J.B.Van Hollen

Racine, WI – The Racine Police Department has joined the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

“We are pleased to have you as a member of the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force and pledge our full support to you as we work together to make Wisconsin safer for our children,” said Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.

As part of this affiliation, the Racine Police Department is eligible for:

- Reimbursement to help fund ICAC related expenses, including computer hardware and software;

- Notification of and priority for sought-after ICAC related training, offered both nationally and in Wisconsin;

-  Investigative assistance from highly trained ICAC investigators and forensic computer analysts throughout the state;

- Access to the national ICAC email group;

- Recognition on both the Racine Police Department’s website, and on the Wisconsin Department of Justice website.

“The City of Racine Police Department is pleased to join the ICAC network of law enforcement agencies who have joined forces to identify and aggressively target online predators,” said Racine Police Chief Kurt Wahlen. “As a result of a recent ICAC investigation involving child victims in multiple states, an online offender was recently traced to the City of Racine,” said Wahlen.

“In response to this investigation, Racine police detectives worked closely with law enforcement officials from the state of Georgia, resulting in the execution of a series of local search warrants and the recovery of crucial evidence against the Racine-based offender,” said Wahlen.

“After firsthand observation of the far-reaching impact and efficiency of the ICAC network, our organization immediately took steps to become a formal partner in the ICAC network. We look forward to future opportunities to assist in the fight against internet crimes against children.”

To learn more about the ICAC Task Force program at the Racine Police Department, contact Deputy Chief Arthel Howel at 262-635-7759.

This year marks the 11th anniversary of the founding of the Wisconsin Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “In the past decade, Wisconsin’s ICAC Task Force and Affiliate Agencies have arrested 728 suspects, executed 1,017 search warrants, and rescued countless numbers of children throughout the state,” said Van Hollen.

According to Van Hollen, there are over 22,304 internet protocol addresses in Wisconsin containing and offering to distribute known images of child pornography. One in seven children are asked online to engage in sexual activities, sexual talk, or provide personal sexual information.

Van Hollen has placed a priority on law enforcement’s proactive response to the growing problem of internet crimes against children. To that end, Van Hollen has directed a 67% increase in the number of special agents assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force within the Division of Criminal Investigation.

In addition to expanding investigative capacity internally, Van Hollen and the Department of Justice have continued to add additional local affiliates to the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force. The number of local law enforcement partners to the Department of Justice’s ICAC Task Force has increased by more than five times to 155 since Attorney General Van Hollen took office.

You can access a list of affiliates at http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dci/ica /afflist.asp.

“Let internet predators take note. Our commitment is unceasing. We will identify you, arrest you, and take you off the street; we will follow you to every area of the internet, no matter where you try to hide; and we will work together in law enforcement to stay one step ahead of you,” said Van Hollen.

For more information on how your community can become an affiliate of the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force contact Michelle Dubois at (608) 266-1671.

Posted  @ 4:15 p.m.

Mayor John Dickert

Racine, WI – Racine Mayor John Dickert has been appointed to the Mayors Water Council (MWC) of the United States Conference of Mayors.

“Your expertise is providing for water services and water resource protection in your community will be especially important to the Mayors Water Council over the next few years,” said Elizabeth B. Kautz, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Mayor of Burnsville, MN, when making the appointment. “As we look for ways to provide for a safe and plentiful water supply for the citizens of our cities, the Mayors Council will need to call on you and the other mayor members of the MWC to share their experiences.”

The MWC functions like a USCM “Task Force” – providing mayors with a focal point for discussion of issues impacting how cities provide water and wastewater services and protects water resources for citizens, the environment, and the local economy.

The MWC will, appropriate and necessary, develop positions on federal legislation, regulation, and policy, and purpose resolutions on water-related matters for consideration by the USCM Environment Committee.

“I’m very excited about being able to form another partnership and to be given the opportunity to work with other mayors from across the country in an area that is very important to me,” said Dickert, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Initiative. “But I also think this appointment is a reflection of the work Racine has been doing to protect and maintain its waterfront and waterways. I think it says the nation is aware of our efforts and they want to know the keys to our success.”

Mayor Jennifer Hosterman of Pleasanton, CA and Mayor Brian Stratton of Schenectady, NY will serve as co-hosts of the MWC.

Posted @ 5:35 p.m.

David Newby

Madison, WI – President Obama’s visit to our state couldn’t have come at a better time.  First, we need the President to intervene to break the logjam created by Republican Senators in Congress that is preventing the extension of Unemployment benefits to hundreds of thousands of laid-off workers and providing additional funds to the states to pay for desperately needed Medicaid benefits.

(Without this supplemental assistance, most states will have to cut eligibility for health care and the additional budget burden will also lead to the lay-offs of thousands of teachers, police and firefighters due to reduced state aid to local government.)

Second, we need to have a serious discussion about job creation in order to make sure that federal trade policies do not worsen our continuing economic slump.

