Wisconsin Internet News: News From Around Wisconsin
This website was created by Robert Rosati who was the owner, editor-in-chief, and advertising manager. Through his hard work and education the Wisconsin Internet News provided readers for more than two years "News From Around Wisconsin." I was a pretty regular reader of the Wisconsin Internet News and was disappointed when an announcement was made on the the Wisconsin Internet News Facebook page notifying everyone that the site was being shut down on February 1, 2012.
Well, I moved on and took a new job at a progressive software and product development company. I now work as part of a team that helps healthcare professionals with boutique medicine marketing software. Patients have high expectations of the customer service they’ll receive at a concierge practice. We work with many CRM programs but recommend the Salesforce platform since it is the only CRM software specifically designed for healthcare. We also frequently create a portal or dashboard that will aggregate their EMR, billing, and other programs into one easy-to-access dashboard. Most of the time I build new applications or customize the doctor's current programs to work better for them and synch with other programs they may be using such as their electronic medical records (EMR), etc.
Recently I discovered that the domain for wisconsininternetnews.com was available so I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages and to thank Robert Rosati. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing the site for something that had nothing in common with the original website.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE CONTAINS SELECTIVE ARCHIVED CONTENT FROM THE ORIGINAL SITE.
The information posted on wisconsininternetnews.com is as relevant today as it was when the study was first released. There is no reason why such information should be lost when its domain expires. You can view this site strictly for its historical context or use the information presented in a useful manner.
I chose to include only two days worth of posts to show how much work was involved to keep the site timely. Since the site will not be exactly as you remember it, please be indulgent.
Now let's take a nostalgic stroll back to 2010.
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July 2010 NEWS
Wisconsin Senators Kohl and Feingold urge purchase of Jefferson Court Building to create a permanent Federal Court house in Green Bay
July 14th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from the office of Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl.
Today, Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold sent the following letter to Martha Johnson and Robert Peck of the General Services Administration urging the purchase of the Jefferson Court Building in Green Bay for use by the Green Bay Division of the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the United States Marshal Service.
Kohl and Feingold wrote, “Purchasing the Jefferson Court building will save the federal government many years of rent, eliminate the cost of constructing a new courthouse, and ensure that the money the federal government has already invested in this building is not wasted.”
Please find the text of the letter below.
July 14, 2010
Martha N. JohnsonAdministrator General Services Administration
1800 F Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006
Dear Ms. Johnson,
We write to urge the Government Services Administration (GSA) to consider purchasing the Jefferson Court building in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for use by the Green Bay Division of the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the United States Marshal Service. We appreciate the commitment you made upon your confirmation to put a priority on developing policies that will create a more cost effective and efficient government. That is why we thought it critical to share with you estimates which indicate that purchasing the Jefferson Court building will reduce long-term costs for the federal government.
For more than twenty years, many in the legal, business, and law enforcement communities in northeast Wisconsin worked to create a federal court to serve that part of the state. In 2000, we sponsored legislation that added a new judge to serve Green Bay and in 2002, Judge Griesbach was appointed to the bench. Unfortunately, eight years later, Green Bay still does not have its own permanent federal courthouse. Currently, Judge Griesbach is renting space in the Jefferson Court building along with the Clerk of Court and the United States Marshal Service. Green Bay is among the proposed court projects under review by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), but it will likely be several years before a new courthouse can be constructed. And, as you know, the costs of building a new court are significant.
As a more cost effective and timely alternative to building a new courthouse, Judge Griesbach and Green Bay officials have recommended to us that the GSA purchase the Jefferson Court Building, as well as the parking lot and small office building to the rear, for a fraction of the cost of new construction and years of paying rent. According to property tax records, the building has a fair market value of $2,123,600, and officials believe that the owner is willing to sell it at this price. The parking lot and small office building are listed at $193,000 and $119,000, respectively. By purchasing the building, the federal government would save close to $300,000 per year in rent for space in the Jefferson Court building and it would not lose the $1 million already invested in improvements to the building. If the District Court Judge leaves the building, the federal government would lose the value of these improvements and, under the terms of the lease, would be required to restore the building to its original condition.
