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Thursday, November 5, 2009

EDUCATION

On the first anniversary of his historic election victory, President Barack Obama went back to school Wednesday, quickly reviewed the last 12 months and then made a pitch for the future with a $4B education reform proposal.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69125362.html

http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-091104-obama-speech-story,0,3510259.story

Democrats tried to pass a bill Tuesday that would require schools that teach sx education to instruct students about birth control, but Republicans blocked final passage of the measure.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/69027272.html

A new enrollment study projects that the Elmbrook School District's resident enrollment will drop by 475 students, or 7.4 percent, between 2010 and 2015, prompting School Board members to begin asking questions about the district's future.

http://www.brookfieldnow.com/news/68921647.html

A suggestion to require 2.5 credits of math instead of the current two credits to graduate from Muskego High School met with little enthusiasm on the Muskego-Norway School Board http://www.mymuskegonow.com/news/68840897.html

Instead of hiring a consultant to help the Muskego-Norway School Board with planning, the board can get virtually the same information from the city of Muskego for a lot less money.

http://www.mymuskegonow.com/news/68840687.html

Ten years ago, University of Wisconsin student Scott Southworth sued the university, alleging his First Amendment rights were denied whenever his tuition dollars went to student organizations whose views he did not agree with. Although Southworth lost his claim, the implications of the United States Supreme Court ruling that Student Services Finance Committee members must maintain viewpoint neutrality have had significant and lasting impacts on student organizations on campus. In effect, the ruling has significantly altered the way segregated fees are doled out to student groups.

http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/11/04/ssfc_stricter_standa.php

Salaries for private college presidents have hit more than $1M for 23 private colleges across the country, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/11/04/private_college_head.php

Oshkosh public schools spend 7 percent less per student than the state average, according to a recent report on school funding.

http://tinyurl.com/y8z2dse

School board to set timeline for hiring new Oshkosh superintendent

http://tinyurl.com/y99k3ph

Catholic Central Elementary School will close at the end of this school year as part of ACES Xavier Educational System's plans to consolidate its four elementary campuses into three.

http://tinyurl.com/yezq72g

It may be several weeks before a Milwaukee County judge issues a decision on whether five Wisconsin school districts can press forward on a $200M lawsuit over failed investments.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20091104/APC0101/911040640/1003/APC01

Madison schools -- the biggest loser; funding formula used was particularly unkind to Madison, which overnight saw a gaping hole of more than $9M, a drop in aid not seen by any other district in the state.

http://tinyurl.com/yz2lbp6

Other than an overwhelming yes coming from those seeking the detachment, voters in the Waupun Area School District denied the referendum for the detachment of the town and city of Fox Lake from the school district.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/466692

Beaver Dam Unified School District board members discussed the fate of an elementary school program that has been part of the district for more than a decade. SAGE, or Student Achievement Guarantee in Education, is a state program designed to support achievement in lower grades through lower class sizes. It is used in three of the elementary schools.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/466700

In order to help balance the school's budget, the Westfield Area School District is considering closing Neshkoro Elementary and sending its students to neighboring Westfield Elementary next year.

http://portagedailyregister.com/news/local/article_fa28bc98-c906-11de-9bd9-001cc4c002e0.html

Voters in the Stevens Point Area Public School District rejected a $23.1M, three-year spending proposal Tuesday.

http://tinyurl.com/yky53g6

The Southern Door School Board voted on the 2009-10 budget and tax levy Monday. The district's budget will be in a $131,000 deficit, and the tax levy has been raised from $7.53 to $8.36.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091104/ADV01/911040463/0/ADV&theme=ADVNEWS

Chetek-Weyerhaeuser consolidation referendum passes

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20385255&BRD=1134&PAG=461&dept_id=150853&rfi=6

The Fiscal Advisory Committee met for the last time Monday at the MHS library to refine its suggestions of budget cuts and revenue generating ideas to the Merrill Area Public Schools administration and Board of Education for the 2010-11 budget.

http://www.merrillfotonews.com/content/1084_1.php

Recently, nine Waunakee School district teachers participated in a KEEP School Building Energy Efficiency Education course at Prairie Elementary School.

http://www.waunakeetribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=2437&TM=62576.12

______

Obama: Shutter failing schools and bring down the teacher 'firewall'

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-schools5-2009nov05,0,3477080.story

It's relatively small by Washington standards, but the Obama administration's $4.35 billion carrot for schools is already leading states to adopt a handful of key reforms http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-11-04-obamatop04_st_N.htm

Maine voters have rejected a move to repeal the state's school district consolidation law - and they did so in convincing fashion

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/128045.html

U.S. military-age youth are increasingly unfit to serve - mostly because they're in such lousy shape

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/11/military_unfityouths_recruiting_110309w/

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Derse Inc. has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first industrial building in the city of Milwaukee to achieve the status.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/11/02/daily54.html

Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley Industrial Center and Community Park has won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Phoenix Award, which recognizes excellence in brownfield redevelopment.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/68968012.html

Milwaukee aldermen who voted Tuesday to provide city loans to help finance the Moderne apartment high-rise cited the project's property tax revenue as a big reason for their decision. But the property taxes paid by the 30-story Moderne will first be used to help reduce the city's debt from tearing down the former Park East Freeway, and from building streets and a new bridge to replace the freeway stub.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/68942282.html

Developer Rick Barrett has spent the last 3 years of his life been working on The Moderne, a planned 30-story building that will be built at the southwest corner of Juneau Avenue and Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee. Now the project is finally ready to break ground. The Milwaukee Common Council on Tuesday approved $9.3M in city loans for the project. The project should break ground in December and will take 2 years to build

http://www.biztimes.com/realestateweekly/

At the same time nearly a half billion dollars is headed toward the Great Lakes as part of President Barack Obama's ambitious ecosystem restoration program, nobody at the moment appears to have the dollars to allow the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers to do regular maintenance on the new $9M Asian carp barrier.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/69129857.html

Horizon Development Group will build 57 apartments instead of 48 condos south of the Alta Mira senior apartments and west of the Buena Vista senior condos on Northfield Drive.

http://www.menomoneefallsnow.com/news/68901112.html

Menomonee Falls will issue $1.5M in industrial revenue bonds so Storage Battery Systems, W16665 Ridgewood Drive, can nearly double its square footage.

http://www.menomoneefallsnow.com/news/68866632.html

Towne Investments has purchased the Menomonee Falls building that will house Actuant Corp.'s future electrical business headquarters. Towne, part of Milwaukee-based Zilber Ltd., will remodel and expand the 137,000-square-foot building.

http://www.menomoneefallsnow.com/news/68667807.html

Plans to develop a hotel complex in Oak Creek got a boost from the state when the Department of Commerce announced that the developer, Mil Port LLC, will receive a $615,000 Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment grant to help redevelop the property.

http://www.oakcreeknow.com/news/68850637.html

The Watertown Common Council approved the first reading of an ordinance implementing a revised version of the city's comprehensive plan.

http://www.wdtimes.com/articles/2009/11/04/news/news1.txt

Dane County Board to vote on controversial regional transit authority

http://tinyurl.com/yg7p93n

Wisconsin Rapids officials and local economic development leaders are seeking input from residents on a plan to revitalize downtown.

http://tinyurl.com/ykkoj9n

A proposal to permit "job shops" as a conditional use for highway and neighborhood business districts in the City of Jefferson was denied Tuesday by the Jefferson Common Council.

http://dailyunion.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=110&ArticleID=3773

The La Crosse Arts Board will have a public meeting Thursday to hear thoughts and ideas about turning the area around the Pump House and La Crosse Center into an arts district.

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_0c9e100c-c958-11de-8d15-001cc4c002e0.html

Former federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission member Peter Bradford does not believe nuclear power will be a major answer to America's energy issues.

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_51c0e4b2-c8fd-11de-b880-001cc4c002e0.html

Appleton: Retroreflectivity. A fancy word for lots of taxpayer bucks

http://foxpolitics.net/politics.iml?mdl=issues.mdl&Category=1&issue_id=37581

As soon as final financing is complete, officials at a Wisconsin Rapids-based manufacturer intend to break ground on a plant they say will create about 600 jobs. Members of the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council unanimously approved a development agreement Tuesday with Energy Composites Corp. to invest $5.3M in taxpayer money to support the project.

http://tinyurl.com/yzetsag

A new farm subsidy program could help more than just farmers. According to officials with the USDA, the 2008 farm bill has certain funds available to subsidize the harvesting, storage and shipping of biomass products, such as corn cobs, grasses and wood waste that could be used to make fuel or generate electricity.

http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=1325&yr=2009

With plans already underway to build a new museum in Mazomanie, the North Freedom-based Mid-Continent Railway Museum is exploring the possibility of opening an interactive railroad museum for children in Sauk City as well.

http://www.wiscnews.com/spe/news/466713

The Door County Comprehensive Plan 2030 provides local leaders a proactive and fresh approach to development in their communities.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091104/ADV01/911040491/0/ADV&theme=ADVNEWS

The Sturgeon Bay Town Board weighed its options on whether to fight a sand and gravel pit moving there, after Door County's Corporation Counsel last week said he upholds a Board of Adjustment ruling to allow the operation there.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091104/ADV01/911040495/0/ADV&theme=ADVNEWS

The Vernon County Board of Supervisors will consider an ordinance to adopt the county's comprehensive plan at its meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 10.

http://www.vernonbroadcaster.com/articles/2009/11/04/news/00lead.txt

The city of Merrill will be holding a public input meeting on the Hwy. 51 Corridor planning process on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Merrill Council Chambers. Land Use USA and One Source Consulting will be facilitating this economic growth discussion.

http://www.merrillfotonews.com/content/1086_1.php

A public hearing is set for Nov. 12 on a proposal for a massive subdivision south of Waunakee that lies in the Waunakee school district. The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission is considering amending the county's land-use and transportation plan and water quality plan to add the more than 900 acres into the Central Urban Service Area.

http://www.waunakeetribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=2433&TM=62576.12

______

The Federal Reserve repeated it will keep interest rates near zero for "an extended period" and specified for the first time that policy will stay unchanged as long as inflation expectations are stable and unemployment fails to decline

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601068&sid=aiLPrCPDjWOQ

Economic crises have a strange way of catalyzing market and policy innovation; This next economy will be a low (or at least reduced) carbon economy, altering our energy sources, the products we buy, the location and form of our communities, and how we get around

http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2009/1012_seattle_katz.aspx

The Senate voted to extend and expand a tax credit for homebuyers as an added boost for the recovering real estate market, and also approved a provision to continue giving aid to the long-term unemployed http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tc-biz-senate-1104-1105-nov05,0,1434884.story

The Senate and House are poised to agree on a compromise measure to extend unemployment benefits that also would expand a popular $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers despite a recent government report on extensive mistakes and suspected fraud in the program

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/us/politics/04cong.html?hp

A Housing Recovery with a Solid Foundation; Even if policy supports are ended, home affordability and shrinking inventory point to a sector on the mend. But don't expect recent price increases to continue apace http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_45/b4154016692288.htm

Heavy doses of federal funding and incentives are reviving the once dim prospects for all-electric vehicles

http://americancityandcounty.com/topics/green/all-electric-vehicles-200910/?cid=200910topstory3

PUBLIC SAFETY

The Kenosha Fire Department is adding an additional active ambulance to its services, without buying any additional equipment or

adding any personnel.

