We are a bit purple
July 4, 2008
That’s right, Wisconsin isn’t a Blue State. It isn’t a Red State either.
We are a political battleground for this presidential election.
That’s why WISN-TV Channel 12 will be seeking voices of the voters.
Kent Wainscott was sent to Janesville to hear what issues they are talking about there.
Listen Now: Kent Wainscott talks about Voice of the Voter
Economy, for a number of reasons - but especially the recently announced layoffs at the GM plant - is on the top of list for many. High gas prices, loss of jobs … it has hit voters hard in this community in Wisconsin.
Throughout July the crew here at WISN will be heading out, talking with voters to hear what they are thinking. Our votes are sought and the state could swing the election. Choosing leadership is a foundation of our country. And Wisconsin has an important voice come November.
See Kent Wainscott’s report on Sunday at 10 p.m.
I did know Diddley
June 2, 2008
Well, I didn’t know him personally. But I did enjoy his music, that driving blues.
The musician and singer Bo Diddley is no longer with us.
Threats Abound
May 20, 2008
I have to be careful what I write about terrorism. Threats exsist all around us, that much is true.
Will we see a terrorist event in Milwaukee? I think everyone would agree with me when I say I hope not.
We put burdens on our government, and protecting us from threats is one of those burdens.
WISN-TV’s Kent Wainscott did a little investigation, and he found that protective measures are being taken right now, in our city.
Listen Now: Kent Wainscott Talks About Bioterrorism, And If We Are Ready
It is part of a monitoring system keeping tabs on what is possibly going on around us. And, it is something most of us never even noticed.
See Kent’s report Wednesday night at 10 p.m.
The Price of Serving a Community
May 15, 2008
The medical system in the United States has changed and evolved over the years.
A hundred years ago a hospital was for those who couldn’t afford medical care. Those who could afford it would have the doctor come to their home.
Now, the most expensive procedures are done at large medical complexes. Most of these complexes are off the property tax roles because of the serving of the community these not for profit organizations provide. But the tax status impacts those of us who pay taxes.
Listen Now: Colleen Henry Talks About Hospitals and Tax Breaks
Collen reports tonight and tomorrow at 10 p.m. on Channel 12 about what she found in her investigation.
Do the hospitals deserve those tax breaks? How much does it cost you?
Down but not out
May 15, 2008
If you visited WISN.com yesterday, you may have noticed we didn’t update our stories throughout the day.
Because of power outages in Minnesota (I know, you’d think something a state away wouldn’t affect it) we lost the ability to make changes to our site.
I’m happy to say that we are back and runninng and I’m hoping you come back and check out the stories and community information we are working on. You can expect more from WISN.com as we are working on new offerings and constantly updating reports and adding new parts to our site.
Food Costs a Bit More
May 12, 2008
It is the economic trend. Everything, including the food you buy to feed yourself and your family, costs a little bit more.
WISN 12 News’ Kent Wainscott takes a look at what are we spending our money on. What I’ve always found facinating is how we find ways to extend our dollar, to get more with what we spend. Kent’s report takes a look at buying habits and goes through some tips to save money.
Listen Now: Kent Wainscott talks about the rise in food prices and what can be done to save money
His first report is Tuesday night at 10 p.m. on Channel 12. He follows that up on Wednesday with a taste test. Store brands are sometimes equavalent, and sometimes better, than name brands. We put them to the test. Kent reports what these moms and their children have to say.
Sometimes when times get tight, even the youngest of family members are willing to do their part.
Cell Phone Use May Bring New Laws
May 9, 2008
In some states it is already illegal to drive a car while engaged in a conversation on a cell phone.
As technology advances, lawmakers consider new laws (funny, that’s why they are lawmakers) to keep up with the use of that technology. As our attention is diverted from one thing to another, we are left with rules and fines to keep us in line.
Now, some lawmakers are looking at walking and talking. Can cell phone use while crossing the street cause a hazard?
WISN 12 News’ Kent Wainscott looks into it with his report at 10 p.m. Sunday on Channel 12.
Someone is Watching
May 8, 2008
Traveling can be a nerve-wracking experience.
When the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center happened in 2001, the government had to esclate security, and we as a whole (meaning the traveling society) have taken the restrictions and policies in stride.
But nerve-wracking became an understatement.
We all know about the check points and the scanning of luggage, but there are other eyes examining the people at the airport.
WISN 12 News’ Terry Sater investigates these watchers. They are people examining behavior at the airport. They are trained to look out for certain clues, and they are watching while the rest of us go mostly unaware.
Listen to Terry Sater talk about this secret security
Note: In the audio conversation Terry and I say the story will air Wednesday, however it will air tonight at 10 p.m. on Channel 12.
Apparently, these behavioral specialists identified a person at an airport in Florida acting a little different. They stroke up a conversation with him, launched an investigative search and found he had the materials to make an explosive device.
Find out more in Terry’s special report.
Peer Pressure, But in a Good Way
May 8, 2008
WISN 12 News’ Mike Miller went to court.
He was there in front of a judge who oversaw the proceedings, but in the jury box and the representation was a group of teens.
Listen Now: Mike Miller talks about teen court
The teen court helps keep these teen offenders from taking up actual court time … and the outcome has had a positive response.
See Mikes report tonight at 10 p.m. on Channel 12.
She’s all over the place
May 7, 2008
Barbara Walters is in the middle of a media blitz.
Makes sense. It is what people do when they are promoting a book.
She was on Oprah yesterday, on Good Morning America this morning and will be on ABC with Charlie Gibson tonight.
Then at 10 p.m., WISN 12 News’ Kathy Mykleby has her shot.
Listen Now: Kathy Mykleby talks about her interview with Barbara Walters
What Kathy does, and she does this with every interview she does, is get the person to be involved in a true conversation.
This time, Kathy had only 5 minutes of satelite time. That’s not much. And she didn’t know what was in the book either. That’s o.k., Kathy gets some good conversation out of her … and she’ll get even more when Walters comes to Milwaukee on May 29.
See the interview tonight at 10 p.m. on Channel 12.