Additionally, Judge Griesbach has expressed concerns about the inadequacy of the courthouse facility – including size, lack of grand jury facilities, the need for greater security and secure prisoner transport, to name a few. A local firm has estimated that the relatively modest addition to fully meet the needs of the court would cost $9.4 million. Therefore, following a purchase, the renovation of the Jefferson Court Building would be substantially less costly than comparable courthouse construction projects which have cost more than $50 million.
We recognize that the GSA receives many requests and must carefully plan how to address needs across the country. However, it appears that purchasing the Jefferson Court building will save the federal government many years of rent, eliminate the cost of constructing a new courthouse, and ensure that the money the federal government has already invested in this building is not wasted.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Herb Kohl
United States Senator
Russell Feingold
United States Senator
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Racine County Finance & Human Resources Committee Minutes from June 22nd meeting
July 14th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The Racine County Finance & Human Resources Committee held a meeting on June 22nd at Ives Grove Office Complex Auditorium in Sturtevant. There were several items were on the agenda.
The meeting minutes can be viewed here.
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Three Racine Community Centers set to provide Job Labs
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from Racine Mayor John Dickert.
City needs Volunteers to assist Job Seekers
The Tyler-Domer, Dr. John Bryant, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Centers will transform their Computer Labs into Job Labs three times a week beginning Monday, August 2.
The Job Labs are being set up to offer space and assistance for community members seeking employment. The program is also looking for volunteers to assist job seekers.
The Job Labs will be open Mondays from 10 am – Noon at the Tyler-Domer Community Center – 2301 12th Street, on Tuesday evenings from 5-7 pm at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center – 601 21st Street, and on Wednesday evenings from 5-7 pm at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center – 1134 Martin Luther King Drive.
“This is another example of the things being done to create great community centers in the City of Racine,” said Mayor John Dickert. “We want to create more than just a place to play basketball and hang out. We want to offer a wide-variety of programs and opportunities to people of all ages and from all walks of life.
“The Job Labs are intended to help with one of our community’s biggest needs – finding people jobs and putting them to work. I’m reaching out to the volunteers in our community who have the expertise to help others in this area. Your participation will be one of the keys to the success of this program and you will become a partner in creating a better community.”
In addition to providing work space for job seekers, the Job Labs will offer one-on-one assistance for those seeking employment. Individual help will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. The center’s computers will be available to work on employment-related issues. Internet access will also be available.
Qualified volunteers will be on hand to help those seeking employment with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, job searches, online applications, and a wide range of other employment-related activities.
To volunteer or for more information about the Job Labs, contact Tom Molbeck at 262-636-9452 or Debbi Embry at 262-636-9450.
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Scott Walker Statement on Governor Doyle’s Refusal to Denounce Lawsuit Against Arizona
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from Scott Walker, a candidate for Wisconsin Governor.
“Unlike Jim Doyle, if I were governor, I would proudly have joined Attorney General Van Hollen today in opposing the federal government’s challenge to the Arizona Immigration law. As Governor of Wisconsin, I will sign legislation that strengthens our protection against illegal immigration and ensures that taxpayer funded benefits like Badger Care, in-state tuition, and drivers’ licenses are not available to those who are here illegally.”
Read Scott Walker’s column in support of the Arizona Immigration Law.
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Governor Doyle Announces Clean Air Status for Door, Manitowoc Counties
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from the office of Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle.
Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved his request to redesignate Door and Manitowoc Counties as in attainment with health standards for ozone, or smog. The EPA also approved Wisconsin’s plans to meet the ozone standard through 2020 and approved motor vehicle emission budgets for Manitowoc and Door counties.
“Under my Administration, we have taken strong action to reduce air pollution in Wisconsin and protect public health and the environment,” Governor Doyle said. “Meeting these standards not only means cleaner air, but also ensures that local businesses will be able to grow and create jobs.”
The EPA redesignated the counties’ attainment status based upon complete, quality-assured, outdoor air monitoring from 2006 to 2009 showing the two counties in compliance with the federal standards for ozone. Complete quality-assured monitoring data for 2009 show that the areas continue to meet the standard.
Last fall, Governor Doyle requested the EPA redesignate nine Wisconsin counties as in attainment of the ozone standard. The EPA also is expected to act on the other seven counties that have met federal smog standards. Those counties are: Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Washington, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine and Waukesha counties. Kewaunee County previously was designated as in compliance.