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/fire_department_adds_fifth_ambulance_6679881.html

Lawmakers advanced additional reforms Tuesday to crack down on Wisconsin's publicly funded program for child care by requiring more

frequent background checks of day care providers, barring workers guilty of serious crimes and creating new whistleblower

protections.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/68932652.html

Milwaukee aldermen called Tuesday for the Legislature to toughen gun laws - including some changes aimed at a controversial gun shop

just outside the city limits.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/68884257.html

South Milwaukee police officers and firefighters are slated for no pay raise in 2010 but a 2% raise in 2011 under agreements

approved by the Common Council, which also voted to raise sewer fees. The firefighters union has already ratified the agreement, but

a ratification vote by the police union is pending.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69085787.html

Unless a settlement can be reached for a second time, what could be a weeklong and sometimes salacious hearing will be held this

month to determine whether suspended Darien Police Chief Steven DeVoy will be reinstated or terminated.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69065277.html

State justice officials want to hear from the public on a new rule that calls for police to collect racial data during traffic

stops.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/69065002.html

Bayside Police Chief Bruce Resnick is hoping to enlist the support of the community to raise $30,000 to purchase two cameras that

would be positioned on a pole at Brown Deer and Port Washington roads. The cameras would be monitored by the employees in the

village dispatch center around the clock.

http://www.baysidenow.com/news/68974707.html

The Wisconsin Legislature is on the verge of passing two pieces of legislation aimed at reforming the drinking culture in the state.

Both the Assembly and Senate have drafted bills that would toughen existing penalties and fines against operating while under the

influence of an intoxicant.

http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/11/04/how_new_laws_could_c.php

The police union president told the De Pere City Council 96 percent of the police department has no confidence in Chief Derek

Beiderwieden. The chief disputed the union's claims.

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=11439218

The Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission rejects invoice from hospital for sxual assault cases

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/466693

______

Reaction Housing; In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it became obvious that America was frustratingly ill-prepared to house

people displaced by a natural disaster

http://www.good.is/post/reaction-housing/

The Department of Homeland Security opened a new operations center that integrates national cybersecurity and telecommunications

monitoring systems and provides a new degree of situational awareness surrounding the nation's communications, information

technology and cyber infrastructure

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/10/30/dhs-new-national-cybersecurity-operations-center.aspx

Swift and Certain: Hawaii's Probation Experiment; A maverick judge stresses mild but immediate punishment

http://www.governing.com/article/swift-and-certain-hawaiis-probation-experiment

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

January is now the target date to bring a new Joint Services operating agreement and building lease agreement to the Kenosha City

Council and County Board

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/city_county_target_january_for_completion_of_joint_services_pact_6679872.html

Caledonia residents told Village Board members their decision to cut buses in the community was "unbelievable," "irresponsible" and

"shortsighted" and urged them to reconsider.

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_a14ce2f8-c900-11de-9cc8-001cc4c002e0.html

Racine city committees will not be allowed to vote by e-mail at least until the state attorney general's office issues a legal

opinion

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_7ba561e6-c8d9-11de-9391-001cc4c002e0.html

Effort launched to get voter ID referendum on Tosa ballot

http://www.wauwatosanow.com/news/69110207.html

The Village Board has declared Shorewood an "eco-municipality," making it eligible for federal energy-related grants.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69127297.html

The Monroe County Board chairman was ousted in a recall election Tuesday, bringing to eight the number of supervisors recalled by a

taxpayers group upset over a proposed $27M justice center.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/69127082.html

A fair housing ordinance introduced at South Milwaukee Common Council meeting would create a process for making housing

discrimination complaints as well as a board to hear them.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69089672.html

Cudahy aldermen cut the pay of the city's municipal judge by 28%, provided small raises for the mayor's post and froze the pay for

their own positions. The salary changes are for 2010, 2011 and 2012 and take effect after the next elections in April. All the

elected officials affected by the salary changes are up for election then.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69079317.html

Because of time change, Milwaukee's electronic parking meters have a bug that might be causing people to get tickets they don't

deserve.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69075092.html

Brookfield's Common Council on Tuesday decided to eliminate the option for part-time elected officials to participate in the city's

health insurance program starting in 2012. The council voted, 11-2, to eliminate the access for part-time elected officials like the

aldermen and municipal judge, who currently can participate in the plan if they pay 100 percent of the costs.

http://www.brookfieldnow.com/news/69030102.html

Brown Deer Village Board adopted a 2010 budget that holds the line on wages and shifts the costs of crossing guards and refuse and

recycling collection from the village to the School District.

http://www.mybrowndeernow.com/news/68855847.html

Germantown Village Board decided to switch assessing firms by awarding a three-year contract to Accurate Appraisals. The village's

assessor, Grota Appraisals, came in with a bid of $270,000; Accurate's bid was $88,500.

http://www.germantownnow.com/news/68907397.html

Instead of using a collection agency, Germantown has contracted with Waukesha County to pursue delinquent personal property taxes.

The village had been paying 33 percent of the amount collected to a collection agency. Waukesha County charges 28 percent.

http://www.germantownnow.com/news/68892672.html

Menomonee board tables sidewalk special assessment after residents raise objection

http://www.menomoneefallsnow.com/news/68875417.html

Drivers may as well start using horses and buggies if Milwaukee loses the $6.6M it receives annually from a wheel tax, said Alderman

Jim Bohl.

http://tinyurl.com/yk7n6rx

Kagen seeks to save Green Bay mail processing center from move to Oshkosh

http://tinyurl.com/yhmn984

Alderman dismayed at Tuesday night's council meeting that a planning effort spanning years to give State Street's Lisa Link Peace

Park a major facelift seemed to be "all about panhandling." More specifically, the discussion focused heavily on the plan's

inclusion of an ATM on the outside of a new visitor's center, which would trigger the city's panhandling ordinance and prohibit the

activity at one of the few places on State Street where it is still allowed.

http://tinyurl.com/yektngd

The Madison City Council approved Tuesday the addition of a citizen member and an alder to the city's Alcohol License Review

Committee, and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said he will appoint a student to the citizen member position.

http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/11/04/city_approves_civili.php

The Juneau County Board of Supervisors will need to chop $298,000 from the county's proposed 2010 spending following a public

hearing on the new budget Tuesday.

http://www.wiscnews.com/jcs/news/466742

First-term Seymour Mayor Kenneth Rottier could face a recall election if a petition filed Tuesday contains enough valid signatures.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20091104/APC0101/911040632/1003/APC01

The executive committee of the Brown County Board will hear a proposal to privatize the county planning department in an open

session

http://tinyurl.com/yzoh5kv

Ledgeview village bid costs nearly $450,000; Residents last year voted to support incorporation

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091104/GPG0101/911040537/1207/gpg01

The disc golf course at Willow River State Park will be removed this fall, park officials said Wednesday. The activity has proved to

be incompatible with traditional park offerings.

http://www.hudsonstarobserver.com/event/article/id/36512/

______

Charter Reform: Ways to Think About It; When a community is considering the form of government it wants to adopt, it would do well

to start by identifying the problems it is trying to fix and articulating goals

http://tinyurl.com/ycscznm

Making Sense from Information Overload; Governments need to apply the science of analytics to the vast amount of data they collect

http://www.governing.com/column/making-sense-information-overload

NEW PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Voters approved an $11.4M addition to Trevor School Tuesday by a 13-vote margin.

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/trevor_school_addition_okd_6679870.html

Voters in the Pewaukee School District rejected new amenities for the high school by a 54% to 46% vote, according to updated figures

available Wednesday.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/69094372.html

Whitefish Bay voters Tuesday approved a two-part school district referendum that sought a total of $22.6M in borrowing. The first

referendum question asked to issue $9M in bonds to pay for roof, plumbing and electrical upgrades at five district buildings, which

range in age from 50 to 90 years old. It also sought security upgrades at entrances. The second question called for issuing $13.6M

in bonds for expanded cafeterias at two elementary schools; a new gym floor and a relocated orchestra room for the middle school and

added space for music, science and cognitively disabled students at the high school, as well as upgrading the technology

infrastructure at all four schools.

http://www.whitefishbaynow.com/news/69018437.html

Both referendum questions put to a vote in the Cedar Grove-Belgium School District on Tuesday were defeated in every district,

according to final tallies. The referendum sought $25M for a new middle school, technology center, swimming pool and other

improvements, but voters emphatically rejected both measures. The buildings were shot down by a 66 to 34 percent margin and the pool

fell by a 74 to 26 percent margin.

http://beta.sheboygan-press.com/article/20091104/SHE0101/91104020/1062/SHE01

HSR Associates Inc. on Tuesday night could join Bray Associates Architects Inc. with schools to design this winter. Or HSR's leaders

could be left with little more to do than wonder what went wrong, as was the case for Sheboygan-based Abacus Architects Inc. Either

way, the fate of HSR's winter workload is up to voters to decide.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/tag/bray-associates-architects-inc/

The powers of persuasion hit a frenzied pitch in Whitefish Bay as a pre-referendum debate raged over whether or not to borrow $22.6M

for school construction and maintenance work. After the final votes were cast, the Whitefish Bay community approved Tuesday a

two-part school district referendum, one by a sizable margin.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/10/30/whitefish-bay-boils-over-referendum/

Madison City Council gave final approval for plans to renovate Lisa Link Peace Park, adding a visitor's center, public bathrooms, an

ATM and an outdoor theater.

http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/11/04/city_passes_peace_pa.php

Voters in the Wisconsin Dells School District approved a referendum Tuesday allowing the district to build an addition to Spring

Hill Elementary School. The vote was 899 yes to 556 no to borrow $2.3M to build an eight-classroom, two-level addition to Spring

Hill School..

http://www.wiscnews.com/wde/news/466684

The Fort Atkinson City Council has taken the first steps in securing funding for its contribution toward the Dwight Foster Public

Library expansion and renovation project.

http://dailyunion.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=110&ArticleID=3770

Some almost half-century old water and sewer infrastructure on the Menominee Indian Reservation is getting a long overdue upgrade.