On Wednesday working people in Racine will have the chance to tell the president that we cannot afford new trade agreements which will send more U.S. manufacturing jobs overseas.

Our economy is fragile and workers, particularly in Southeast Wisconsin, are already suffering.

The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is strongly opposed to President Obama’s plan to revive the U.S.-South Korea trade agreement (KORUS FTA) as negotiated by the Bush Administration.

This would exacerbate our already lopsided trade relationship with South Korea, jeopardizing thousands of family supporting American manufacturing jobs, most notably in auto and steel production.

Our negotiators should go back to the table to address these imbalanced market-access provisions. We also need to revisit the flawed investment, procurement, and services provisions as well, which limit the ability of our government at all levels to favor American-made goods and services and which grant foreign corporations legal rights which are denied to American corporations.

Posted @ 3:55 p.m.

Mayor John Dickert

Racine, WI – Mayor John Dickert will host the Second Annual Mayor’s Leadership Breakfast on Tuesday, May 4 at Roma Lodge and Banquet Facilities.

Former Marquette University standout and international businessman Ulice Payne Jr. will be the featured speaker that morning.

The event which will begin at 7:30 am is being held on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, Southeast Wisconsin Council at Roma Lodge – 7130 Spring Street. The highlight of the breakfast will be the induction of several candidates into the Lighthouse District Eagle Scout Hall of Fame.

“I love it when we can come together and honor those who have served our community and impacted the quality of life in our area,” said Mayor Dickert. “This breakfast will certainly allow us to do that as we honor those who have achieved the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouts – Eagle Scout.

“The rank of Eagle Scout has produced some real leaders throughout American history in areas such as government, space exploration, business, and sports. It will be a pleasure to honor those that who have achieved this rank locally and have been difference makers in our community and to especially be able to do it with a speaker like Mr. Payne.”

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by installing in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Tickets to attend the breakfast are available for $50 with tables of eight for $400. They can be purchased at the Boy Scouts of America Southeast Wisconsin Council – 2319 Northwestern Avenue in Racine or by call 262-632-1655.

Posted @ 1:07 p.m.

Among other provisions, the bill restricts citizens’ rights to challenge questionable votes, automatically registers people to vote (whether or not they are eligible) when they receive a driver’s license, and allows satellite polling locations on college campuses.

State Senate candidate Van Wanggaard issued the following statement regarding Lehman’s vote:

“Senator Lehman has again failed to fight for the integrity of our electoral process. By voting for this horrendous bill, Lehman has given a ‘thumbsup’ to perpetuating voter fraud and using the state’s election laws for political purposes.

“Last spring, Lehman voted to allow illegal aliens the right to acquire a driver’s license. Today, he voted to automatically register people to vote when they get a license. One has to question the motives behind these moves.

“Senator Lehman should withdraw his support from this bill and instead support the ‘Voter ID’ bill, which has garnered bipartisan support in the past.

“Protecting the integrity of the voting process is of utmost importance. When legislation that has such wide-ranging effects is fast-tracked through the legislature, can we be confident that those who are pushing it have their constituents’ best interests in mind?”

Posted @ 10:00 p.m.

Mayor John Dickert

Racine, WI – Mayor John Dickert will hold the second of two Community Conversations this Thursday, April 8 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center – 1134 Martin Luther King Drive from 5:30 – 7 pm.

The meetings are being held in an effort to build upon Racine’s greatest asset: its diversity. Like the first Community Conversation, the purpose of this meeting will be to discuss issues facing the city and present information regarding programs and initiatives that address the minority and low income population of Racine.

Organizations like Community Economic Development Corporation, African American Business Professional Association, Hispanic Business Alliance, Hispanic Business and Professionals Association, Racine Vocational Ministries, First Choice Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, Racine County Workforce Development, Racine/Kenosha Community Action Agency, Inc., Racine Unified School District, and the 2010 Complete Count Census Committee will once again be on hand and be set up at tables with information for attendees.

City Department heads and representatives from the Racine Police Department will also be on hand to answer questions.

For further information contact the Mayor’s office 262-636-9111.

Posted @ 7:05 p.m.

The Cabinetry Shop has expanded its range of products and services. Pictured (from left to right) are previous owners Jim and Sharon Fliss, new co-owners Stewart and Dave Barczak, and Bruce Miller

Racine, WI – Our need for more than 24 hours in a day and the state of the economy have certainly made for strange bedfellows these days when it comes to the topic of remodeling. So, when David Barczak, the new owner of The Cabinetry Shop LLC in Racine, Wis. put together his business plan, he knew Racine homeowners were in need of something more. Luckily, he has the skill set to deliver.

“Most homeowners today are limited for time and desire the simplicity of having everything they’re looking for under one roof,” said Dave, 61, new co-owner of the firm, which was established back in 1974. “So when we bought the company, it made sense to expand our offerings — especially considering my 33 years of carpentry experience — and provide the convenience of having in-house design, build and installation capabilities.”