Since taking office, Governor Doyle has helped Wisconsin make major strides to reduce air pollution, implementing the Clean Air Interstate Rule, NOx Reasonable Available Retrofit Rule, and Best Available Retrofit Technology Rule. The Mercury Multi-Pollutant Rule that went into effect last year will substantially reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution throughout the state. In addition, the Governor announced last year that a new biomass boiler will be installed at the Charter Street Heating Plant as part of his commitment to stop burning coal at state-owned heating plants on Madison’s Isthmus. Ground will be broken on the project this year and should be complete by summer 2013.
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James Schneider on the ballot
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from James Schneider, a candidate for Lt. Governor of Wisconsin.
My thanks to everyone who circulated nomination papers on my behalf and to all of those who graciously signed to give their consent to my being on the ballot. I filed over 2000 signatures yesterday and have another 400+ ready to deliver before this evening’s deadline. We’re on the ballot because of your hard work. Now, 63 days to win the primary.
I consider this a great privilege and honor. Thank you.
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Grand opening to the public- Terri McCormick for Congress campaign headquarters
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from Terri McCormick, a candidate for the 8th Congressional District of Wisconsin.
Join the McCormick Campaign Thursday, July 22nd from 5-8pm
Open to the public, the Terri McCormick Campaign for Congress will be holding a grand opening for the campaign headquarters on Thursday, July 22nd from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. The campaign headquarters is located at 5317 Grande Market Drive, Suite A, Appleton WI.
The McCormick Campaign invites all registered voters and their families to visit the campaign headquarters and enjoy a fun-filled evening including food and beverages. Terri McCormick and staff will be available for attendees to meet with and discuss upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. In addition, the public is welcome to tour the office and pick up yard signs and/or field signs.
Located just west of the Appleton mall, the McCormick campaign headquarters is open to the public with regular business hours from 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Friday. The campaign headquarters serves as a gathering place for volunteers and supporters and as a place for the public to learn more about Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District race.
For more information about this event, please contact campaign headquarters at (920) 997-3120 or email info@mccormickforcongress.com. Former State Representative Terri McCormick is a teacher, small business owner, published author and constitutional conservative.
To learn more about Terri McCormick or the campaign, visit www.TerriMcCormickforCongress.com .
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Yovani Gallardo to boycott 2011 MLB All-Star game
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
Milwaukee Brewers All-Star starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo is the latest baseball player who will be boycotting Major League Baseball’s 2011 All-Star game in a form of protest against Arizona’s new immigration law. The game will be played in Arizona.
Arizona’s new immigration law requires police, while enforcing other laws, to ask about a person’s immigration status if there is reasonable suspicion that the person is in the country legally.
Arizona’s new immigration law will take affect on July 29th on this year.
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Feingold Highlights Opposition to Great Lakes Oil Drilling in New TV Ad
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold.
Feingold stands up to the Big Oil interests who would put profits ahead of a Wisconsin tradition
Today, the Feingold Campaign released a new television ad that highlights Senator Russ Feingold’s strong record of protecting our Great Lakes, his opposition to oil drilling in the Great Lakes, and his work standing up to Big Oil interests who would put profits ahead of our Wisconsin lakes.
Senator Feingold helped lead efforts by the Great Lakes states’ congressional delegations to oppose opening the Great Lakes to drilling. Feingold cosponsored the Great Lakes Water Protection Act and other legislation to prohibit oil drilling in any of the Great Lakes. In addition to staunchly opposing opening the Great Lakes for oil drilling, Senator Feingold played a key role in securing congressional approval of the historic Great Lakes Compact.
Feingold also has a strong record of taking on Big Oil in Washington. He has introduced legislation that would eliminate the $75 million liability cap to ensure that oil companies are held responsible for the devastating damages that result from their mistakes. He also supports the BP compensation fund for the victims of the Gulf oil spill.
In addition, Feingold has worked to advance the emerging water technology industry in Wisconsin, in order to improve our economy and create jobs. His E-4 Initiative prioritizes federal funding for research-intensive water start-ups as well as small businesses in the energy sectors. The proposed legislation centers on existing programs meant to promote small business innovation and commercialization.
In the new television ad, Feingold says , “I stood up to the Big Oil interests in Washington who would put profits ahead of our Wisconsin lakes. I said ‘no’ to drilling in our Great Lakes, but one opponent, Ron Johnson, disagrees.”