The $5M project at the new Neopit wastewater and water treatment facility is part of a larger project that includes new wells, a new

pump house, a new water tank and new sewer and water lines.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091104/GPG0101/911040543/1207/gpg01

A combination of health insurance changes, eight possible early retirements and some minor cuts will eliminate a $730,000 deficit in

the 2010 Chippewa Falls city budget without any layoffs.

http://www.leadertelegram.com/local_news/story/article_c45a381f-a0c9-5df5-93c0-ec70d4eab95c.html

Construction bids are in for the new suite-style residence hall at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and the numbers are

far under initial estimates.

http://tinyurl.com/yk494lp

The city of Rhinelander is continuing its efforts to upgrade local park facilities. Rhinelander's Finance, Wage and Salary Committee

recommended entering into an engineering services agreement with CEC to build a new concession stand/restroom facility at Hodag

Park.

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/11/04/news/doc4af1ab7314ea2637282164.txt

Minocqua township voters decided by a resounding margin Tuesday to approve a referendum question to borrow up to $1.6M to build an

addition to triple the square footage of the Minocqua Public Library. The renovation/expansion project up for consideration included

constructing a 11,700-square-foot addition adjacent to the library's current facility on the Island next to the Minocqua Police

Department.

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/11/04/news/doc4af1ad4ae86d1238501957.txt

If all goes as planned, Waunakee will have another recreational hub when an ice rink opens next year. The village board voted to

borrow $1M to fund site work and provide a $500,000 no-interest loan to the Waunakee DeForest Ice Rink board at their meeting

Monday.

http://www.waunakeetribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=2431&TM=62576.12

STATE & FEDERAL

The Wisconsin legislative Joint Finance Committee ultimately passed two bills on child care fraud and campaign finance reform for

the State Supreme Court after heated debate Tuesday. The justice campaign reform bill creates public financing of Wisconsin Supreme

Court elections through the newly established Democracy Trust Fund, in which extra money generated by higher donation limits is set

aside for the elections.

http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/11/04/wis_high_court_refor.php

______

With predictions that Michigan's deficit could hit $1.4 billion, the Governor warned of a possible 20 percent cut in state spending

next year, a draconian step after billions in cuts since 2003 already have dented police and fire services, pushed schools toward

insolvency and reduced oversight of prison inmates

http://tinyurl.com/ydt2hf7

California Moves to Allow Mileage-Based Auto Insurance

http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2300940.html

Battered by a grim economy, job-hungry Ohioans approved gaming establishments for Columbus and three other cities

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/04/issue3.html

In a coup for House Democrats, AARP will endorse sweeping health care overhaul legislation headed for a history-making floor vote

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/national/article_891bb00c-c977-11de-a8c4-001cc4c002e0.html

African nations pushed wealthy countries at U.N. climate talks to explain how they intend to cut their greenhouse emissions under

the landmark global warming agreement being negotiated

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2009/11/04/un_climate_talks_focus_on_how_to_cut_emissions

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

EDUCATION

All Wisconsin schools would be required to adopt policies banning bullying and requiring the reporting of all bullying incidents to the state under a bill passed by the state Senate. The measure passed Tuesday requires the state Department of Public Instruction to create a model bullying policy that schools could adopt by the Aug. 15 deadline.

http://tinyurl.com/yhtbaxk

Videos help St. John's Lutheran students learn Spanish

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/education/article_bc37e760-bcd1-11de-ab8d-001cc4c03286.html

Gateway Technical College President Bryan Albrecht has been named to the national Validation Committee for the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

http://tinyurl.com/yzdj95n

In response to the H1N1 scare that began last spring, the Racine Unified School District created a pandemic influenza response plan

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_fe42c61c-bd16-11de-ac03-001cc4c002e0.html

Wisconsin must change its state law to allow student test results to be used to evaluate teachers in order to compete for $4.5B in federal education stimulus money, Governor says http://www.gmtoday.com/news/front/topstory01.asp

The First District Wisconsin Court of Appeals has upheld a decision to dismiss a lawsuit against the university that alleged a School of Dentistry student was released because of discrimination, according to documents released Oct. 15.

http://tinyurl.com/yhnydgh

Fond du Lac School Superintendent Dr. James Sebert, in an effort to connect with parents and community members, is using Fondy High's studio and staffers Tom Weishapple and Al Fuller to produce videos that focus on programs and activities happening in local schools.

http://tinyurl.com/ylc5rxm

Almost all area school districts will receive less general state aid in 2009-10 than they did the year before, according to figures released to school districts by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

http://www.wdtimes.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/news1.txt

If Wisconsin wins federal stimulus dollars to help local districts lengthen their school days or their school year, Madison could be open to keeping kids in school for more learning time

http://tinyurl.com/yfrjhbu

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has approved a $7.9M operations budget for 2009-10. WIAA officials said that the budget recently passed by the Board of Control reflects a growth in projected income in regional soccer, lower-level football playoffs and state track and field ticket prices. Officials said the WIAA's expenses went up for insurance premiums, legal fees, capital expenditures, building maintenance and the planned move of the State Girls Basketball Tournament to the Kohl Center in Madison.

http://www.channel3000.com/sports/21349623/detail.html

Enrollment in two-thirds of Fox Valley schools is lower than it was last fall, mirroring a decade-long statewide trend, according to the districts' most recent annual head counts.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20091020/APC0101/910200446/1979

School property taxes in the Fox Cities will increase an average of 7.1 percent when the December tax bills arrive, according to a Post-Crescent survey of six school districts.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20091020/APC0101/910200448/1979

The Green Bay School Board on Monday voted to restructure the district's debt, a move aimed at reducing the burden on taxpayers.

http://tinyurl.com/ylm42dp

Green Bay schools superintendent Greg Maass opposes 2-campus high school on west side

http://tinyurl.com/ykaxwz7

The Wisconsin Rapids School District tax rate will increase for the first time in six years this fall -- the result of falling property values and state aid cuts

http://tinyurl.com/ylq3ccd

Three local charter schools were awarded implementation renewal awards by the state for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Niikuusra Community School ($99,000) in Nekoosa and also Mead Elementary ($250,000) and Vesper Community Academy ($150,000) of the Wisconsin Rapids School District received the awards.

http://tinyurl.com/yf5nc2u

______

Colorado Court Clears Way for School-Funding Suit; In an opinion that could eventually have profound implications for Colorado's budget, the state Supreme Court ruled that a challenge to whether the state spends enough on public schools can go forward

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13597369

University System Eyes Partial Privatization; As state funding cuts loom in 2011, leaders of the Colorado State University system have started considering converting to a part-public, part-private structure in which students pay more for costlier degrees

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13598052

The Governor of Michigan flexed her veto muscle, wiping out $54M from a public school budget and putting lawmakers on the spot to come up with more revenue for schools or see deep cuts at 39 districts

http://tinyurl.com/yg7u8o2

Average published tuition prices rose, as expected, across all types of colleges this year

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-10-20-college-costs_N.htm

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Company close to creating 88 jobs in Racine

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_c2b9bdd8-bdae-11de-a8a5-001cc4c03286.html

Technology business leaders in the state of Wisconsin still rate the economy in the state as generally poor or fair, but third-quarter attitudes reflected in a recent poll indicate an improvement from the second quarter.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/10/19/daily30.html

Government-backed business lending soared in Wisconsin in September, with banks and other lenders extending just over $80M

http://www.jsonline.com/business/64964322.html

In 2005, Louther designed a two-building apartment complex on Madison's east side, and the project received the city approval in 2007. But the project got only as far as the completion of one building's exterior before Madison-based Alta Construction Inc., the project's general contractor, went out of business in 2008. The final two-building project is now estimated at $4.5M; goal is to be ready for the spring 2010 rental season.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/10/20/apartment-project-catches-second-wind/

Restat LLC, a prescription benefit management firm, will move from West Bend to Milwaukee in mid-November. The company recently leased more than 30,000 square feet of office space at 11900 W. Lake Park Drive in Milwaukee, near the intersection of Interstate 45 and West Good Hope Road.

http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2009/10/20/west-bend-company-to-move-to-milwaukee

Madison: Meeting for proposed Target store draws crowd of 300

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_16e7d304-bd2d-11de-adca-001cc4c002e0.html

Federal stimulus money has enabled the state to create or retain an estimated 8,284 full-time jobs so far, mostly by preventing layoffs of teachers, police officers and firefighters, Gov. Jim Doyle reported Tuesday.

http://www.couleenews.com/articles/2009/10/20/thisjustin/06astatestimulus.txt

The Oneida County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote Tuesday on whether the county should continue to pursue the possibility of leasing county forest land for mining exploration.

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/doc4adbdec315097902023449.txt

______

The Transportation Secretary is pointing to the transportation industry as being one of the engines that will help the nation's economy recover from the recession; Highlights role of rail in recovery

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=330519&src=109

Los Angeles, California airport commissioners approved $1.13 billion in construction contracts to revitalize the primary entry and departure point for overseas travelers at Los Angeles International Airport http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lax20-2009oct20,0,3551394.story

The Obama administration unveiled steps to help state and local housing-finance agencies provide mortgages and rental housing to thousands of low- and moderate-income families, underscoring the expansive role the government has taken to stabilize the U.S.

housing market

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125597111553794473.html

Revised formula puts 1 in 6 Americans in poverty

http://www.galesburg.com/business/x826019245/Revised-formula-puts-1-in-6-Americans-in-poverty

Construction of new homes edged up slightly in September, helped by a rebound in single-family construction. But applications for building permits fell by the largest amount in five months, a worrisome sign for future housing work

http://www.southtownstar.com/business/1834861,housing-september-1020.article

PUBLIC SAFETY

Violent crime in Milwaukee is down 18 percent over this time last year. And Milwaukee police are reporting it's down 25 percent over the last two years.

http://tinyurl.com/ylflnbs

The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a proposal that would require children under age 10 to wear a life jacket when on board boats 26-feet or smaller.

http://tinyurl.com/yg2ynlo

Texting would be banned for all Wisconsin drivers under a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday. The measure originally would have applied only to drivers under age 18. But the Senate voted to change it to apply to all drivers after some lawmakers objected to limiting it only to young drivers. They argued if it's unsafe for younger drivers, it's unsafe for all.

http://tinyurl.com/yzyp4bs

Three new community police officers are planned for "hardest hit" neighborhoods of Racine in the mayor's proposed budget.