Consequently, Dave noted, “The Cabinetry Shop is now much more than your cabinet and countertop provider. We can do it all, from gutting and demolition to electrical and plumbing to basement finishing, roofing, flooring and insulation — you name it.”

“Increasing our repertoire means we will exert more control over the entire home project and thus ensure a uniform level of high quality and craftsmanship,” said co-owner Stewart Barczak, David’s son. “When you choose us, you don’t have to go hunting for an outside electrician or tile setter or general contractor. Dealing with one firm adds up to greater peace of mind.”

Father and son are simply building on a proven formula for success. What helped put The Cabinetry Shop on the map in southeastern Wisconsin was its commitment to top-notch custom cabinetry by Wood-Mode and semi-custom cabinetry by Brookhaven. Hence, the new owners will continue to showcase multiple kitchen and bath displays by Brookhaven and Wood-Mode throughout their showroom, including an all-new home entertainment display coming in March.

What’s more, during the transition to new management, the Barczaks smartly retained the skilled services of Jim and Sharon Fliss, the previous owners. Popular with customers, the husband and wife remain on staff as sales professionals and measurers, along with designer Josephine Dittbererner. Additionally, the Barczaks are planning to hire a CAD (computer-aided design) artist and a full-time outside sales representative.

“This is an exciting time in our market, especially considering so many Racine area homeowners have decided to stay rooted instead of selling their homes,” Dave said. “They’re opting to improve and upgrade their existing residences and add elements like universal design, which makes it easy and comfortable to live in your house as long as possible.”

Also, “they’re spending more time at home enjoying their families and entertaining. So they value functionality and practicality in design, as well as esthetic appeal. They’re asking for features to make life easier, like dishwashers and refrigerators concealed in the cabinets, rollout shelves and drawers, extra storage niches and soft closing doors,” added Dave.

A brighter, more open feel in spaces, such as the kitchen, are also in trend. Case in point: David and crew recently remodeled a home in Whitefish Bay, Wis. that called for tearing down the wall between the dining room and kitchen. They implemented Wood-Mode’s much sought after Somerset theme in the revamped kitchen, which sports handsome maple cabinetry with an off-white glaze, and added a spacious pantry to the bigger and better room.

“Our projects run the gamut, from small bathroom remodels to completely custom residences built from the ground up and just about everything in between,” said Stewart, who noted that The Cabinetry Shop carries a wide array of products and name brands, including Corian, Zodiac, Sub-Zero, Kohler, Moen, Viking and Wolf.

New product lines are in the works as well. Look for Canadel bar stools, tables and chairs; handcrafted metal hoods from RangeCraft Hoods, which was recently introduced into the Midwest; stone hoods by EuroCast; and glass by CBD Glass, which offers focal points for your home from countertops to backsplashes to pedestal sinks to whatever can be imagined for this medium.

“We’re dedicated to giving each customer the highest level of personal attention,” David said. “The Cabinetry Shop has earned a strong reputation all these years for its efficient turnaround and ability to complete every job in a timely manner, and we’re building on that tradition.”

The Cabinetry Shop continues to be located at 1800 N. Main St. in Racine. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and evenings by appointment. For more information, call (262) 633-4047 or visit  TheCabinetryShopInc.com.

Posted @ 6:40 p.m.

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The person who needs immediate access should tell the dispatcher/call taker what the emergency is (being pursued, currently being assaulted outside the department, suffering from injuries requiring immediate medical assistance, etc….) and they will activate the door lock system. This will permit you to open the door, and close it, relocking the door behind you.

Immediately, the dispatcher will send out the Shift Commander and other officers from inside the department and/or dispatch multiple squads to the department in an effort to neutralize the immediate threat and provide assistance as needed.

There have been incidents around the country (and some here in Wisconsin) whereby victims of assault have driven to the PD in hopes of receiving sanctuary from a threat, only to find the doors locked and no assistance available. It is our hope that this type of incident will not occur here and that citizens can feel comfortable knowing that we are taking additional steps to ensure their safety.

Posted @ 6:15 p.m.

Attorney General J.B.Van Hollen

Madison, WI – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen  issued an informal opinion concluding that the long-standing practice of a committee created by the City of Racine to take action on specific loan projects through the use of email voting and to later confirm the results of the email vote at a subsequent committee meeting likely violated the public notice and open session requirements of Wisconsin’s open meetings law. In addition, the informal opinion concluded that the open meetings law did not permit the committee to take up specific loan projects under the “Old Business” subject designation in the committee’s meeting notices.

The opinion was requested by Stephanie Jones, a reporter with The Journal Times newspaper of Racine. Ms. Jones provided information indicating that the City of Racine created a five-member Loan Review Board (“Board”) to review loan applications submitted by city residents for improvements to properties located in the city, and to administer the loans made as a result of granted applications. The Board’s minutes reflected that it occasionally took action at its meetings to confirm or reaffirm the results of email votes of the body’s members conducted outside the course of regularly scheduled meetings. On at least one occasion, the Board’s reaffirmation of an email vote occurred under the subject heading “Old Business” in the Board’s meeting notice, without any additional description of the loan in question.