Johnson, who gave a speech before the Gulf oil spill in which he said, “Big Oil [is] not evil,” has repeatedly defended the oil industry, including BP, telling the media after the Gulf oil spill, “[T]his is not the time to be beating up on those guys, quite honestly.”
News reports have also detailed Johnson’s support for oil drilling in national wildlife areas and his opposition to more caution before undertaking new oil-drilling projects in light of the worst oil spill disaster in American history. Johnson also opposes the BP compensation fund for victims of the Gulf oil spill.
One month ago, Johnson was asked by the media, “Would you support drilling like in the Great Lakes, for example, if there was oil found there?”
Johnson said, “Yeah. You know, the bottom line is that we are an oil-based economy. There’s nothing we’re going to do to get off of that for many, many years, so I think we have to just be realistic and recognize that fact. And I think we have to get the oil where it is…”
Last week, with ongoing media coverage of the BP oil spill, and after weeks of delaying the required financial disclosures, it was revealed by the media that Johnson has invested as much as $315,000 with BP, $50,001 to $100,000 in Exxon Mobil and $15,001 to $50,000 in Occidental Petroleum Corp.
Wisconsin relies on the Great Lakes for everything from food to jobs and from power to recreation. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 1.6 million Wisconsin residents get their fresh water directly from the Great Lakes.
On July 12, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the area of the Gulf affected by the oil sheen is 84,101 square miles – an area nearly the same size as all five Great Lakes combined.
Feingold voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has funded maintenance of Wisconsin’s harbors and canals, restored fish and wildlife habitats, and reduced pollution, including clean water and drinking water revolving loan funds, the Ashland NFWCO Fish Passage Program, Fox River dam infrastructure improvements, the Fox River navigation system’s lock keeper houses, improvements to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal and harbor, and the Kewaunee and Manitowoc harbor dredging projects.
Feingold Says “No” to Oil Drilling in Our Great Lakes and Stands Up to Big Oil
Feingold said “no” to oil drilling in the Great Lakes and he strongly opposes handing over our Great Lakes to oil companies for drilling. He was an original cosponsor of the Great Lakes Water Protection Act, S. 1033 6/13/2001 and a leader in the fight to oppose drilling for oil and gas in the Great Lakes.
In 2001, Feingold cosponsored the Great Lakes Water Protection Act, which gave states incentives to forbid new leases for drilling in the Great Lakes—an action Wisconsin had taken but neighboring Michigan had not, while threatening to allow drilling to proceed. Feingold and his colleagues acted decisively, and in October 2001, he cosponsored a successful amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2002 to forbid drilling for oil and gas in the Great Lakes until a study could be completed on its potentially devastating impacts. This occurred just weeks before 30-50 new leases for drilling could have been announced for exploration on Lakes Michigan and Huron. This prohibition was extended starting in 2003, with Feingold urging his colleagues to support language in the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2003.
In keeping with his long tradition of fiscal responsibility, Senator Feingold included a provision in his Control Spending Now Act to end taxpayer-funded giveaways to Big Oil and permit the federal government to charge them for administrative costs. The Act also includes a provision to end giveaways for gas and geothermal energy production on public lands. Senator Feingold’s Control Spending Now Act, introduced this Congress, would save taxpayers roughly one-half trillion dollars over 10 years.
Big Oil currently holds leases on more than 60 million acres of public land and water – an area larger than Wisconsin and Lake Michigan combined – with an estimated 100 billion gallons of oil that they choose not to utilize for production. Since Big Oil refuses to drill on the land that they already have leases for, Senator Feingold introduced legislation to require Big Oil to “Use It or Lose It.” This bill would spur oil companies to explore on lands they currently lease before receiving any new leasing permits. Other industries, including the coal industry, are already held to this standard, and Feingold’s “Use It or Lose It” bill would end the special treatment for Big Oil.
Feingold Protects Great Lakes for Future Generations
Feingold is an original cosponsor of the the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Basin Water Resources Compact (Great Lakes Compact).
Feingold played a key role in securing congressional approval of the historic Great Lakes Compact, which was recently passed into law. Despite the difficulty of getting any legislation through the U.S. Senate, as soon as the bill passed through each of the Great Lakes region’s state houses and was introduced in the U.S. Senate, Feingold held the first and only U.S. Senate hearing on the bill – as chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee – and worked to secure its passage through the Senate in a matter of days. The Great Lakes Compact, an historic agreement among the eight Great Lakes states and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, regulates new water withdrawals and diversions that threaten lake levels and could destroy a major natural resource that Wisconsin counts on for everything from food to jobs and from power to recreation.