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_4ff59f3c-bd19-11de-9d5c-001cc4c002e0.html

Pewauekee Common Council, with Mayor Scott Klein breaking a tie, approved a resolution Monday night to disband the Police Department and start contract negotiations with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department for police services. The 4-3 vote doesn't spell the end of the Police Department. The council action likely sets the stage for a court battle.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/64783892.html

Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy charged with battery, misconduct in public office

http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-091020-deputy-charged,0,6067232.story

Citing a chance to grab more dollars for its city coffers, the Sheboygan Common Council passed an ordinance that would fine first-time offenders convicted of possessing 25 grams or less of marij. up to $1,000.

http://tinyurl.com/yk4tcqs

Managers of a Wausau tavern defended their efforts to improve safety but acknowledged Monday night they need help from city police to deal with troublesome patrons.

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20091020/WDH0501/910200629/1981

State environmental officials want to regulate 15 new substances in groundwater. The state Department of Natural Resources wants to amend existing groundwater standards to include the new substances. DNR officials are working off state health officials'

recommendations on substances that could cause health problems. The list of materials includes agricultural pesticides and compounds related to production of explosives and munitions.

http://www.channel3000.com/goinggreen/21349717/detail.html

Vaccine supplies are shot; Demand high, access low for seasonal flu inoculation

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/local_news/news2001.txt

Beloit: The part-time crime stopper coordinator position is proposed to be added back into 2010's budget

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/local_news/news2002.txt

Four thousand dollars could mean the difference between continuing the Fire Department and dissolving it. The Big Bend-Vernon Fire Department budget process came to a halt Oct. 13, when the Village of Big Bend and the Town of Vernon boards could not agree on how to budget $4,000 for legal fees.

http://www.livinglakecountry.com/mukwonagochief/news/64961047.html

Green Bay anti-gang task force works to deter youths from joining street gangs

http://tinyurl.com/yz8pkgw

Menomonie Mayor Dennis Kropp wants city officials to talk to school board members about the police liaison officer position. The City Council on Monday turned down an offer by the school district to pay $50,000 of the liaison's expenses.

http://www.leadertelegram.com/local_news/story/article_90862cc9-3c4f-5c33-9d99-84be355a25d8.html

Onalaska Police Chief Jeffrey Trotnic wants one of his department's two investigators fired for alleged mishandling of an investigation and an ensuing attempt to cover it up.

http://www.courierlifenews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/01walker.txt

______

Half of those hospitalized with the new H1N1 virus are under 25, a clear illustration that the pandemic is affecting the young disproportionately

http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE59J58H20091021

Armed with grim statistics, experts and activists are mobilizing to demand expanded federal efforts _ including more funding and tougher oversight _ to reverse a recent rise in the number of children dying from abuse and neglect http://www.pantagraph.com/news/national/article_f348cfe6-2f93-56a3-8b7b-8bd4d664f12a.html

Undocumented youths arrested on felony charges in San Francisco, California would have to be convicted before police could turn them over to federal immigration officials under a new policy approved http://www.pantagraph.com/news/national/article_84651ba6-6b18-5d53-8d17-2a981786e33e.html

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A Bristol man will have to repay the county for the lawyer appointed to represent him for charges related to a deadly home invasion

in Brighton; defendant has too many assets; defendants must repay the county for those services, at a rate of about $60 an hour,

regardless of whether they are convicted.

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/homicide_suspect_must_pay_for_his_appointed_lawyer_6591587.html

Racine Mayor John Dickert's proposed 2010 budget includes a 1.43 percent tax levy increase, but no layoffs or furloughs.

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_d8a484a2-bd1d-11de-9eaf-001cc4c002e0.html

Mayor John Dickert proposed recycling carts and an annual recycling fee for Racine residents as a part of his 2010 proposed budget.

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_80366508-bd1b-11de-96f1-001cc4c002e0.html

Snow plowing on state roads throughout southeastern Wisconsin could be slowed significantly this winter due to state budget cuts,

causing traffic hazards and slowed traffic, according to public works officials from seven counties.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/64818382.html

A proposed Milwaukee ordinance that requires apartment buildings to be certified by building inspectors before they can be rented is

drawing criticism from a local group.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/65008367.html

According to a county supervisor who is advocating it, going to a cooperative-style of operation at Countryside Home would be the

best way to get around selling the relatively new facility.

http://www.wdtimes.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/news2.txt

http://dailyunion.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=110&ArticleID=3652

Stevens Point officials are pleased with the work of a Minnesota company despite a slow start to the project and steady protests

against the company.

http://tinyurl.com/ylhv7pz

Madison: A sweeping new land use plan for the city's north side will proceed without mentioning a possible redesign of Sherman

Avenue into a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly thoroughfare.

http://host.madison.com/ct/business/article_aa8eb0bc-bd61-11de-8d40-001cc4c03286.html

Madison: A developer is proposing a $30-50M housing project near the Capitol Square that might involve demolitions and building

next to or moving a landmark Frank Lloyd Wright house.

http://tinyurl.com/yfdyuxs

Janesville is one of several Wisconsin cities still trying to clean up following the flooding of 2008. To that end, Janesville

Planning and Development Services officials will review a proposal on Monday night to help some homeowners on the Rock River, which

was devastated by the flooding that affected southern Wisconsin.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/21344024/detail.html

The Sun Prairie Transit Commission expects to break even in 2009 despite recently declining ridership figures

http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=4051&TM=59886.2

South Beloit City Council votes to hike gambling machine fees; First five machines are $500 each per year, sixth or more are $1,000

each with fees to go up Jan. 1

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/local_news/news2006.txt

Sauk County is suing a phone service provider, alleging the company failed to pay commission on inmate telephone calls within the

county jail.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news/466036

Lisbon Town Board voted to recommend to town voters an approximately $4.1M 2010 budget that includes a 5 percent increase in the tax

levy and a 4 percent increase in the tax rate from $2.77 to $2.88 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

http://www.livinglakecountry.com/sussexsun/news/65004027.html

The Oneida County Buildings and Grounds Committee will ask the county board to authorize the relocation of the county health

department from the Courthouse to the former Wisconsin Public Service building at 111 E. Davenport Street.

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/doc4addbb500b7fc218624613.txt

______

Turbulent political and economic times are expected to diminish initial participation by households in next year's census

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2009-10-19-census_N.htm

NEW PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Pleasant Prairie Village Board unanimously approved a resolution Monday night that could net the village $1.8M in interest-free,

tax-credit bonds. The bonds would be used to pay the costs for going green at the new 50-meter swimming pool addition planned for

the RecPlex.

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/pleasantprairie/village_wants_to_go_green_for_pool_6591585.html

A shortfall in private donations threatens to put a $27M University of Wisconsin-Madison hockey project on ice. The Kohl Center

addition designs, drawn up by Milwaukee-based Kahler-Slater Architects Inc., will be presented to Madison's Urban Design Commission

on Wednesday. But if university officials cannot raise more money for the project in the next two months, the addition may be

shelved.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/10/20/uw-madison-hockey-rink-plans-in-jeopardy/

An Oshkosh school board committee has recommended segregating up to $1M every year for facilities upkeep in effort to curb a rising

mountain of deferred maintenance projects.

http://tinyurl.com/yjebh4m

Manitowoc: A new $12.3M Catholic school for students in preschool through eighth grade could be approved as early as Oct. 28

http://tinyurl.com/yhey55d

Portage: A new multiM-dollar expansion of the Divine Savior Hospital campus will focus on providing personal care to the city's

aging population, as well as a chance for more social interaction. The 120-bed nursing home facility, which will be built behind the

hospital off New Pinery Road, will also include community social space that could operate as a de facto senior and community center.

http://portagedailyregister.com/news/local/article_53b2b62c-bd33-11de-b8fc-001cc4c03286.html

Rhinelander school board unanimously approved going to the public April 6, 2010 to ask "to exceed the revenue limit by $1.5M in each

of the next three years," and "to authorize general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $13.7M, for the public purpose of

paying the cost of remodeling, renovating, improving and/or adding to district buildings."

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/doc4addbb1fdede0740498891.txt

The city of Rhinelander is one step closer to breaking ground on an expansion project at the Rhinelander Fire and Police

departments. At a special Monday night meeting, the City Council awarded the contract for the project to John Wanta Builders of

Hatley. Fire Chief Terry Williams sad the low bid of $874,400 is 26 percent under budget.

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/doc4addbb760ef37626154764.txt

Boulder Junction electors will vote tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., on the issue of whether the town should move forward with

the construction of a new community building to include an expanded library, town offices and extra spaces for public use.

http://www.lakelandtimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=9&SubSectionID=9&ArticleID=10329&TM=61600.61

STATE & FEDERAL

People who sell less than $5,000 a year worth of food they can at home would not have to get licensed by the state under a bill

before the state Assembly.

http://www.thecountrytoday.com/story-news.asp?id=BLGLUH3102R

______

Is that cut really a cut? A number of items in the Governor of New York's plan to close a $3 billion deficit by March 31 rely on

assumptions that aren't sure bets, or represent one-time moves

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=854721

Iowa lawmaker wants to consider cutting supervisors; "Span of control" - the number of employees reporting to one supervisor - is

being looked at by a legislative committee seeking ideas on how to deal with a 10 percent across-the-board budget cut ordered by the

Governor

http://www.qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/article_610ed41a-bdf4-11de-8f06-001cc4c002e0.html

Pennsylvania budget bill delayed by debate on taxing table games

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20091020_Budget_bill_delayed_by_debate_on_taxing_table_games.html

Colorado gaming establishment's next quest may be 24-hour alcohol

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13598054

A federal judge halted California's plan to cut or reduce $82.1M in caregiver services for 130,000 disabled and low-income seniors

starting Nov. 1

http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2264809.html

Burning of fossil fuels is responsible for about $120 billion in annual health costs nationwide, mostly because of thousands of

premature deaths from air pollution, the National Academy of Sciences reported

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/science/earth/20fossil.html

While warming temperatures long have been seen as an environmental threat, a new Oregon State University study suggests that the

forests of the Pacific Northwest could see a substantial gain in productivity as the thermometer climbs

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-trees-warming20-2009oct20,0,2783735.story

The Maldives will convene a summit next month of countries suffering some of the worst impacts of climate change ahead of a global

conference on the issue in Copenhagen, government officials said. The low-lying island nation has become a leading voice on the

issue of global warming

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/world/asia/article_7dfdb641-d9e8-54da-bb59-9f6e433d7111.html

Thursday, September 24, 2009

EDUCATION

Negotiations between the Kenosha Unified School District and the teachers union took a loud and combative turn at Tuesday's night School Board meeting, with both sides exchanging heated words and several teachers walking out in protest.