The Attorney General reasoned that the email votes of the Board’s members amounted to the exercise of the Board’s authority, and the Board’s reaffirmation of its voting at subsequent meetings reflected the members’ understanding that the Board’s course of action would be determined by the number of votes in favor of or in opposition to the question that was the subject of the Board’s email votes. That activity fits the definition of a “walking quorum” type of meeting. The Attorney General reasoned that, because the email votes fit the definition of a meeting, and because the open meetings law requires all meetings to be preceded by public notice of the time, date, place, and subject matter of a body’s meetings, the Board’s failure to provide the public with advance notice of its email votes and an opportunity to observe the voting process almost certainly violated the public notice and public accessibility requirements of the open meetings law. The opinion declined to speculate on whether a governmental body could create some type of email voting protocol and public record notice that would satisfy the public accessibility requirements of the open meetings law.

The Attorney General also reiterated the Department of Justice’s long-standing advice that purely generic subject matter designations in meeting notices, such as “old business,” “new business,” “miscellaneous business,” “agenda revisions,” or “such other matters as are authorized by law,” are legally insufficient because they identify no particular subjects at all. Thus, the Board likely violated the notice requirements of the open meetings law when it voted to reaffirm a prior email vote on a particular project under the subject designation “Old Business.”

Under the open meetings law, the Attorney General may provide opinions as to the open meetings law’s applicability to any person. Advice often takes the form of correspondence from the Assistant Attorneys General, but the Attorney General may issue formal or informal opinions.

A copy of the opinion request is available at:
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/ag/opinions/2010_01_25Jones-Request.pdf

Posted @ 6:15 p.m.

The news report, which can be found online at www.wkowtv.com, shows that in an email from Neubauer to Mason, Neubauer states “Announce and release the bill in the form that is attached on Friday.”

“This is simply unacceptable,” stated Bill Folk, Racine County GOP Chairman, “The people of the 62nd Assembly District elected Cory Mason, not Jeff Neubauer to represent them. Mr. Neubauer’s interest in this legislation, as well as his contributions to Mason, clearly show that there was a conflict that should have been clearly outlined prior to the introduction of the legislation.”

This Saturday Rep. Mason showed his hypocrisy when speaking with a reporter on WTMJ4 about the T.E.A. (Taxed Enough Already) Party Bon‐Fire in Racine County. Mason stated “Really we need to have constructive dialog where we pull everybody together.”

“We’d like to know where was this dialog before he presented Neubauer’s legislation as his own?” stated Chairman Folk

Posted @ 5:00 p.m.

Tony Evers

Racine, WI -  — State Superintendent Tony Evers will visit three schools in the Racine Unified School District on Thursday to observe classrooms and hear about different aspects of urban school reform in the district.

Evers will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. with a meeting with Racine Superintendent Jim Shaw. At 9 a.m., Evers will visit Case High School. The school leadership team will present information about the Case International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program and efforts to increase student enrollment in Advanced Placement and IB classes. While at the high school, Evers will observe an IB senior literature class and a technical education class.

At 10:15 a.m., Evers will tour Mitchell Middle School and visit an English classroom. That school’s listening session will focus on efforts to eliminate basic classes. Evers will visit a first-grade classroom that has concentrated on writing improvement during his 11:30 a.m. visit to Wadewitz Elementary School. Information on teacher leadership efforts to use data to improve achievement will highlight discussions.

Following the school visits, Evers will join school board members as well as labor, community, and business leaders for a working luncheon. At 2 p.m., he will meet with the district’s “Guiding Coalition” in the district office to continue discussions on urban school reform and how the coalition arrived at the North Star Vision.

WHO: State Superintendent Tony Evers
WHAT: Racine Unified School District Visit
WHEN: Thursday, January 14, 2010
WHERE: 9 a.m. – Case High School, 7345 Washington Avenue
10:15 a.m. – Mitchell Middle School, 2701 Drexel Avenue
11:30 a.m. – Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout Street

Posted @ 4:16 p.m.

Odyssey is in need of caring, compassionate volunteers to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. After completing our special training, volunteers may visit patients in facilities or in their homes, provide support in the office, or help with special projects. Volunteering for hospice can be a rewarding and life changing experience. “I never realized it could be so fun,” said volunteer Liz Spevak. “I’ll never forget when my patient told me that I made her day just by visiting,” she added. Volunteers soon find that they receive a lot more than they give. Locations and times are flexible according to volunteers’ schedule and interests!

Odyssey also has opportunities for professionals to volunteer with our organization. Massage or pet therapists, beauticians, lawyers, and financial counselors, for example, can all impact the lives of our patients and families. Veterans or spouses of veterans can provide an invaluable service to vets receiving hospice care.

