Wisconsin Weekly is a Friday news roundup of reports from Wisconsin Watch and other trusted news outlets. Access to some stories may be limited to subscribers of the news organizations that produced them. We urge our readers to consider supporting these important news outlets by subscribing, and sign up to get our free newsletters here.
This week we highlight Wisconsin Watch reporter Phoebe Petrovic’s story about complaints filed against an Aurora St. Luke’s surgeon whom his colleagues claim is performing unnecessary procedures and using material not approved by the FDA for internal use. The story is based on documents filed with the state Department of Safety and Professional Services, federal court documents unsealed at Wisconsin Watch’s request, a patient complaint filed with Aurora St. Luke’s, and interviews with the whistleblowing surgeon and seven other doctors who worked with obstetric gynecologic oncologist Dr. Scott Kamelle. Kamelle and the hospital declined comment except to say that the Milwaukee hospital’s review of Kamelle’s work found no fault with his performance. The federal false claims lawsuit naming Kamelle was withdrawn, and one DSPS complaint against him was dismissed. Another is pending.
Access to some stories listed in the Wisconsin Weekly roundup may be limited to subscribers of the news organizations that produced them. We urge our readers to consider supporting these important news outlets by subscribing.
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Health care
Whistleblower claims Milwaukee doctor performed unneeded surgeries
Wisconsin Watch — April 14, 2023
Rita Adamson died under the care of a physician she didn’t want to see. Rita, 62, lived with cervical cancer for six years. “Until the last day of her life,” her husband Bill wrote, “Rita was active, walked with a cane, prepared food and did shopping.” Many doctors treated her illness over the years, but one, Adamson said, stood out for his unprofessional behavior: Dr. Scott Kamelle, a gynecologic oncologist from Milwaukee-based Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Wisconsin’s largest hospital.
Criminal justice
Police had a warrant to arrest a man she accused of abuse. But they didn’t. Now she’s dead.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel — April 12, 2023
Bobbie Lou Schoeffling asked for help. Over and over again, she called 911. She told Milwaukee police her ex-boyfriend beat her, ripped her hair out, held her hostage, threw rocks at her house and pulled a gun on her. She pleaded with dispatchers, officers, his probation agent — anyone — to arrest him. Her ex-boyfriend was finally arrested July 27 — one day after Schoeffling was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
Revisit from Wisconsin Watch: How Wisconsin’s ‘honor’ system for removing guns from domestic abusers failed Jesi Ewers
Milwaukee County Jail sees four deaths since June. Advocates want answers.
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service – April 8, 2023
Jail safety advocates say Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball refuses to meaningfully engage with them about how to improve conditions at the Milwaukee County Jail, where four people have died since June.
Supreme Court election
How Wisconsin liberals set record campus turnout in court election
The Washington Post — April 11, 2023
In a number of University of Wisconsin precincts, turnout was near November’s midterms, and Democrats were able to increase their vote share from the 2022 gubernatorial race to this year’s Supreme Court election, contributing to Janet Protasiewicz’s victory over Daniel Kelly.
Food insecurity
As one in eight kids go hungry and schools struggle to feed kids, Wisconsin has a chance to turn the tables
Green Bay Press-Gazette — April 12, 2023
The end of free lunch leaves families struggling to feed their kids and nutrition departments underfunded as they navigate families who can’t pay. And kids are going hungry.
Related from Wisconsin Watch: Beyond Hunger, examining food insecurity in America’s Dairyland
Energy and environment
PFAS are in rain jackets, hiking pants, shirts and other clothing. Here’s what to know.
Kaiser Health News — April 13, 2023
There could be more than just fashion risks involved when buying a pair of leggings or a raincoat. Just how much risk is still not clear, but toxic chemicals have been found in hundreds of consumer products and clothing bought off the racks nationwide.
Read more Wisconsin Watch coverage about PFAS threats
Advocates say conditions may be improving for rooftop solar in Wisconsin
Energy News Network — April 10, 2023
Wisconsin solar advocates are applauding a recent decision by state regulators and hoping it is a sign the industry may finally get clarity on the legality of third-party-owned solar in the state. Meanwhile, a bill has been introduced to allow third-party-owned community solar, and advocates say that solar developers are already negotiating deals with farmers to launch such projects.
Access to some stories listed in the Wisconsin Weekly roundup may be limited to subscribers of the news organizations that produced them. We urge our readers to consider supporting these important news outlets by subscribing.
Thanks for reading!
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