Wisconsin News: Happenings from around the Badger State

This is absurd, even for Wisconsin.

Who could have known that welding a bunch of heavy art on a standard Ranger could cause suspension issues?

cross-posted from: https://kbin.social/m/[email protected]/t/1056273

From the Article:

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is requesting that the state budget committee release $20 million meant to create a grant program that would support communities where a University of Wisconsin branch campus has closed.

The request is the third submitted to the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) by Gov. Tony Evers’ administration this week, bringing the total amount to be released to $45 million. The requests come as lawmakers and Evers have been in conflict over the release of other state funding that was improved in the budget, including funds for fighting PFAS contamination of local drinking water supplies, grants to support hospitals in western Wisconsin and a new literacy program in schools.

The closure of UW branch campuses, including UW-Platteville’s Richland campus, UW-Milwaukee’s Washington County campus and UW-Oshkosh’s Fond du Lac campus, have left local communities facing potential economic crises.

WEDC’s request would allow the agency to implement the grant program as instructed by a law passed by the Legislature in February and signed by Evers in March. Under the law, communities will be eligible for a $2 million grant.

Evers said in a statement that a lack of “meaningful investments” in the UW system has caused the recent campus closures along with staff layoffs, and the state needs to quickly work to address the challenges to prevent additional layoffs and closures.

“This funding is critically important in the meantime to help communities like Richland Center, Washington County, Fond du Lac, and Marinette find new uses for the infrastructure and existing buildings to support local communities and economies,” Evers said.

The Foxconn factory touted by republicans never materialized.

cross-posted from: https://real.lemmy.fan/post/2623569

MINOCQUA, Wis. (WAOW) -- An arrest warrant has been issued for Kirk Bangstad, the owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, in connection with a 2021 defamation case.

According to WSAU Radio, Bangstad was found to be in contempt after failing to appear in court in Rhinelander for a hearing on Wednesday. The hearing was in connection with a defamation case where Bangstad was found guilty of making false statements against Lakeland Times Publisher Gregg Walker's family.

Bangstad was ordered to pay Walker nearly $760,000. The Minocqua Brewing Company was also named in the suit and ordered to pay an additional $329,000.

According to court records, neither debt has been paid. Further court action is scheduled for May 22 and 23.