MILWAUKEE COUNTY-REACTION
Manitowoc County Board criticizes state action
MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) - The Manitowoc County supervisors say they are opposed to Republican-backed legislation that would reduce the power of the Milwaukee County Board.
The legislation reduces the Milwaukee County Board's resources and authority. It also reduces the length of supervisor terms and limits the board's authority over certain deals.
The Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter says the Manitowoc County supervisors weighed in this week to express their disapproval over the resolution. Supervisor Jim Brey said state legislators have no business telling Manitowoc County officials how to do their jobs.
The board passed a resolution 20-4 Tuesday opposing the state's legislation.
The state bill was approved by the state Senate last week and ratified by the Assembly on a voice vote. It now goes to Gov. Scott Walker, who's expected to sign it.
UW-OPEN RECORDS
UW-Madison seeks exemption from open-records law
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The University of Wisconsin-Madison wants an exemption from the state's open-records law that would allow it to keep research information private until it's published or patented.
A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report says the university is circulating a two-page document among Republican lawmakers suggesting language for a standalone bill.
The university says its proposal was prompted by a change in federal patent law. Patents are now awarded on a first-to-file basis, meaning a rival could use the open-records law to gain early access to UW-Madison research and then try to file a patent first.
But the proposal doesn't sit well with Bill Lueders (LEE'-derz), who runs the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. He says current law already allows UW to deny requests if it can cite a legitimate reason.
DEADLY SHOOTING-SUPERIOR
Suspect in Superior homicide arrested in Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - Police say a man suspected in a fatal shooting outside a manufacturing company in Superior, Wis., has been arrested.
Duluth officers swarmed the Allyndale Motel Thursday night and made the arrest. The shooting victim was found earlier Thursday in the parking lot of Genesis Attachments. The Duluth News Tribune says he was taken to Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Police say the shooting was initially reported as self-inflicted.
GREEN BAY-COACH INVESTIGATION
Green Bay coach mostly cleared of allegations
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - The men's basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will keep his job following an investigation into allegations that he mistreated his players.
Two players had accused coach Brian Wardle of misconduct, prompting last month's investigation. A WLUK-TV report says the university released a report Friday saying Wardle will not be fired.
University officials said an independent review led by attorney Joseph Nicks concluded that much of what was alleged against Wardle didn't happen as stated.
One player told officials Wardle worked him out until the player lost control of his bowels, and then ridiculed him. Another said Wardle called his clinical depression a distraction.
Wardle released a statement saying his players are in a healthy environment, and the university's findings support his claim.
CRYSTAL FINISHING JOBS
Crystal Finishing expanding in Mosinee
SCHOFIELD, Wis. (AP) - A Schofield company is planning to expand in central Wisconsin and add several hundred manufacturing jobs over the next few years.
Crystal Finishing Systems has purchased a shuttered manufacturing plant in Mosinee for an undisclosed price. Crystal Finishing President Mark Matthiae (MATH'-ee) says his company will add about 250 to 350 jobs in the next three years. Jobs will range in pay from $10.50 to $25 an hour. Matthiae says the average annual wage for his employees is $38,700.
WAOW-TV says the company expects to finalize plans for the Mosinee plant in July. Production should get underway in 2014.
TORNADO DOGS
Homeless tornado dogs ready for adoption
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Twenty-five four-legged companions left homeless by the devastating tornado in Moore, Okla., have arrived at a Green Bay animal shelter and are ready for adoption.
It was a 16-hour trip for the dogs, mostly puppies, from the Central Oklahoma Humane Society to the Bay Area Humane Society. Dozens of displaced animals poured into the Oklahoma shelter after the tornado. Other shelters, including Bay Area, offered to take some of the animals that were at the Oklahoma shelter before the tornado hit.
Central Oklahoma shelter president Christy Counts says her humane society wouldn't have been able to handle the tornado animals if that extra space wasn't created.
The Bay Area Humane Society's Karen DeBaker tells WLUK-TV the additional puppies will help increase foot traffic and overall adoptions.
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