The next group training is scheduled for November 21^st from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 4701 Washington Avenue in Racine. If you are not available that day, individual training can be arranged. In addition, future training sessions will be offered in Burlington. Call now to find out more!

History:  At Odyssey HealthCare, we improve the quality of life for patients facing terminal diagnoses while providing support for their loved ones. We’ve been meeting this special need since 1996. Odyssey is the largest hospice provider in the country, offering personalized care and support to thousands of patients and their families across the country each day.

Office Address/Training location: 4701 Washington Ave., Suite 225, Racine, WI 53105

Posted @ 6:18 p.m.

“Today’s news that the Bank of Elmwood is closing is unfortunate. The
institution has been a pillar in Racine for decades, and the positive
contributions that it has made to the community will be sorely missed. I have the utmost respect for the community-minded organization and appreciate the positive impact it has had on the Racine area.

Although the national economic downturn played a role in the bank’s failure, anti-business legislation at the state level also contributed to the Racine institution’s hardships.

My opponent, John Lehman, has supported numerous job-killing policies that are taking a toll on Wisconsin’s financial strength and business climate. Billions of dollars in new taxes have been levied on Wisconsin businesses at a time when they are already struggling to retain workers and meet their loan obligations.

Lehman also authored a bill (SB-2) that would make it harder for businesses to obtain credit from their lending institutions. This credit is essential to many companies that are struggling to stay afloat. Taking financial resources away from a company and then hammering it with new taxes is not the right approach, especially when Racine is enduring a 14.5% unemployment rate.

I encourage the Department of Workforce Development to respond quickly to ensure that any affected Bank of Elmwood employees’ needs are being met. I also encourage the Department of Financial Institutions to expend the resources necessary to ensure a fluid transition so bank customers do not see an interruption in their banking services.”

Bank of Elmwood customers who have questions can call the FDIC at (800) 234-9027 between 9am-6pm on Saturday, and noon-6pm on Sunday.

Posted @ 3:31 p.m.

Racine, WI – Bank of Elmwood, Racine, Wisconsin, was closed Yesterday by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Tri City National Bank, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, to assume all of the deposits of Bank of Elmwood.

The five branches of Bank of Elmwood will reopen on today as branches of Tri City National Bank. Depositors of Bank of Elmwood will automatically become depositors of Tri City National Bank. Deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC, so there is no need for customers to change their banking relationship to retain their deposit insurance coverage. Customers should continue to use their existing branch until Tri City National Bank can fully integrate the deposit records of Bank of Elmwood.

This evening and over the weekend, depositors of Bank of Elmwood can access their money by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.

As of September 30, 2009, Bank of Elmwood had total assets of $327.4 million and total deposits of approximately $273.2 million. Tri City National Bank did not pay the FDIC a premium for the deposits of Bank of Elmwood. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, Tri City National Bank agreed to purchase essentially all of the assets.

Customers who have questions about today’s transaction can call the FDIC toll-free at 1-800-234-9027. The phone number will be operational this evening until 9:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time (CDT); on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., CDT; on Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m., CDT; and thereafter from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., CDT. Interested parties also can visit the FDIC’s Web site at http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/elmwood.html.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $101.1 million. Tri City National Bank’s acquisition of all the deposits was the “least costly” resolution for the FDIC’s DIF compared to alternatives. Bank of Elmwood is the 104th FDIC-insured institution to fail in the Nation this year, and the first in Wisconsin. The last FDIC-insured institution closed in the state was The First National Bank of Blanchardville, Blanchardville, on May 9, 2003.

Posted @ 3:16 a.m.

Sales for the fiscal 2010 first quarter were $47,057,000, compared to $72,671,000 for the same period last year, which was the second best first quarter in the Company’s history. The decline in sales for the fiscal 2010 first quarter was due to the continued impact the global recession is having on the Company’s markets, the seasonally weak first quarter and shutdowns at the Company’s Italian, Belgian and Racine manufacturing facilities. Shipments to the mega yacht, industrial, and oil and gas markets remained weak during the fiscal 2010 first quarter, which was partially offset by good demand from the airport, rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) market and stable demand from land- and marine-based military, and Asian-Pacific commercial marine markets.

Gross profit, as a percentage of fiscal 2010 first-quarter sales, was 20.7 percent, compared to 27.6 percent in last year’s comparable period. Gross margins were severely impacted for the fiscal 2010 first quarter by the combination of plant closings for the equivalent of two months at the Company’s European facilities and the closing for one month of the Company’s Racine, Wisconsin facilities, due to previously announced cost cutting initiatives.

For the fiscal 2010 first quarter, marketing, engineering and administrative (ME&A) expenses, decreased $3,540,000 to $12,778,000 compared to $16,318,000 for the same period last year, as a result of previously announced cost reduction initiatives. As a percentage of sales, ME&A expenses for the fiscal 2010 first quarter were 27.2 percent, compared to 22.5 percent in the fiscal 2009 first quarter.