Feingold authored the Clean Water Restoration Act, which would improve the quality of Great Lakes water by undoing two damaging Supreme Court decisions that undermined protections for wetlands and streams—the legislation was deemed the top legislative priority for sportsmen by Field and Stream magazine.
Feingold is a champion of the Great Lakes Legacy Act, supporting both its enactment in 2002 and its 2008 reauthorization, which is addressing the most polluted industrial sites still plaguing the Great Lakes and communities in Wisconsin.
Ron Johnson Has Defended Big Oil and Said “We have to get the oil where it is.”
Before the BP oil spill in the Gulf, Johnson said in a March 21, 2010, speech that, “Big Pharma and Big Oil are not evil.” [Ron Johnson speech at Winnebago County Republican Party, Oshkosh, March 21, 2010]
Johnson said, “[T]he first thing that came to my mind,” when he heard about the BP oil spill, was to support oil drilling in national wildlife areas, saying: “Wouldn’t it be far better if we were drilling in ANWR?” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010]
Johnson also came to the defense of Big Oil, telling national right-wing talk radio host Ed Morrissey, “This is not the time to be beating up on those guys, quite honestly.” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010]
In the wake of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the AP reported: “When asked whether the Gulf spill should prompt more caution before undertaking new oil-drilling projects, Johnson said no.” [“Johnson, Westlake Want Oil Drilling In Alaska,” Associated Press, 6/5/2010]
When Johnson was asked by the media “Would you support drilling like in the Great Lakes, for example, if there was oil found there?” Johnson said, “I think we have to get the oil where it is.” [WisPolitics, Interview, 6/14/10]
Johnson opposes the BP compensation fund for the victims of the Gulf oil spill. As reported by the Capital Times: “Johnson climbed in bed with BP. The wealthy candidate derided the Obama administration’s efforts to get money to pay for claims that are all but certain to exceed $20 billion ‘very troubling.”
After delaying the release of his financial interests, the media revealed that Johnson has as much as $315,000 of investments with BP and $50,001 to $100,000 in Exxon Mobil Corp., and $15,001 to $50,000 in Occidental Petroleum Corp. [Associated Press, 7/10/ 2010]
Yesterday the Huffington Post reported: “At the same time he’s been a vocal advocate for continued and even accelerated oil and gas exploration, going so far as to express an openness to drilling in the Great Lakes. ‘The bottom line is we are an oil-based economy,’ he told the site WisPolitics in mid-June, when asked about drilling in the Great Lakes. ‘There’s nothing we’re gonna do to get off of that for many, many years. I think we have to be realistic and recognize that fact and, you know, I, I think we have to, get the oil where it is.’” [Huffington Post, 7/12/2010]
Recognition of Feingold’s Record
The League of Conservation Voters recognizes Feingold as having one of the best lifetime voting records of any current U.S. Senator. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Federation have honored him for his efforts to protect water quality and fight for wetlands protections.
The State of Wisconsin honored Feingold for his strong support of State Wildlife Grants and he was awarded the Clean Water Champion Award by the Clean Water Network for his leadership on the Clean Water Restoration Act.
Feingold has also received the “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” Award from Taxpayers for Common Sense for his work with Republican Congressman Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac) on reducing the deficit through environmental protection.
“Just Say No” – Script: The 30 second spot will air statewide and can be viewed at www.russfeingold.org/justsayno
When I look at Lake Michigan, I see a resource that Wisconsin needs to protect for future generations.
That’s why I stood up to the Big Oil interests in Washington who would put profits ahead of our Wisconsin lakes.
I said “no” to drilling in our Great Lakes, but one opponent, Ron Johnson, disagrees.
He’s willing to hand over the Great Lakes to the oil companies, threatening Wisconsin’s economy, and a way of life for generations of Wisconsin families.
We won’t let that happen.
I’m Russ Feingold and I approve this message because a Wisconsin tradition is worth fighting for.