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/heated_exchange_6424554.html

Following North Star: Shaw discusses long-term plan for Unified students' success

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_b5d6f792-a7de-11de-ac3a-001cc4c002e0.html

The University of Wisconsin - Madison business school's entrepreneurship programs rose in national rankings

http://www.jsonline.com/business/60689167.html

The School District of Beloit Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved spending nearly $20,000 to bring salaries of four elementary principals to a minimum of $78,000.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/local_news/news2308.txt

Not for the first time in the last several months, the Menomonie School Board has found itself thankful that closing Downsville Elementary School has been off the table when it comes to balancing the district's budget.

Although declining enrollments have been a major issue over the past several years, the opposite is true when it comes to this year's kindergarten class sizes in two of the city's schools.

http://www.dunnconnect.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/doc4ab946d62a7d0407012063.txt

Recession, family economic troubles tax school resources

http://tinyurl.com/m9tccb

Arbor Vitae-Woodruff eyes ways to cut costs, share services

http://www.lakelandtimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=9&SubSectionID=9&ArticleID=10175

Stevens Point Area Public School District takes proactive approach to H1N1 prevention

http://tinyurl.com/ktxuoo

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point focuses on H1N1's classroom impact

http://tinyurl.com/mz9zo4

Three Shawano School District schools will benefit from the settlement of a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft Corp. to the tune of nearly $420,000, according to district officials.

http://www.shawanoleader.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/news4.txt

Colby schools' mil rate expected to drop significantly for 2010

http://www.centralwinews.com/tribune/frames/sept_23/colbymilrate.html

Waunakee residents weigh in on school referendum

http://www.waunakeetribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=2220&TM=63143.36

Greendale alters grading scale to match other schools

http://www.greendalenow.com/communitywatch/60299912.html

Parents fighting the school district's proposed redistricting plan urged the administrators Tuesday night to come up with an option that doesn't including moving more than 240 students out of Ben Franklin Elementary School and more than 40 out of Riverside Elementary School.

http://www.menomoneefallsnow.com/news/60706957.html

______

In what Los Angeles, California school district officials hope is the first of several concessions by labor unions, bus drivers have agreed to take six unpaid days off this fiscal year; The district is facing a nearly $200M budget shortfall this fiscal year

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lausd-bus23-2009sep23,0,1967227.story

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Controversy over West Racine project; developer Tom Tousis has proposed building a grocery store with fuel pumps, a sit-down restaurant and a bank http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_f33e67ec-a7ce-11de-a937-001cc4c03286.html

When the economy reboots, chief financial officers are planning to improve their information technology systems, according to a survey by Robert Half Management Resources.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/09/21/daily36.html

New Pick 'n Save store planned for Menomonee Falls

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/60695082.html

Four women-led Wisconsin companies are among the 18 selected to make pitches for venture capital at a three-city road show that will kick off in Madison next week.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/60696322.html

The plans for a large shopping center at the Pabst Farms development, which have been on hold, are likely to change, says Oconomowoc Mayor Maury Sullivan.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/60673342.html

Redevelopment prospects for Oak Creek's lakefront will be the subject of a presentation Thursday by an advisory panel of the Urban Land Institute.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/60288827.html

Redevelopment prospects for Oak Creek's lakefront will be the subject of a presentation Thursday by an advisory panel of the Urban Land Institute.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/60288827.html

The Milwaukee Water Council has been awarded a $172,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to help plan for water-related economic development. Specifically, the grant funds a study of how best to strengthen and enhance the Milwaukee region's freshwater processing and treatment capabilities.

http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2009/9/23/milwaukee-lands-federal-grant-to-develop-water-cluster

A Madison development firm is willing to design a house-sized pocket in the middle of a new apartment building to preserve a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home on the site. That won't do much for the neighboring houses that could have a date with a wrecking ball.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/09/23/wright-house-hamstrings-madison-development/

Several farmers' futures have been soured by the North Mendota Parkway.

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/environment/article_d6faa37a-b2df-5dcb-93f1-abf307687d51.html

Tribes behind the Beloit Casino Project remain "guardedly optimistic" after a national newspaper this week reported the Obama administration is reconsidering decisions made under the Bush presidency http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/local_news/news2305.txt

Two projects hoping to utilize tax-exempt bonds took a step closer to them when the Oshkosh Common Council gave the effort unanimous approval Tuesday.

http://tinyurl.com/nle7eg

Unemployment numbers released today for the La Crosse metropolitan area indicate the local economy may be starting to pick up http://www.lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_4c1f2c84-a879-11de-b9f2-001cc4c002e0.html

The state shipbuilder doesn't want to put all its eggs in one basket, so company leaders are trolling the market for possibilities.

http://tinyurl.com/nmw9fq

Manitowoc to present 20-year plan at open house

http://tinyurl.com/lt9p38

Sauk City approves downtown 'vision'

http://www.wiscnews.com/spe/news/464997

The move for WireTech Fabricators into Sturgeon Bay's industrial park is about to begin. The city's plan to swap out the old manufacturing site at 810 N. Sixth Ave. and replace it with workforce housing has been 15 years in the making.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090923/ADV01/909230466/0/ADV

Variance requests for a new Kohl's department store will come before the Rice Lake Zoning Board of Appeals when it meets Monday at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The Milwaukee-based retailer, with over 1,000 stores nationwide, plans to build a 64,000 square foot store on the lot east of Menards.

http://www.chronotype.com/main.asp?SectionID=32&SubSectionID=113&ArticleID=18141

An 86,000 square foot theater complex could grace Cameron's streets if a new proposal becomes a reality.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20372423&BRD=1134&PAG=461&dept_id=150853&rfi=6

Members of the town of Brookfield Plan Commission on Tuesday had the chance to review the most recent plans for a project that would rehabilitate and improve Capitol Drive.

http://www.brookfieldnow.com/news/60517102.html

Each year the reconstruction of Watertown Plank Road is delayed beyond 2011 will add an estimated 15 percent to the cost of the project, Village Manager Dave De Angelis told the Village Board on Tuesday.

http://www.elmgrovenow.com/news/60737197.html

A new ownership group is taking over a stalled residential development at Blackstone Creek, an area along River Lane and north of Mequon Road. The Village Board on Monday approved modifications to the original plans that include an off-street parking area and a change in the number of homes and duplexes.

http://www.germantownnow.com/news/60303982.html

The Whitefish Bay Village Board voted to approve the transfer of two parcels in Whitefish Bay to Shorewood. The two lots are part of the former Mobil gas station site at the corner of Oakland Avenue and Kensington Boulevard. WiRED Properties, which owns the site, sought to consolidate the land in order to simplify its redevelopment to a mixed-use retail and apartment building.

http://www.shorewoodnow.com/news/60281407.html

The West Allis Common Council has given final approval for the city to purchase eight residential properties, the old Mykonos restaurant and the former Milwaukee Gray Iron plant in an effort to revitalize the area near 84th Street and Greenfield Avenue.

http://www.westallisnow.com/news/60012102.html

City Market eyed for Silver Spring

http://www.whitefishbaynow.com/news/60031397.html

Whitefish Bay Business Improvement District will partner to offer up to $50,000 in grants to certain types of businesses that would locate in the BID area along Silver Spring Drive. The village and BID would each provide $100,000 for the grant program.

http://www.whitefishbaynow.com/news/60338467.html

______

Kohl's Department Stores is preparing for the Sept. 30 grand opening of 37 stores, including 30 in California.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/09/21/daily41.html

The American Institute of Architects' Architecture Billings Index -- a key indicator of future construction activity -- dropped to its lowest level in four months in August after showing an improvement the previous month.

The August index was 41.7, down slightly from 43.1 in July, when it was up six percentage points from June.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/09/21/daily38.html

Although stimulus money will pump billions of dollars into the state and national economies, the money is coming wrapped in legal red tape that could prove complicated and costly. About $26.7B of nearly $800Bin American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money is destined for New York.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/09/23/ny-stimulus-money-comes-with-strings-attached/

Seeking relief from what it calls "adverse effects of the Central Corridor light rail line," the University of Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Council, which is overseeing the $941M project.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/09/23/university-of-minnesota-sues-over-light-rail-project/

"Vital Communities Toolbox" catalogues a variety of planning tools that are available to assist communities in the creation and preservation of affordable housing

http://www.co.tompkins.ny.us/planning/vct/3.html

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday upgraded its assessment of the U.S. economy, saying activity had picked up after a severe downturn, but renewed its pledge to keep rates exceptionally low for an extended period to support a fragile recovery

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32980973/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

GM, Tech Firm to Add 2,000 Jobs; Michigan, reeling from the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in recent years, got a boost as companies representing the state's automotive past and technology future announced plans with the potential to put 2,000 or more Michiganians to work

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090923/BIZ/909230378/Michigan-gets-jobs-boost

The Governor of Iowa says he is "outraged" that "some" movie companies have taken advantage of a state program designed to lure the film industry to Iowa http://www.radioiowa.com/2009/09/22/culver-iowans-will-not-be-taken-for-suckers/

PUBLIC SAFETY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has added a Cedarburg site to its list of hazardous-waste sites.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/60767312.html

Wisconsin prison officials say they're making progress in treating mentally ill inmates.

http://tinyurl.com/ltxl6z

Lending police to Pittsburgh leads to a City Hall rumble

http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/60481917.html

The federal government expanded a terrorism warning from transit systems to U.S. stadiums, hotels and entertainment complexes as investigators searched for more suspects in a possible al-Qaida plot to set off hydrogen-peroxide bmbs hidden in backpacks.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/usandworld/60482327.html

State officials took short-term steps to improve DNA collection from felons while planning a meeting later this week to discuss long-term changes to the system and how to close a 12,000-felon gap in the state's DNA databank.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/60314497.html

New "cable" traffic barriers are going up in the median on the interstate system

http://wclo.com/news/2009/sep/23/dot-adds-safety-barriers-interstate/

Sheboygan parking tickets can be disputed online

http://tinyurl.com/mzpwbj

The Watertown Police Department will soon begin to conduct identification compliance checks at establishments that sell alcohol in the city thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Jefferson County Delinquency Prevention Council.

http://www.wdtimes.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/news4.txt

The addresses of four registered sx offenders matched those of licensed child care providers in Wisconsin, an audit released Wednesday found, raising concerns that children may have been under the care of the sx criminals.

http://tinyurl.com/np4dge

Children and teens practicing safety will be rewarded with a free music download from the La Crosse Police Department and AAA Wisconsin during the "Get Stopped for Safety" program running Thursday to Oct. 29.