The Company recorded a net loss for the fiscal 2010 first quarter of $2,404,000, or $0.22 per share, compared with net earnings of $2,465,000, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the fiscal 2009 first quarter. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)* was a loss of $808,000 for the fiscal 2010 first quarter, compared to a gain of $6,814,000 for the fiscal 2009 first quarter.

Commenting on the results, Michael E. Batten, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The global recession that we began to experience in the second half of fiscal 2009 continued to impact our results in the first quarter. As announced previously, we implemented temporary plant shutdowns along with government sponsored layoffs, in addition to normal seasonal actions, to adjust production levels to near term demand, which had a negative impact on absorption rates. Tight controls on spending and other cost reduction initiatives helped offset the impact of the decline in volume.”

Christopher J. Eperjesy, Vice President – Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, stated: “We are actively managing our cost structure, balance sheet and cash flows. Working capital at September 25, 2009 was $103,127,000 compared to $103,669,000 at June 30, 2009 and $109,843,000 at September 26, 2008. As a result of net changes in working capital, cash provided by operations was $8,066,000 for the quarter, which increased our overall cash position by $3,875,000. At September 25, 2009, the Company had cash of $17,141,000, compared to $13,266,000 at June 30, 2009. Total debt at September 25, 2009 was $49,013,000, compared to $50,769,000 at June 30, 2009 and $55,147,000 at September 26, 2008. As the fiscal year progresses, we will continue to work on paying down debt and improving cash flows through working capital efficiencies.”

Mr. Batten concluded: “Our six-month backlog at September 25, 2009 was $62,485,000, compared to $60,583,000 at June 30, 2009 and $118,639,000 at September 26, 2008. We are encouraged to see a slight improvement in our six-month backlog. While demand from our pleasure craft and industrial markets remains depressed, trends in the commercial marine market, particularly in the Pacific Basin, remain steady. Orders from the airport rescue and fire fighting and land-based military sectors are also holding up well, while order intake from the military patrol boat market has been growing. And finally, we have experienced an uptick in orders for pressure pumping transmissions and air clutches from the domestic and international oil and gas markets. We continue to expect our new 7500 series transmission to be available to the market by fiscal year end. Our outlook is for improving quarterly trends for the balance of the fiscal year.”
Posted @ 1:20 p.m.

Kennia Coronado is a sophomore at Horlick High School in Racine and a member of Students United for Immigrant Rights (SUFRIR). She and other members of SUFRIR and their partner group Students United in the Struggle (SUITS) organized the rally yesterday. She says, “It’s a good thing that Paul Ryan backed away from FAIR and asked to be removed from their website. Now we need him to be a leader. Yesterday we brought a pledge against hate to his office, we want him to sign it.”

Racine Voces de la Frontera coordinator Maria Morales also sees this as a victory. “FAIR is a thinly veiled hate group that too often gets into the mainstream media as a legitimate counterpoint of view. When Representatives like Ryan disassociate themselves from FAIR it helps to discredit them,” she explains. “Now we need Ryan to do more. Many families in Racine are suffering because of a broken immigration system. We need him to work with us towards comprehensive immigration reform.”

A delegation of youth and community members met with Ryan’s staff during the rally to explain their demands. Christian Alvarez, a junior at Walden High School was part of the delegation and reports “I was really angry when I heard that Ryan interviewed with FAIR and it is great our rally got him to move away from them.” However, he is not satisfied with just a move away from FAIR. “There are other important things I’m concerned about that I brought up to his staff. Congressman Ryan used to support the DREAM Act and now he has turned his back on it. My friends need the DREAM Act. I asked his staff why Ryan is not supporting those students. They promised a response from the congressman and I am eager to see it.”

Congressman Ryan’s office is expected to give a response on the pledge and to clarify his position on the DREAM Act and immigration reform within a week.

Posted @ 12:01 a.m.

Governor Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that A & E Incorporated, Racine, will consolidate operations in Racine, moving an existing operation from Texas. The project is expected to create 28 jobs and retain 140 for hardworking Wisconsin families.

“I have worked hard as Governor to make Wisconsin a friendly place to do business and am thrilled that A&E has decided to consolidate its operations here in Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “Now, more than ever, it’s important we continue to invest in good companies like A&E which are committed to providing jobs for hardworking Wisconsin families.”

“There were several aspects considered as we contemplated expanding the Texas location or consolidating the Texas operations into the Racine facility,” said John R. Lang, Chairman of the Board and CEO of A&E Incorporated. “Factors such as local support for our company, the skill set of the local workforce and the necessary training and adult education programs to support our manufacturing operation helped us choose Wisconsin.”

The Governor noted that the company is receiving $862,000 in tax credits from the Department of Commerce (Commerce). The project will create 28 jobs, retain 140 jobs and represent $2,008,000 in total investment. The company will move an existing operation from Texas and consolidate it in Racine, where it maintains three operations, including the headquarters.

