State

MADISON -- A bill that would make it illegal to sell a person's food-stamp benefits was endorsed Thursday by a state Assembly committee - and it's up for a vote Friday by a Senate panel. Assembly Republican Samantha Kerkman of Powers Lake is the bill's main sponsor.

ST. PAUL -- Minnesota legislators are considering reinstating a deal with Wisconsin so people who live in one state and work in the other do not need to file two income tax returns. A bill studying the situation is set to be included in an overall tax bill later this legislative...

A telephone call between Minnesota and Wisconsin governors about a tax dispute has been delayed until later this week. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, both new to the offices, plan to talk about tax reciprocity, which until this year allowed a taxpayer...

Wisconsin's new Republican governor is taking the same tactic as Minnesota GOP legislators to help the economy: finding ways to help businesses so they can create more jobs. Gov. Scott Walker toured his state Tuesday, including stops in Hudson and Superior next to Minnesota, touting...

The state Public Service Commission says it will fight a lawsuit against its recent decision to let a utility charge lower rates to large industries that expand and create jobs. The Citizens Utility Board sued the PSC Tuesday, saying small businesses and residents would pay more...

There are new penalties in Wisconsin drunken driving laws and the most significant are primarily aimed at teenage offenders and those with multiple infractions. The new restrictions go into effect July 1, just in time for Independence Day weekend celebrations. "I can see an increase...

Wisconsin school districts officially got the bad news many were expecting Thursday. The state released the final school aid figures and most districts are getting less than a year ago. In the summer, it was estimated that one of every five school systems would get 15 percent less,...

State Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan says Democrats have the 50 votes they need to pass their version of the new state budget. But he delayed the Assembly's debate until this morning, so Republicans could review all the changes the majority made in four days of closed-door caucuses....

An art and craft show is scheduled June 7 at Willow River State Park, 1034 County A. Free fishing runs both days. Park admission is free for the Sunday art fair only in conjunction with a state park open house throughout Wisconsin. Art fair The eighth annual Art Along the Willow,...

Dear Editor, Why is it that people are missing the point entirely? Last week's editorial, "Smoking ban has pros, cons, "but is generally best for all" shows the ignorance of people today. Why is it OK with people to let the government take away our basic rights? Quoting Carl Shurz,...

Dear Editor, On behalf of a tobacco-free healthcare campus committed to public health, I urge legislators to act now to make Wisconsin the 25th state with a comprehensive smoke-free workplace policy. We support the regulation of a product that affects the health of the community....

Dear Editor, Is not separate, but equal, OK? I realize the danger of second-hand smoke, but here's a novel idea: Don't go in a smoking establishment. There are plenty of smoke-free places you can patronize; must the non-smokers have their way in both public and private business? Another...

Eleven Hudson High School students have qualified to perform at a Wisconsin School Music Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival. Eleven sites statewide are holding the festivals April 25 and May 2. To qualify for state, musicians had to earn a top rating at the district level....

The Willow River OWLs (Organization for Wildlife Learning) and Willow River State Park are holding the eighth annual Art Along the Willow from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the park, 1034 County A. A few spaces are still available for artists and fine crafters. Cost is $35 before...