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_1026602e-a871-11de-89e0-001cc4c002e0.html

The La Crosse and Monroe County jails Tuesday joined a statewide service that allows the public to monitor when offenders are in or out of custody.

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_2359f374-a7f7-11de-8fd6-001cc4c03286.html

While many Wisconsin counties struggle to collect felon DNA samples listed as missing from the state database, Wood County has addressed the problem.

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20090923/WRT0101/909230652/1806/WRT01/

Proposals designed to stop pollution from mercury and limit the amount of electronic waste in landfills have passed the Legislature.

One bill passed Tuesday by the Assembly would require electronics manufacturers to arrange for recycling of their products to cut down on so-called e-waste being dumped in landfills. Under the bill, it would be illegal to dump in a landfill electronic equipment like computers, TVs and other devices that contain toxic materials such as lead and mercury. The measure has already passed the Senate.

http://tinyurl.com/kpbltl

While the goal to end underage alcohol consumption is embraced by Marshfield bar owners, community members, law enforcement and government officials, there isn't a consensus about how to do it http://tinyurl.com/n482fb

The Wisconsin Assembly and Senate on Wednesday approved legislation to ban the sale of certain products containing mercury.

http://www.superiortelegram.com/event/article/id/37426/

Waukesha narrows police chief search

http://www.waukeshanow.com/communitywatch/60275967.html

______

Indiana's rules for recording police interrogations will rank among the nation's most stringent under a new mandate that requires police to videotape most statements made by felony suspects

http://tinyurl.com/naykx9

Helping Local Police Departments Solve Cold Cases

http://policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&article_id=1891&issue_id=92009

The National Rifle Association says Americans usually buy about 7 billion rounds of ammo a year. That figure has jumped to about 9 billion in the past year http://www.herald-review.com/news/national/article_2ceb403d-c240-58f6-8bbd-b3815a76660d.html

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Stalled projects cost village; Paddock Lake faces bills developers might not pay

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/stalled_projects_cost_village_6424576.html

The city is looking to switch tracks on the ownership for Kenosha's Metra station. The Kenosha Redevelopment Authority on Tuesday recommended approving a lease agreement for the Metra station, 5414 13th Ave., with Kenosha Area Transit. The lease would be for a period of 25 years.

http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/city_plans_to_lease_train_station_to_transit_agency_6424569.html

A former child care center director was likely fired in retaliation for complaining about age, gender and religious discrimination, a federal agency's review determined.

http://tinyurl.com/lxk9mn

By the end of next year, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett hopes to have shaved more than a century off the time it takes city workers to repave or replace residential streets.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/60469987.html

The Waupaca County Board ordered five-day furloughs Tuesday for the county's 480 employees to help plug a $1M budget shortfall.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090923/APC0101/909230532/1979

Still staring down at a $1.7M budget gap for next year, the Sheboygan Common Council's Committee of the Whole endorsed a 2010 budget resolution Tuesday night that calls for a zero percent increase in the property tax rate, extends a hiring freeze throughout next year for all positions and resumes the city's capital improvement program with a minimum of $2M in projects.

http://tinyurl.com/l84a5f

The public will have a chance to weigh in on the Brandon Sewer and Water Utility's application to increase water rates.

http://tinyurl.com/nbwcls

Local leaders say federal and state dollars are critical to the existence of general aviation airports like the Fond du Lac County Airport - and they're not ashamed to admit it.

http://tinyurl.com/me3t4n

City and village leaders are fighting a state bill that would limit their rights to review developments in neighboring towns.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/09/23/town-rights-bill-draws-municipal-backlash/

Dane County's plan to relocate Stoughton office bothers some

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_b137d02c-d1eb-5f77-81f7-71f1b8d95e03.html

No-layoff clause manageable, according to Beloit officials; Three bargaining units so far have agreed to the city manager's wage freeze request for 2010-2011 on the condition of a no-layoff clause.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/local_news/news2302.txt

The Local 2537 chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) on Monday became the second union to accept, with conditions, a request made by the Beloit city manager to give up scheduled pay raises due to the city's tough economic climate.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/local_news/news2303.txt

The destructive emerald ash borer has been found in a sixth Wisconsin county. The state agriculture department says the tree-killing beetle has turned up in Kenosha County. It was discovered during a routine inspection of a survey trap.

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=11184367

The village of Weston Finance Committee will consider Thursday reimbursing Weston residents for their sidewalk assessments over the last decade.

http://tinyurl.com/lyj6rl

Manitowoc to reconsider vehicle spill cleanup fee

http://tinyurl.com/lp7nsn

Lawmakers to draft legislation on how to protect, use groundwater supplies

http://tinyurl.com/l7wonk

Shawano County voters Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a referendum to fund projected deficits at Maple Lane Health Care Center through additional increases in the tax levy over the next three years.

http://www.shawanoleader.com/articles/2009/09/23/news/news2.txt

Mayor Sue Sossaman has told the DNR that Abbotsford will come up with a final plan for addressing its water shortages in six months and provide a timeline by April for getting the project completed.

http://www.centralwinews.com/tribune/frames/sept_23/abbywater.html

A financial update from the Shell Lake City Council on the airport improvement project Monday, Sept. 14, at city hall, revealed that the city should be getting money back.

http://www.wcregister.net/link.asp?smenu=73&twindow=&sdetail=6615&mad=&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=

Since a committee formed to map a North Mendota parkway completed its work last week, the ball is, as they say, in the Department of Transportation's (DOT) court. The $100,000 earmarked for engineer work is now spent, and that committee has proceeded as far as it can in planing an east-west connection between Hwy. 12 and Hwy. 113.

http://www.waunakeetribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=2221&TM=63143.36

Germantown trustees started work on the 2010 budget Monday by looking at possible cuts and rejecting a proposed freeze on property taxes.

http://www.germantownnow.com/news/60364652.html

Thiensville is challenging the Wisconsin Department of Administration's population estimate for the community.

http://www.mequonnow.com/news/60387952.html

Waukesha officials to discuss need for Lake Michigan water

http://www.waukeshanow.com/news/60045447.html

______

"How It Plays in Peoria: The Impact of the Fiscal Crisis on Local Governments", offers a snapshot of how local government leaders and communities throughout the nation are weathering the economic storm and positioning themselves for growth in the future

http://www.icma.org/main/ns.asp?nsid=4884&p=1

How Four-Day Weeks Work; This alternative schedule can improve efficiency and work-life balance, but how is it implemented?

http://www.governing.com/column/how-four-day-weeks-work

"Prefunding Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) in State and Local Governments: Options and Early Evidence", takes a hard look at the options state and local governments are pursuing to reduce their unfunded liabilities for retiree health care

http://tinyurl.com/mjyr2o

California: Paying the Price for Indulging Citizens; The Golden State's voters opted for more schools, roads and research, but then refused to pay for them http://www.governing.com/column/california-paying-price-indulging-citizens

New Jersey homeowners put 7 percent of their paychecks toward property taxes in 2008 -- the highest in the country, a tax group said

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-14/125366730571070.xml&coll=1

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released its first comprehensive set of evidence-based recommendations on how local governments can address the nation's obesity epidemic with policies and programs that encourage physical activity and healthy eating

http://www.icma.org/main/ns.asp?nsid=4861&LGM=1

NEW PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Two aging dams will receive upgrades valued in the tens of M's of dollars over the next five six years, Wisconsin Power & Light Co.

said Wednesday.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/60677617.html

A developer wants the city of La Crosse to build a 500-stall parking structure in that city's downtown. An attorney for the developer told city officials that a planned office building might be built elsewhere if the parking structure is not built.

http://tinyurl.com/mod2ke

Nearly $19.4M in federally subsidized loans are now available for businesses and government to fund facility and infrastructure projects in Marathon County.

http://tinyurl.com/kjok93

Manitowoc County Board supervisors voted to seek bond financing of up to $15.4M to pay for a new Joint Dispatch Center.

http://tinyurl.com/m94ov5

Construction of Marshfield's new fire station is on track to begin in October.

http://tinyurl.com/lx4q57

County Board's finance committee's rejection Tuesday of a $48,000 capital expenditure for high-security doors for the district attorney's and victim-witness coordinator's offices didn't come without a lengthy discussion about overall security issues in the Columbia County Courthouse.

http://tinyurl.com/ltyz9h

No where to grow ... Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital struggles with space-issues as it plans a new building and a move

http://www.wiscnews.com/spe/news/464998

STATE & FEDERAL

Wisconsin would join the majority of states that regulate dog breeders under a compromise bill endorsed by groups that fought state oversight for more than a decade.

http://tinyurl.com/l7jwfy

In a move that would sharply weaken the powers of the governor to manage natural resources, the Assembly voted to return authority to appoint the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources to a seven-member citizens board.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/60417227.html

States aim at ACORN, but little money at stake

http://www.gmtoday.com/news/front/topstory02.asp

Wisconsin's fragile status as a winner in federal transportation payments is at stake as construction associations pressure Congress to pass a new law to pay for roadwork.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/09/23/federal-highway-plan-rolls-toward-deadline/

The state Natural Resources Board has approved hearing dates and locations for proposed changes to Wisconsin's deer hunting season.

http://www.wrn.com/2009/09/a-sixteen-day-deer-season/

______

Tracking States' Spending Sites; The states are promising transparency on stimulus spending

http://www.propublica.org/special/chart-tracking-states-spending-trackers

The Obama administration began a Web program that eliminates red tape in the immigration process by allowing applicants to follow their status via text message and e-mail http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092202424.html

Congressional Democrats and the White House have begun paring some of the more controversial elements of the Obama administration's proposal to overhaul supervision of financial markets as they begin an intensive push to gin up broader support for legislation

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125371201220533929.html

The Senate Finance Committee rejected a Republican effort on Wednesday to delay a final vote on a broad healthcare overhaul as it slowly battled through a crush of amendments on its cost, size and timing

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2349621420090923

The EPA said that it will require the nation's biggest emitters of greenhouse gases to start tracking their emission levels on Jan.

