MADISON - The state Department of Public Instruction is reporting that the number of teachers and other staff working in Wisconsin schools dropped 2.3 percent this school year.
The data released Wednesday comes in the middle of an ongoing political fight with Governor Scott Walker over the impact of cuts he made to public school funding last year and changes to collective bargaining rights that he says helped districts make up for the losses in aid.
State Superintendent Tony Evers says in a statement there must be a bipartisan investment in public education because losses in school staff erode the public education system.
Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie says districts have more flexibility thanks to Walker's changes.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
EAGLE RIVER - The initiative will help to rebound what's thought of as a suffering walleye population by adding hundreds of thousands of the fish to Wisconsin lakes.
The project could improve fishing for the state's most popular game fish and tourism in the state. George Langely, a local fishing guide at Eagle Sports bait shop in Eagle River, says walleye fishing isn't what it used to be.
"The walleye population has pretty much suffered in the last twenty years and it's really nice to see Madison recognizing that and taking some steps to do something about it. It will take a while but it's a great start."
RHINELANDER - When a child commits a violent crime sometimes it's serious enough to be tried in adult court.
Today Oneida County Judge Patrick O'Melia had special circumstances to consider.
Sixteen-year-old Michael Thimm was arrested last year for stabbing his mother and her boyfriend after a fight over his computer.
He's charged with attempted first degree intentional homicide. That charge means juveniles are automatically put into adult court.
But today his defense tried to get Thimm put back into the juvenile system. The main reason is because he has Aspergers-- a form of Autism.
A psychologist testified Thimm's disorder keeps him from understanding things like when a person is suffering. He also said emotional distress can cause impulsive reactions.
The doctor said if Thimm gets proper treatment he won't be a threat to the public.
"People with Aspergers or Autism Spectrum Disorder, most of the time they show up in the mental health system. They're very, very rare in the criminal justice system. And so the chances that they would even have the resources to address his needs are pretty slim," says Dr. Michael Caldwell.
But officials from the Department of Corrections also testified they do have resources for people like Thimm.
After three and a half hours of testimony, Judge O'Melia decided to wait on a ruling.
Both sides will submit written briefs before he makes a decision. We'll keep you updated as this develops.
MINOCQUA - “This disease is called the great imitator for a good reason,” says Jeff Waite.
Lyme disease can be good at hiding.
“Lyme disease is a bacterial type infection spread by a spiral keet, which is also considered a parasite. And it can be carried in the spit glands and intestinal track of ticks in this area. Particularly the deer tick," said Dr. Kurt Landauer.
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