A & E Incorporated has developed into a family of companies that provide cutting-edge products and services to a growing client base in the U.S. and in many international markets. Products include hand tools, specialty tools for the transportation industry, diagnostics and compression testing, and high quality metal stampings. In continuous operation since 1932, A & E Incorporated sells its products to a premier client base in retail, mobile distribution, industrial and automotive warehouse distribution, and online via the internet.

For more information on Commerce programs and services, contact the Commerce area development manager for your region at http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-AreaDevManagers.html.

Posted @ 1:46 p.m.

Assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option, Modine expects to receive net proceeds from the offering of approximately $81 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of the offering. Modine intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to reduce indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

J.P. Morgan is the book-running manager and Robert W. Baird & Co. is the lead manager for the offering. Comerica Securities and KeyBanc Capital Markets are acting as co-managers.

Modine has filed a registration statement (including a related prospectus) and a preliminary prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the offering to which this communication relates. A final prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should read the prospectus, final prospectus supplement and other documents that Modine has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for complete information about Modine and the offering.

Investors may obtain these documents at no charge by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, investors may obtain the prospectus and final prospectus supplement by contacting Prospectus Department, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., 4 Chase Metrotech Center, CS Level, Brooklyn, New York 11245, Attention Prospectus Library (tel: 1-718-242-8002).

Posted @ 1:10 p.m.

Modine intends to use the proceeds from the offering to reduce indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

J.P. Morgan is the book-running manager and Robert W. Baird & Co. is the lead manager for the offering. Comerica Securities and KeyBanc Capital Markets are acting as co-managers.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Modine has filed a registration statement (including a related prospectus) and a preliminary prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the offering to which this communication relates. Investors should read the prospectus, preliminary prospectus supplement and other documents that Modine has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for complete information about Modine and the offering.

Investors may obtain these documents at no charge by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, investors may obtain the prospectus and preliminary prospectus supplement by contacting Prospectus Department, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., 4 Chase Metrotech Center, CS Level, Brooklyn, New York 11245, Attention Prospectus Library (tel: 1-718-242-8002).

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Posted @ 12:01 p.m.

• Rick Parrish of The Journal Times in Racine will become publisher of The Daily News in Longview, filling a vacancy. He has been publisher in Racine since 2007.
• Mark Lewis of The Garden Island in Lihue, Hawaii, will become publisher in Racine. He has been publisher in Lihue since 2006.

In making the announcement in Racine, Lee vice president Carl Schmidt said: “Rick has been a marvelous leader here in Racine. I know you’ll miss him and he’ll miss you, but this move gives him the opportunity to return to his home state. You’ll become equally impressed with Mark Lewis. Like Rick, he’s a talented and experienced leader who builds and sustains great teams. Also like Rick, he’ll help you continue making the JT even better for readers, online users and advertisers.”

At a staff meeting in Longview, Lee vice president Mike Gulledge said: “I am thrilled to have Rick in Longview. He has an outstanding track record of success in our corporation. He is innovative, moves with a sense of urgency and is passionate about our business. In addition, Rick cares deeply about his employees and the community. Western Washington is home for Rick and his family. It is ideal when we can match a career opportunity with the ability to move back home.”

Before becoming publisher in Racine, Parrish had been advertising director at The Journal Times since 2005. Before joining Lee, he was retail advertising manager at the Idaho Statesman in Boise, and previously advanced in sales, administration and management positions at The Seattle Times. In Seattle, he served as advertising sales executive, online sales executive, advertising sales manager and general manager of the newspaper’s distribution subsidiary. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Washington University.

He and his wife, Jan, and son, Troy, have been volunteers at the Sacred Heart Parish and John Paul II Academy. Rick coached baseball and basketball for Racine Youth Sports. Rick also served on the boards of the Downtown Racine Corporation and Racine Area Manufactures and Commerce.

“I will miss the great employees at The Journal Times and friends we’ve made throughout the Racine community. If it weren’t for the chance to move home we never would have left Racine,” Parrish said.

Before becoming publisher in Lihue, Lewis was director of operations for Lee’s newspaper in Sioux City, Iowa, the Sioux City Journal. He began his newspaper career with Lee in 1988 at the Lincoln Journal Star in Lincoln, Neb. He joined the U.S. Marines in 1989 and returned to Lincoln in 1993, advancing to interim circulation director. In 1998 he left Lee to become state circulation director of the Omaha World-Herald, and in 2000 joined the Honolulu Star-Bulletin as part of an executive team that launched a new paper after it split from its JOA partner, The Honolulu Advertiser. He returned to Lee in 2002 as circulation director of the Sioux City Journal, and in 2004 was promoted to director of operations. In 2008, Lihue was a finalist for enterprise of the year, Lee’s highest award.

He and his wife, Lisa, have three children. Both he and Lisa have been active in the Lihue community, where he served as president of the Kauai Food Bank, was a board member of Hawaii Publisher’s Association, and on the advisory committee for the American Red Cross and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is also a lifetime member of the VFW, the Marine Corps League and Sigma Chi. Lisa has continued her work with the American Cancer Society, devoting many hours volunteering and has been co-chair for the last two major ACS galas.