1 and report them to the government. The new rules would require 10,000 industrial sites and suppliers of petroleum products to submit the data beginning in 2011 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/business/energy-environment/23emissions.html

Climate Week: Don't Celebrate Too Soon; The path to Copenhagen looks rockier than ever

http://www.newsweek.com/id/215986

Thursday, August 27, 2009

EDUCATION

Despite the threat of mayoral control, Milwaukee Public Schools Board President Michael Bonds said Tuesday he will continue working

to restore the public's confidence in the school district.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/08/24/daily27.html

Milwaukee Public Schools should create a new accountability services office that can provide the district with much-needed

transparency, oversight and an annual fiscal review

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/54877872.html

High schools offer much longer orientation to incoming freshmen

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/54879832.html

The Sheboygan Area School District painted a gloomy outlook of its budget on Tuesday, but said it has plans to balance most - though

not all - of its latest budget deficit. The district faces about a $3.8M shortfall for the 2009-10 school year because of a

greater-than-expected drop in state aid.

http://tinyurl.com/mahlkh

With a week before the first day of school, the Beloit Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved the final details

regarding the teen parent program.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/local_news/news2602.txt

Historic partnership of Milwaukee universities form Midwest energy research center

http://wistechnology.com/articles/6435/

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has been named a military-friendly school for 2010 by G.I. Jobs

http://tinyurl.com/n8y9w2

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to lay out which classes will count for transfer students

http://tinyurl.com/lqmh4h

The Southern Door School District may look at a possible referendum to override state spending limits in the coming months.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090826/ADV01/908260471/0/ADV&theme=ADVNEWS

Sevastopol referendum spending reviewed

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090826/ADV01/908260472/0/ADV&theme=ADVNEWS

UW-River Falls announced late Tuesday that well-known newspaperman, historian and philanthropist Willis H. Miller left the

university $1,068,552, the largest gift in the school's 135-year history. Miller died Nov. 16 last year. According to a UW-RF news

release, the money will be used to establish endowed scholarships

http://www.hudsonstarobserver.com/event/article/id/35584/

With no comments from the small gallery in attendance, the Antigo school board Tuesday approved a 2009-10 budget that trims many

areas of spending but increases the amount that must be raised through local property taxes.

http://www.antigodailyjournal.com/full.php?id=9028

The Viroqua Area School Board decided to pursue a virtual school option for a student at a special meeting held Monday evening.

http://www.vernonbroadcaster.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/02story.txt

Waunakee ACT scores dip slightly, still above state and national averages

http://www.waunakeetribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=2100&TM=63039.53

Academically ineligible students wishing to participate in fall sports may get a reprieve from the Nicolet School Board. Assistant

Football Coach Brian Sommers asked the board to consider a change in policy that would allow a grade review on Sept. 18 for those

ineligible students.

http://www.baysidenow.com/news/54771452.html

Residents approve 2009-2010 Nicolet tax levy

http://www.baysidenow.com/news/54779112.html

Elmbrook will use federal stimulus funding to pay five special education teachers and one speech pathologist

http://www.brookfieldnow.com/news/54786352.html

Brown Deer School District has accepted a Carol White Physical Eduction Program Grant for $1,048,422.

http://www.mybrowndeernow.com/news/54786357.html

Whitnall board may use consultant for superintendent search

http://www.franklinnow.com/news/54640792.html

Germantown school officials blame the space crunch at Amy Belle Elementary School and other elementary schools on the failed

attempts to obtain funding for a new school.

http://www.germantownnow.com/news/54768337.html

The Germantown School Board on Monday ratified the 2007-10 AFSCME contract, which includes back pay of about $155,000 and $294,000

for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years, respectively.

http://www.germantownnow.com/news/55039737.html

By refinancing long-term debt and shifting capital improvement and fund balance funds, Germantown School District officials hope to

reduce the property tax impact of a $1M loss in projected state aid.

http://www.germantownnow.com/news/54780382.html

Greendale won't add many non-resident students

http://www.greendalenow.com/news/55114382.html

The Menomonee Falls School Board on Monday approved a three-year contract with Johnson Bus. Board member Ron Bertieri said the

district will see $55,000 in savings in the first year and $37,000 each in the second and third years over the previous contract

with the company.

http://www.menomoneefallsnow.com/news/54786787.html

Menomonee Falls school district officials encourage parents who cannot pay student fees to arrange a payment plan with school

principals.

http://www.menomoneefallsnow.com/news/54793472.html

Wauwatosa district administrators will facilitate a discussion about how best to spend the district's $2.2 million in federal

stimulus dollars at a Special Education Parent Network meeting Sept. 2.

http://www.wauwatosanow.com/news/54811622.html

______

For schools, use of stimulus money falls short of big hopes; The announcement earlier this year that roughly $100 billion in federal

stimulus funds would flow to public schools came with great expectations - both for saving jobs and for fostering reforms in

education. But the way the funding is being used so far is decidedly more mundane

http://tinyurl.com/krqbh6

In a startling acknowledgment that the Los Angeles, California school system cannot improve enough schools on its own, the Board of

Education approved a plan that could turn over 250 campuses-including 50 new multi-M facilities-to charter groups and other outside

operators

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lausd-schools26-2009aug26,0,4203620.story

Pennsylvania schools borrow funds as state cash-flow stalls

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09238/993252-298.stm

This fall, New Hampshire will lose its distinction as the last holdout in the nation not to offer public kindergarten, as the last

10 school districts, all in the southern part of the state, are required to open their doors to 5-year-olds for the first time

http://tinyurl.com/l2k29l

Two Florida school officials will be in court next month to answer charges that they violated a court order when they prayed in

public after a school secretary was cleared on similar charges

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-08-25-school-prayer_N.htm

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Milwaukee-based Wired Properties plans to build a mixed use building with 25 apartments and 11,000 square feet of first floor retail

space at the northeast corner of Kensington Boulevard and Oakland Avenue. Part of the building will be 4 stories tall and part will

be 3 stories tall. The $8M development will also include 46 underground parking spaces and 33 surface parking spaces behind the

building.

http://www.biztimes.com/realestateweekly/

Beloit and Racine continue to have the highest unemployment among Wisconsin cities.

http://tinyurl.com/njvy78

The state is purchasing 400 acres of land around an undeveloped lake in Sawyer County. Gov. Jim Doyle says the state will tap the

Stewardship Fund for $1.7M to preserve the natural area around Lake Helane, which is surrounded by forest land filled with pine,

aspen, white birch and mixed northern hardwood trees.

http://tinyurl.com/m6t9oh

The Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors will meet in closed session Thursday at 7 p.m. to discuss "negotiating strategies and

funding alternatives related to Mercury Marine."

http://tinyurl.com/nku6tv

The union at Mercury Marine that rejected some wage and benefit concessions is researching whether a second vote is possible.

http://tinyurl.com/mc9y9u

Sales of new homes rose 9.6 percent from June to July, according to the Commerce Department, to an annual pace of 433,000. Sales

nationally were still down 13.4 percent from a year earlier.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/08/24/daily41.html

The state of Wisconsin has been awarded $15M in stimulus funding for clean transportation projects across the state, U.S. Department

of Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Wednesday.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/08/24/daily47.html

A proposal to renovate some historic Menomonee Valley buildings into offices for a local architectural firm and other businesses

would receive over $2M in city financing, up from a previous recommendation of $1.5M

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/55019927.html

Francesca's Restaurants, an 18-unit Italian restaurant chain based in Chicago, will open a restaurant in Madison by spring 2010, and

is considering locations in Milwaukee for another restaurant.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/55037272.html

Pet supplies retailer Petco might join discount clothing seller T.J. Maxx in opening a new store at a reviving Oak Creek shopping

center.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/54817262.html

Supporters and opponents of a proposed $109M redevelopment of the Edgewater Hotel politely but passionately clashed Tuesday on the

potential impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/463370

More talk is yielding more disagreement over the proposed redevelopment of Madison's Edgewater Hotel. But while leaders, planners

and residents argue over the big picture, it's the details that will seal - or break - the deal.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/08/26/historic-hotel-rehab-hinges-on-details/

New TIF districts spark growth spurt in Brillion; City sees $18.5M in new buildings in 12 months

http://tinyurl.com/m697p6

Bay Shipbuilding Co. filed a notice with the state that it anticipates laying off as many as 405 people this fall due in large part

to the economy.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090826/GPG0101/908260538/1978

The Fond du Lac County Historical Society continues to negotiate on the possible purchase of the historic Postilion property but

says it will need funds for the acquisition; launching a $500,000 capital campaign

http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20090826/FON0101/908260410/1289/FON01/Historical-Society-continues-to-negotiate-for-Postilion-pro

perty

A giant construction company's role in winning a $20.8M federal contract reserved for small businesses has at least one contractor

raising concerns.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/08/26/miron%e2%80%99s-role-in-small-business-contract-questioned/

Without a redesign, Milwaukee's Westlawn housing project will do little to encourage growth and development of its surrounding

neighborhood.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/08/26/integration-of-housing-project-neighborhood-in-works/

City looks for ways to connect with developers; As the city with the highest unemployment rate in the state, city officials of

Beloit are working on getting more jobs to the area.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/local_news/news2603.txt

A proposed new tax increment financing district on Fort Atkinson's northwest side received Planning Commission approval Tuesday

afternoon as the panel advanced it to city council review Sept. 15.

http://dailyunion.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=110&ArticleID=3179

Appleton awaits word on if train manufacturing plant will set up base in city; Public-private partnership possible with Spanish

train make

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090826/APC0101/908260579/1979

Latest vision for 480-acre property - as a nine- to 12-farm development - has gained some traction. At least with the town of

Onalaska's Plan Commission.

