Investigative Reporter
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Court decision squashes legislative oversight of Stewardship purchases
Ziegler: Decision could aggregate power in the executive branch
A state Supreme Court decision earlier this month booted a key tool that the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee has used to oversee the state’s Stewardship land acquisition program, nullifying the committee’s power to block specific program projects.
Biden out, Harris in: Wisconsin reacts
The response by state politicians to last Sunday’s announcement that President Joe Biden had withdrawn from the presidential race was generally standard fare — Democrats heaped praise on the president and called him a “consequential” leader for the ages; Republicans criticized what they called a Democratic cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline — but there were a few new wrinkles, from subtle language to turn-about proposals.
They’re back: Ballot drop boxes are in for November
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has reversed its own decision from two years ago, ruling 4-3 to reinstate the use of ballot drop boxes as a legal and legitimate way to vote in the state.
Marshfield Clinic, Sanford Health aim for year-end merger
Health care systems pursue swift union amid past hurdles
After two previous failed merger attempts, Marshfield Clinic Health System is hoping the third time will be the charm, as the ailing health care giant recently announced a merger with Sanford Health, which has a number of failed mergers under its belt as well.
CUP approved over neighbors, town’s objections
A Lake Tomahawk couple secured a conditional use permit for a large home in Lake Tomahawk last week, overcoming objections from neighbors and the town board.
County schedules another permit revocation hearing for Bangstad
New allegations trigger hearing
For the second time in just more than a month, the Oneida County Planning & Development Committee has scheduled a revocation hearing after complaints that Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad has continued to violate conditions of his conditional use permit to operate an outdoor beer garden at his Minocqua Brewing Company location.
Wisconsin Supreme Court tosses injunction against pro-life protester
Late last month, the Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously struck a blow for free speech, concluding that a court order prohibiting an anti-abortion protester from being near a Planned Parenthood worker violated his First Amendment rights.
Door County judge grants relief to short-term rental owners in Sister Bay
Judge pins injunction on village’s procedural violations
In a case that could ultimately have ramifications for short-term rentals around the state, a Door County judge has issued a temporary injunction against the village of Sister Bay, allowing a short-term rental cottage to resume rentals while the owners of the cottage appeal a decision to deny them a license.
State Supreme Court will hear challenge to Evers’s 400-year veto
WMC: Four centuries of tax increases with no voter approval
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has accepted a petition to hear a challenge to Gov. Tony Evers’s veto last year that allows property taxes to increase for the next 402 years, filed by the WMC (Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce) Litigation Center on behalf of two taxpayers.
Affair roils Vilas County courthouse
Editor’s Note: On Tuesday, June 25 the Vilas County Board of Supervisors discussed a pair of resolutions supporting the recall of the officials named in this story. Ultimately, the board tabled the resolution with respect to Judge Daniel Overbey. The resolution related to Clerk of Court Beth Soltow failed on an 18-2 vote. A full story on the county board action will follow in our next edition.