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Scott Walker Ballot Signature Total Reaches 22,350
July 13th, 2010 by Robert Rosati
The following is a press release from Scott Walker, a candidate for Wisconsin Governor.
Volunteers deliver another 7,350 signatures after initial campaign submission
Scott Walker’s campaign today submitted an additional 7,350 signatures to place Walker’s name on the ballot for governor. The latest submissions bring Walker’s total to 22,350 signatures from every county in the state.
“I continue to be amazed at the work of our grassroots volunteers,” said Walker. “We submitted the signatures we had collected through the July 4th weekend, but they kept rolling in from people across the state who are fully behind our plan to create 250,000 jobs in my first term.”
Scott Walker submitted 15,000 signatures from all 72 counties a full week before the deadline and yesterday announced volunteers would make 65,000 phone calls and knock on 6,500 doors on July 24th. Scott Walker received the endorsement of thousands of grassroots supporters at the GOP state convention with 91.3% of the vote. As a result of these efforts, Scott Walker leads Tom Barrett by seven points, Mark Neumann by 39 points, and has the most support of any candidate with Independents, Republicans, and conservatives, according to Democratic pollster Public Policy Polling.
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January 2012 NEWS
Governor Walker Appoints John Reinemann to the Higher Educational Aids Board
December 31st, 2011 by Robert Rosati
Yesterday, Governor Walker announced he is appointing John Reinemann to serve as the Executive Secretary of the Higher Education Aids Board. Previously, Reinemann served as the Legislative Director for the Wisconsin Counties Association.
“John is a great fit for the Higher Education Aids Board,” Governor Walker said. “With his years of experience in both the executive and legislative branches of government, and his experience coordinating individual local governments, John will bring the right kind of management experience needed to keep HEAB running well.”
“I’m honored to be chosen to run an agency dedicated to helping students access higher education,” Reinemann said. “As employers across Wisconsin report a skills gap between available jobs and the unemployed, higher education is more important than ever.”
Reinemann previously served as Tax Policy Advisor to Governor Scott McCallum, Assistant to the Administrator of the Division of State and Local Finance at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and has worked in various capacities in the State Assembly. Reinemann holds a B.A. in political science and international relations from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
Information used in this article was retrieved from a press release on Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s official website.
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Scott Walker appoints Norman A. Cummings, Lon E. Roberts and John Petersen III to State of Wisconsin Investment Board
December 30th, 2011 by Robert Rosati
Yesterday, Governor Scott Walker announced the appointments of Norman A. Cummings, Lon E. Roberts and John Petersen III to the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.
Norman A. Cummings, Waukesha, is appointed as a local government member. Mr. Cummings serves as the Director of Administration for Waukesha County, where he is responsible for the county’s annual investment portfolio. Previously, he worked as the Senior Budget Analyst for the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services and served as Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin Municipal Mutual Insurance Corporation. Mr. Cummings earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before receiving his Master of Arts at the University of Kentucky.
“The extensive experience Mr. Cummings has in local government will make him a valuable member of the Investment Board,” Governor Walker said. “I’m confident he will use his experiences to help maintain SWIB’s excellent track record of investments.”
Lon E. Roberts, Wausau, is appointed as an investment board member. Mr. Roberts has over 30 years of law experience and received a Wisconsin Super Lawyers award. In addition to practicing business and commercial law, he serves as President of the Grand Theatre Foundation, Inc. Mr. Roberts earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“It is important for the Investment Board to have someone with legal experience,” said Governor Walker. “Mr. Roberts has been actively involved in his community for years and I’m sure he will be an asset to the state.”
John Petersen III, Madison, is appointed as an Investment Board member. Mr. Petersen has been the president of Inland Investment Co., Inc. for over 45 years. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority. Mr. Petersen received both his Bachelor of Science in finance and his Masters of Science in real estate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“Mr. Petersen has helped Wisconsin individuals invest in a variety of assets,” said Governor Walker. “His education and experience makes him an exemplary candidate for SWIB.”
The State of Wisconsin Investment Board members are subject to confirmation by the State Senate and will serve for six years—until May 1, 2017.