Members voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request by Gavaghan LLC that would make way for the creation of several 35-acre

farms.

http://www.courierlifenews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/03seversonfarm.txt

Shopko Stores Operating Co., LLC, of Green Bay and the owner of Country Inn & Suites Microtel and Fairfield hotels in Appleton and

Green Bay were two of nine companies and organizations that received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency.

http://www.marketplacemagazine.com/blogs/blog1.php

Local developer Dan Schott has had a busy week at City Hall. Last week, a petition signed by more than 100 west-side residents was

handed to the Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission by Alderman James Abeyta in opposition to a conditional-use permit for Schott's two new

apartment buildings. Commissioners voted unanimously to postpone the decision.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090826/ADV01/908260479/0/ADV&theme=ADVNEWS

Aurora Health Care is closing its Clintonville clinic Friday, but plans are still on track for the opening of a new clinic in

Shawano next year

http://www.shawanoleader.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/news2.txt

Commercial developer Paul Lynch, president of PLH & Associates LLC., is negotiating with village officials over the amount of tax

incremental financing his company will receive for a hotel it plans to build on Park Street in Oregon

http://connectoregonwi.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=1351&TM=62915.21

Fed up with little direction on a future North Mendota Parkway, Springfield supervisors are considering asking the parkway's

planning committee to disband.

http://www.waunakeetribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=2099&TM=63039.53

______

More signs of US economic growth; US durable goods orders and new home sales both soared last month, the latest positive indications

of the state of the world's largest economy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8222879.stm

Shares of home builders jumped on news that new-home sales climbed more than anticipated in July, staging their fourth straight

month of strong gains, and adding more evidence that the housing market is emerging from the worst downturn in decades

http://tinyurl.com/n6csoe

States go head-to-head to lure businesses

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-08-25-state-raiding_N.htm

GIS Crossing Government Lines; As powerful as they are, most geographical information system developed during the past decade were

created in isolation from one another

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/08/10/gis-integration-state-local-federal.aspx

Smart urban growth development is linked with rural land protection under a visionary partnership agreement between the City of

Bellevue and King County, Washington

http://www.transformgov.org/govnews_details.asp?newsid=1935

Green at City Scale; As part of an evolving "eco-district" policy, Portland, Oregon city leaders aim to move beyond the design of

individual structures to focus on greening entire neighborhoods

http://www.governing.com/article/green-city-scale

What Would Get Americans Biking to Work? Surveys have shown that the leading deterrent to potential bicycle commuters is lack of a

safe, secure parking spot on the other end

http://www.slate.com/id/2225511/

The suburbs have long been unsustainable, and now they are becoming ruins. What are the solutions for this new frontier?

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010206.html

Iowa state officials are seeking $46M in federal aid to support three passenger rail applications under the government economic

stimulus package

http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_8f9f7400-929e-11de-bfcd-001cc4c03286.html

Cash for Clunkers generated nearly 700,000 new car sales and ended under its $3 billion budget, the Transportation Department said

http://www.pantagraph.com/business/article_614ba7c8-9257-11de-b716-001cc4c002e0.html

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police across country looking into Wis. cold case

http://tinyurl.com/mrnqjm

Some Madison neighborhood parks see more crime than others

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/461851

The open carrying of a gun in Green Bay city parks could be banned under a recommendation by the Park Committee.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090826/GPG0101/908260542/1207/GPG01/

Wisconsin troopers are aggressively enforcing the state law that requires drivers to wear seat belts, thanks to new authority that

went into effect in July giving officers the right to pull over and ticket drivers for not wearing seat belts.

http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news_local.asp?id=BL02P2920L7

Mayville cuts two police positions

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/463375

Cambria considers crossing guard program

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/463380

Local retailers confront shoplifting scourge

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/doc4a94a1bd7a492882134293.txt

______

State leaders opposed to a Pentagon proposal involving control of how part-time military troops are used in any state. At the heart

of the disagreement is who will command troops when they are sent to a particular state to deal with a hurricane, wildfire or other

disaster

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/local/doc4a930f8553305990110714.txt

Swine flu could hospitalize 2M in U.S. this winter; As many as 300,000 could clog intensive care units in heavily affected regions,

a new report says. But the CDC director notes that the H1N1 outbreak also could be much milder

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-swine-flu25-2009aug25,0,1109674.story

Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety; The use of timely and accurate localized data to drive law enforcement

operations toward more efficient and effective resource deployment is the benchmark for 21st-century policing

http://policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&article_id=1839&issue_id=72009

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The future of a Hispanic center in Racine to provide needed services and to unite area Hispanics was at the heart of discussion

Tuesday night.

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_9ab5e20c-91ea-11de-ba05-001cc4c002e0.html

Racine County issues $4.3M in stimulus bonds; will be used to pay for several capital projects included in the county's 2009 budget,

including nursing home improvements and equipment, park improvements, highway improvements, acquisition of highway equipment, public

works equipment and equipment for the sheriff's department and improvements and equipment for the courthouse and other county

facilities.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/08/24/daily45.html

A state lawmaker is challenging a Wisconsin Department of Transportation rule that forces municipalities to hire outside engineers

for local projects eligible for state money.

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2009/08/26/bill-would-give-municipalities-an-engineering-option/

Suddenly, and with little explanation, Verona is without an administrator. Shawn Murphy, who had held the post since June 2007,

resigned Monday night after the Common Council held two closed sessions a week apart to discuss his position.

http://www.veronapress.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&TM=18114.11

West Salem grew by 376 acres Tuesday night, and the town of Hamilton shrank by the same amount.

http://www.couleenews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/00lead.txt

Members of the Burns Town Board aren't quite ready to sign off on the town's 2008 annual report because of lingering questions about

irregularities with the town's tax withholding.

http://www.couleenews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/01burns.txt

Hamilton Town Board members approved the town's comprehensive plan as well as approving a user fee for structure fires in two

separate meetings.

http://www.couleenews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/02hamilton.txt

A half-penny sales tax that might add $100 to the cost of a modestly equipped mid-size Chevrolet or a dime to a pair of pants

remains off-limits in Outagamie County - for now.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090826/APC0101/908260583/1003/APC01/

Members of the village of Friesland's planning commission Tuesday shared horror stories of a wind farm in a nearby county, but said

that the prospect of another wind farm near the village is only one of many reasons why Friesland wants to extend its zoning

authority up to 1.5 miles from the village limits.

http://portagedailyregister.com/news/local/article_77029ad4-91f5-11de-a5ae-001cc4c03286.html

The Sturgeon Bay Wayfinding Task Force has finalized the components that may become part of the new sign program for the city of

Sturgeon Bay. The final components include entrance signs to the city, street directional signs and information kiosks.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090826/ADV01/908260442/0/ADV&theme=ADVNEWS

Department of Transportation ready to green light a $682,650 award that would help fund the reconstruction of Phillips Street in

Rhinelander

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/doc4a94a1e1e9d06976765946.txt

After presentations by Ashland's police chief and fire chief, and a round of discussion amongst themselves, the Ashland City Council

on Tuesday held off deciding whether to allow the use of city-owned vehicles for travel to and from work.

http://www.ashlandwi.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/doc4a954dce7dff1384538390.txt

Marinette council whittles away at deficit; Aldermen close Tot Lot, raise room tax, order five-day furloughs for city workers

http://ehextra.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=35&ArticleID=5975&TM=62580.86

After a procedure that took four years, the Pierce County Board adopted a new comprehensive land use plan

http://www.riverfallsjournal.com/event/article/id/92698/

Sawyer County government department heads were informed Aug. 20 by county supervisors that they will have to cut 10 percent to 13

percent from their 2010 budget requests in order to reduce the proposed county tax levy down to the state-mandated upper limit of a

3 percent increase.

http://www.haywardwi.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/doc4a95965ed8278834767750.txt

Open meeting resolution fails in Washburn Co.

http://www.wcregister.net/link.asp?smenu=73&twindow=&sdetail=6534&mad=&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=

The city of Spooner held a public hearing on a proposed bike and pedestrian trail for school accessibility Monday

http://www.wcregister.net/link.asp?smenu=73&twindow=&sdetail=6533&mad=&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=

The Franklin Common Council has rejected an offer to settle a lawsuit involving embezzlement by a former city treasurer, which means

the case will remain on track to go to trial.

http://www.franklinnow.com/news/54572637.html

After nine years of litigation and a two-week trial, lawyers representing the City of South Milwaukee and residents of an apartment

complex are in settlement talks over whether the complex will be razed.

http://www.southmilwaukeenow.com/54555877.html

West Allis will request about $675,000 from the state Department of Commerce for a major flood mitigation project

http://www.westallisnow.com/news/55116197.html

______

Cities, states wrangle over cuts to local aid; Around the country, a number of states desperate for cash have tapped heavily into

money intended for local governments, creating friction between states, cities, counties and towns

http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=421424

Financial Lockdown; Large projects and small in big cities and rural towns are on hold because of the lockdown in the bond insurance

market

http://americancityandcounty.com/admin/finance/bond-insurance-delays-200908/?cid=200908topstory2

Could the Recovery Act Help Reinvent Government? If you think the Obama administration's $787 billion American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act is just one big government boondoggle, check out some top regional implementation strategies

http://www.planetizen.com/news/redirect_new.php?id=40287-0

City Dictionary.com Sheds Light on Unique Local Language, Culture

http://www.muninetguide.com/articles/site-illuminates-cities-unique-language-culture-323.php

NEW PUBLIC BUILDINGS

The Oshkosh Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve almost $2M in funding for renovations to the Grand Opera

House.

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20090826/OSH0101/308260011/1987

City Council members unanimously approved a step toward expanding the Baraboo Public Library Tuesday by giving their OK to purchase

of a neighboring office building.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news/463361

The University of Marathon County on Friday will break ground for its Public Policy Institute/Theater for Marathon County building

at the corner of Stewart and Seventh avenues in Wausau.

http://tinyurl.com/lo3lbr

The North Shore Library, which serves Glendale, Bayside, Fox Point and River Hills, is considering an expansion.

http://www.baysidenow.com/news/54593852.html

STATE & FEDERAL

Wisconsin's income tax claimed 3.3 percent of personal income in 2007, ranking the state as the 10th highest nationally among state

income taxes.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/08/24/daily50.html

As Governor Jim Doyle continues his northern tour, he is promoting a policy agenda that will serve as his legacy when he leaves

office next year. One of the most ambitious pieces of legislation Doyle is pushing for is a law that would create a new renewable

energy benchmark for the state.

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2009/08/26/news/doc4a94a20a084f3557073289.txt

The Wisconsin Senate will review its e-mail use and retention policies after a lawsuit uncovered how employees in Sen. Dan Kapanke's

office used personal accounts for state business

http://www.courierlifenews.com/articles/2009/08/26/thisjustin/04bkapankesuit.txt

______

Governor Quinn's refusal to fire two University of Illinois trustees could revive a so-called "fumigation" bill aimed at hundreds of

state workers

http://www.sj-r.com/state/x1886185195/Cullerton-reviving-fumigation-bill-for-trustees

Florida's unemployment insurance trust fund has run out of money, forcing the state to tap a federal loan to keep unemployment

benefits flowing to more than a half-M jobless

http://tinyurl.com/mf7raq

California's two largest tax agencies say they won't collect an estimated $350M in revenue over the next year because furloughs and

budget cuts have harmed their ability to audit returns and collect money owed by taxpayers

http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2139048.html

Iowa to weigh merging, closing libraries, boards; The ideas come from a large circle of suggestions from lawmakers, state government

employees and citizens that will be discussed at the first meeting of the Legislature's State Government Reorganization Commission

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090826/NEWS10/908260366

Nearly 8 in 10 Americans support a federal health insurance plan for those who can't afford or can't get private insurance, but only

37 percent define "public option" correctly, a new national poll found

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13203651