“I am excited to join The Journal Times and look forward to getting to know the staff, as well as the Racine community. Leaving Kauai is bittersweet as we say aloha to a community that has been our ‘ohana’ (family) for the last 3 plus years. All that is left to say is ‘a hui hou’ (until we meet again).”

Randy Kozerski, controller, has been appointed interim publisher in Lihue.

Lee Enterprises operates 53 daily newspapers, online sites and more than 300 specialty publications in 23 states. Lee’s newspapers have circulation of 1.5 million daily and 1.8 million Sunday, reaching four million readers daily. Lee’s online sites attract 14 million unique visits monthly, and Lee’s weekly publications have distribution of more than four million households. Lee’s markets include St. Louis, Mo.; Lincoln, Neb.; Madison, Wis.; Davenport, Iowa; Billings, Mont.; Bloomington, Ill.; and Tucson, Ariz. Lee stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.

Source: Lee Enterprises

Posted 5:30 p.m.

Whether they’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, the stated message remains unchanged: “Family.  It’s all about love!”

Sponsored by the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin in partnership with the Cream City Foundation and nearly 40 community organizations, the billboard facing north, 400 feet south of County Road KR in Kenosha/Racine, is one of many to be found throughout the metropolitan Milwaukee area as part of Cream City Foundation’s Gay Neighbor campaign.

Transit signs, paper and digital billboards, and Spanish language signage direct commuters and passersby to www.GayNeighbor.org, where they are encouraged to learn more about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues and to read stories of real-life LGBT people or the people that love them actually living within our community.

“Putting a face on an issue that some people may find complicated or difficult to comprehend often helps us to realize how much we have in common and how petty some of our differences really may be,” says Dr. Bruce Joffe, the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin’s Executive Director.  “That’s why we wanted to sponsor this message on such a busy road in our area: to promote our shared humanity and values held in common.”

In addition to Racine and Kenosha, commuter freeway routes in Milwaukee and the Ozaukee and Waukesha suburbs are heralding this same themed message.

“The Gay Neighbor billboard media are part of a public education campaign that challenges stereotypes about gay families in Southeastern Wisconsin by asking people to take a look at what a gay family really looks like,” says Cream City Foundation’s Executive Director María Cadenas.  “These billboard images of real neighbors illustrate our shared values of love, family, and commitment—emphasizing fairness for everyone, including gay and transgender people and their families.”

The billboards will remain up at least throughout September.

This is the second consecutive year that Southeastern Wisconsin has seen Gay Neighbor billboards and media aimed at creating more LGBT-friendly allies.

Posted @ 12:25 p.m.

Frank Hannan-Rock

Wednesday night witnesses reported the Racine police grabbed Frank Hannan-Rock, 52, of 417 Luedtke Ave off his front porch for legally open carrying a holstered handgun.  It sounds like not only did the Racine, police not get the Attorney General’s Memo on the legality of open carry in Wisconsin, but they are borrowing a page from the Bush Administration’s playbook and executing a form of “extraordinary rendition” against US citizens who dare to open carry. The Racine Police Department now claims officers might have been setup. At the time of Mr. Hannan-Rock’s arrest he was carrying a digital voice recorder and a pamphlet on open carry, this circumstantial evidence is what the Police are using for there claim.

Posted @ 5:15  p.m.

State Rep. Cory Mason

Racine,WI – State Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) has announced that on Tuesday, September 15th, he will lead representatives from Spanish train manufacturer Talgo on a Racine-area tour of potential sites for its new Wisconsin train car assembly facility.

Governor Doyle announced in July that the State of Wisconsin had entered into a partnership with Talgo to build and put into service two train sets. The agreement calls for the establishment of maintenance and assembly facilities in Wisconsin. As soon as the agreement was announced, Representative Mason invited Talgo to tour Racine and initiated conversations with Racine Mayor John Dickert, other local elected officials, and Racine County economic development professionals to identify potential assembly facilities that would meet the company’s needs.

Representative Mason, also a commissioner on the Racine Redevelopment Authority, noted, “The Talgo partnership with the state creates an important opportunity to bring jobs to Racine. It will also bring us closer to the development of high speed rail, plugging Racine into the region and serving as a key component of our community’s economic development and growth.”

Rep. Mason continued, “Though numerous southeastern Wisconsin communities are competing to be the site of Talgo’s assembly facility, I fully believe that Racine has the complete package Talgo is seeking to jumpstart its Wisconsin operations. In addition to attractive, available manufacturing sites on rail spurs and local businesses with extensive train experience, we’ve also
got workers trained for the kind of 21st Century jobs Talgo aims to create.”

“I am looking forward to showing off all that Racine has to offer Talgo on September 15th. I am optimistic that we will be able to show Talgo firsthand the numerous benefits of selecting Racine for its new assembly facility,” said Representative Mason.

Posted @ 12:15 a.m.