An interactive map and spreadsheet of sand mines and plants operating in Wisconsin, along with sites in development.
Category: Economy
Posted inEconomy, Government
Should raw milk sales be legalized?
For farmer Brian Wickert, the raw milk bill is about having the freedom to live without interference from the government. But for health officials in America’s Dairyland, it’s about potentially exposing unsuspecting citizens to disease-causing bacteria. At the crux of this debate is the age-old question: How much should government protect its citizens from possible hazards?
Posted inEconomy, Health & Welfare
Burn cases turn up the heat on fireplace makers
In September, a family’s vacation in Wisconsin Dells turned tragic when an infant touched the glass front of a fireplace and suffered third-degree burns at a resort hotel. Manufacturers of gas fireplaces are being buffeted by lawsuits and the threat of federal regulation amid heightened concerns about the risk of burns from the appliances, which can get hot enough to melt skin.
Posted inEconomy, Government
Dear Gov. Walker: [SAMPLE LETTER FOLLOWS]
“Governor Walk, Hang in there, the American people are behind you, with you, and praying for you, don`t let those union scum sucking thugs push you around …” A selection of emails sent to Gov. Scott Walker from Feb. 11 to Feb. 18, 2011.
Posted inEconomy, Government
Analysis: Emails favored Walker 2-1
In the week after Gov. Scott Walker announced his plan to dramatically curtail public employees’ collective bargaining rights in the state budget repair bill, a wide majority of the emails to him expressed support, a Center analysis of those emails indicates. But that support was significantly boosted by emails from pro-Walker senders from outside Wisconsin.
Posted inEconomy, Environment, Government
How a polluter gets stimulus money — and avoids environmental review
A state program helped Didion Milling win $5.6 million in stimulus funding to expand its Cambria milling and ethanol plant, which has a history of environmental violations.
Posted inEconomy, Environment, Government
Audio slideshow: Citizens against Didion
Neighbors of Didion Milling’s Cambria plant talk about why they have fought the company for years. Main story How a polluter gets stimulus money — and avoids environmental review Nov. 29, 2010 The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (www.WisconsinWatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, other news media and the UW-Madison School […]
Posted inEconomy, Education, Government, WisWatch Blog
Westwood temporarily halts Wisconsin enrollments
Westwood College Online has temporarily stopped enrolling Wisconsin students, but maintains it doesn’t need approval from the Wisconsin agency that sent it a cease-and-desist letter.
Posted inEconomy, Education, Government
State orders for-profit college to halt enrollments
A for-profit college that is providing online classes without approval in Wisconsin was ordered Thursday by state regulators to immediately stop enrolling students in the state or face possible fines of up to $500 a day.
Posted inEconomy
Dells employee housing in short supply; problems plague some establishments
For the estimated 2,000 college students who come from abroad each year to fill the labor gap in the Dells, finding housing is far from guaranteed. Motel owner Chris Swart believes local officials should adopt regulations to improve housing for temporary workers in the Dells.
Posted inEconomy
Some foreign workers find frustration in Wisconsin Dells
Each year, thousands of foreign students flock to the Dells with special visas to work in its tourism industry. But there are holes in the program: The work isn’t always guaranteed, students have little recourse for mistreatment, housing can be substandard, and getting around in the Dells can be downright dangerous.
Posted inEconomy
Russian student’s death highlights lack of public transit in the Dells
Since the area has no public transit besides taxi, many of estimated 2,000 international students who come to work in the Dells each summer ride bicycles to get around. Of the 21 bicycle-vehicle crashes reported in Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton since 2008, police reports indicate 19 involved international student riders.