-year struggle to gain control over the management of its wolf population.
The on-again off-again wolf de-list saga has pitted wolf advocacy groups against DNR wildlife ecologists on the battleground of the Federal court system.
In October U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman sided with environmental groups that accused the government of misreading the law last year when it lifted protections for about 4,000 wolves.
While the decision is likely to have a minimal impact on Oneida County’s wolves, it has put an abrupt stop to the DNR’s carefully developed management program.
At the time Dr. Adrian Wydeven, head of the DNR’s wolf program, said the sate was disappointed at Judge Freedman’s decision.
“We think it’s an unfortunate action,” Wydeven said. “We felt like we had a good management system in place. We had a much more flexible system and we felt that having a flexible system would prevent people from becoming frustrated with the wolf population.”
The lawsuit challenging the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2007 decision to de-list the wolves in the Upper Great Lakes, The Humane Society and several other groups claimed the government had acted illegally by designating Great Lakes wolves as a “distinct population segment” that could be bumped from the endangered list without regard to the species’ nationwide standing.
Friedman ruled that it was not clear whether the 1973 Endangered Species Act permitted such a move. He ordered the agency to provide a better explanation of its interpretation and respond to concerns that its policy could undermine the goal of protecting the wolf. In the meantime, he returned the wolf to the federal endangered list.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service addressed Freedman’s concerns and announced last week that it expected a ruling on Jan. 27 that would have paved the way for wolves to be de-listed again in late February. Wydeven also said while the Humane Society pursued the suit, a number of other environmental groups, including the Defenders of Wild Life, the Sierra Club, and the National Wildlife Federation, had not opposed de-listing of wolves in the Upper Great Lakes. He said the Humane Society may have used the appeal to make a pre-emptive strike against the DNR opening a wolf season in the future.
“As an organization the Humane Society has been opposed to lethal controls and to hunting seasons,” Wydeven said. “That could have been part of their motive in pursuing the case, trying to stop a hunting season.”
The estimated population of wolves in Wisconsin last winter was 537 to 564 wolves, according to the DNR. The agency’s goal for recovery had been 350. In 2000, Wisconsin had fewer than 250 wolves.
With the wolf population sufficiently recovered, the DNR supported the lifting of protections so that landowners who complained that wolves were harming or killing livestock or pets could obtain a permit to kill wolves. In 2008, around 45 wolves were shot or euthanized by personnel with the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the request of the DNR. The DNR has also begun allowing landowners to kill wolves without a permit if they found wolves attacking their livestock. In 2008, that has only happened twice.
Wydeven said the newest twist in the wolf de-list saga was disappointing.
“We were fearful that it might happen. It’s a frustrating process we’ve been working at this for 11 years and it’s just another delay in the process,” Wydeven said.
But Wydeven said he did not expect the halt of federal rulings to de-rail the DNR’s efforts, explaining that the issue’s history was non-partisan. The proposal to de-list wolves in the Upper Great Lakes was first submitted under the direction of Bruce Babbitt, Clinton’s EPA boss, in 1998.
“It’s not like this was just a Bush move,” Wydeven said. “It’s had broad support from both parties.”
Wydeven said the de-listing is in the best interest of wolves. “I think the biggest problem wolves face is their reputation. Being carnivores that kill large mammals there are places where they benefit the local system and places where their presence can run contrary to human interests,” Wydeven said. “If we don’t manage problem wolves that cause livestock depredation, it damages the reputation of wolves more broadly.”" Shawano Leader
"Gillett woman charged in early morning attempted burglary
By Tim Ryan, Leader Reporter
A Gillett woman accused of brandishing a hatchet during an attempted burglary before being disarmed by the 81-year-old homeowner Friday morning was on probation for another burglary incident in Oconto County when the alleged crime was committed, according to court records.
Rebecca M. Mason, 39, was charged in Shawano County Circuit Court Friday with three felony counts, including burglary to a dwelling, burglary armed with a dangerous weapon and first degree reckless endangerment.
Because of her previous conviction, Mason could face enhanced penalties for each of the alleged crimes if found guilty. She faces a maximum possible penalty of 21 years imprisonment for each for the two burglary counts and 18 and a half years imprisonment for reckless endangerment. The charges also carry $125,000 in fines.
Mason allegedly broke into the Shawano home of Caroline Rohde around 2 a.m. Friday. Rohde initially called police with a noise complaint, but after Rhode hung up the phone with the police, she heard glass breaking. She then confronted a woman brandishing an object in the kitchen, according to the police narrative in the criminal complaint.
Rhode told police she got the intruder in a bear hug and disarmed the woman of what she had been brandishing. It was only then, as the intruder fled, that Rhode realized the object was a hatchet, according to the criminal complaint.
The Shawano Police K-9 Unit searched the area and other officers collected evidence at the home to send to the state crime lab in Madison. The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, along with several off-duty Shawano Police officers, assisted in the investigation, noted Capt. Jeff Heffernon.
Rohde believed the woman was the same person she helped on Nov. 1. Rohde said a woman came to the door at 5:45 a.m. that day and asked to use the phone. The woman called a taxi and left without incident.
Menominee Tribal Police have Mason in custody on an outstanding warrant. She will be extradited to Shawano County for her initial appearance on these charges, authorities said." Shawano Leader
"USS Green Bay commissioned
Ceremony unites city, ship
BY KELLY MCBRIDE • kmcbride@greenbaypressgazette.com • January 25, 2009 " USS Green Bay commissioned | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
LONG BEACH, Calif. — At long last, the two Green Bays heard the triumphant call they'd been waiting for.
"Will the officers and crew of USS Green Bay man our ship and bring her to life!"
Ship sponsor Rose Magnus' rally cry — met with an enthusiastic "aye, aye!" — cemented forever the relationship between Green Bay and its namesake ship as the vessel was commissioned Saturday in Long Beach.
Represented were two Green Bay communities — one from Wisconsin that includes students, dignitaries and parents of the fallen — and another, newer community built around common ideals and love of country."Ship names provide a legacy to the sailors and Marines who sail on those ships," said deputy secretary of defense Gordon England, the ceremony's keynote speaker. "USS Green Bay represents the proud people of a vibrant city that upholds American values, and a tradition that has made its name synonymous with winning — traits it shares with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps."
The ship is the fourth in the new San Antonio class of amphibious transport dock ships. It is designed to transport Marines and equipment into the war zone.
Green Bay was well-represented at the commissioning, a 90-minute ceremony held in the shadow of the USS Green Bay, LPD-20. The immense gray ship was decked with flags and red, white and blue bunting for the ceremony, which drew about 5,000 people.
Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt sat on the raised platform facing the crowd, joining Magnus and Cmdr. Joe Olson among others.
"It's very exciting for the people on the ship," Schmitt said, "but this is a big deal for Green Bay, too. I think we take our sports seriously but boy, we take our military seriously as well.
"The people that are here wanted to be part of this and show the support from the city of Green Bay, the pride the city of Green Bay has and how honored we are to have the USS Green Bay carry our name."
"Brown Co. property tax bill payments due Saturday
January 25, 2009 " Brown Co. property tax bill payments due Saturday | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
The Brown County treasurer's office will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday for county residents to pay property tax bills.
Partial payment of the taxes is due by the end of the month and any payments mailed to the treasurer's office must be postmarked no later than Saturday to avoid an interest penalty.
Treasurer Kerry Blaney said the office on the first floor of the Northern Building, 305 E. Walnut St., Green Bay, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. He said payments can also be made at the bank locations on the tax bill.