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A look back on 2011 in Wisconsin Day 22: Packers flirt with perfection
December 30th, 2011 by Robert Rosati
There has been only one team that has gone undefeated in the NFL regular season and won the Super Bowl: The 1972 Miami Dolphins. Since that time there have been few teams that came close to duplicating that feat. This years Green Bay Packers team is among them. Going into their week 15 game against the Kansas City Chiefs the Green Bay Packers were 13-0, although they had endured a season ending injury to safety Nick Collins and headed into the game with long time offensive tackle Chad Clifton on the injured list. During the contest offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga became injured and for one of the few times all season Aaron Rodgers was struggling due to a fierce Chiefs defense. As a result the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Packers 19-14 that day, December 18.
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Milwaukee Bucks Assign Darington Hobson to Fort Wayne of D-League
December 30th, 2011 by Robert Rosati
The Milwaukee Bucks have assigned rookie guard Darington Hobson to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana) of the NBA Development League (D-League), General Manager John Hammond announced today. Fort Wayne is led by Head Coach Joey Meyer, who previously coached the Bucks D-League affiliate in Tulsa. The Mad Ants host the L.A. Defenders on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. (EST) before welcoming the Canton Charge to town on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).
Hobson, 24, was drafted by the Bucks with the 37th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, but sat out the 2010-11 season after undergoing surgery to repair both of his hips. He was re-signed by the Bucks on Dec. 10 and appeared in both of Milwaukee’s preseason games, averaging 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 20 minutes per game. Hobson has not appeared in a regular season game for the Bucks.
A Third Team AP All-American in 2009-10, Hobson averaged 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists during his lone season at New Mexico, where he was named the Mountain West Conference’s Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. Hobson played his first two collegiate seasons at the College of Eastern Utah before transferring to New Mexico.
The illustration in this article was drawn by Joseph Szabo.
Information used in this article was retrieved from a press release on the official website of the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Deadline for 2012 Racine Art Museum Artist Fellowship Program January 12, 2012
December 29th, 2011 by Robert Rosati
The Racine Art Museum (RAM) resolves to distinguish this region as a place that values the arts, and enhance the area’s desirability as a place for artists to work and live. Sponsored by a grant from the Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, the RAM Artist Fellowship Program aims to showcase the diversity and vitality of the Racine/Kenosha visual arts community by supporting the professional development of its artists.
Four $2,500 fellowships will be awarded to selected artists. These awards will provide financial support and exhibition opportunities in alternate years for visual artists residing in the Racine/Kenosha urban corridor, east of I-94.
These competitive fellowships will recognize artists, at all stages of their careers, who are creating outstanding work in all media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, bookmaking, sculpture, installation, film/video, fibers, glass, metals, wood and ceramics.
Exhibitions for each recipient’s work will be presented August 31 through November 30, 2013 at RAM’s Wustum Museum of Fine Arts. A color brochure will accompany the fellowship show. By increasing critical attention and exposure for recipients, the program seeks to foster their continued creative and professional development.
The online application must be completed online no later than January 12, 2012.
An artist statement has a 300 word limit..
The artist resume has a 600 word limit.
Apply online at http://www.ramart.org/content/ram-artist-fellowships .
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A look back on 2011 in Wisconsin Day 21: Racine Art Museum’s Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads exhibit
December 29th, 2011 by Robert Rosati
On October 23 the Racine Art Museum’s Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads exhibit made its debut. The exhibit, which is still on display, is truly amazing demonstrating the talents of the talented artists.
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A look back on 2011 in Wisconsin Day 20: Racine Art Museum Publishes Book on Polymer Art
December 28th, 2011 by Robert Rosati
The Racine Art Museum (RAM) featured a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating their commitment of establishing a permanent collection of polymer jewelry, beads and sculptural objects. Organized by RAM, Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads will opened on October 21, 2011. The exhibit is still being displayed at the museum. However, the Racine Art Museum published a book of the same title to support the content of the exhibition as well as function as a singular resource for the historical and philosophical dimensions of the polymer medium. The book itself is simply amazing and truly showcases the abilities of the talented artists and by far one of the better books on polymer art ever made.
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Fire in Racine late last night results in five people being temporarily displaced
December 28th, 2011 by Robert Rosati
Racine Firefighters extinguished a relatively small, but stubborn fire in a two story, three family residential property Tuesday evening at 1607 Taylor Avenue. The fire involved the basement, side porch, first and second floors before finally being extinguished. Various relatives are assisting the five people who are temporarily displaced due to this fire.
The blaze caused an estimated $20,000 worth of damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.