Thursday, 8.22
Green County Circuit Judge Thomas Vale sentences Jeremy Wand to three concurrent life sentences for helping start a fire that killed his three young nephews in September 2012. Wand, who unsuccessfully sought to withdraw his guilty plea, was given a slightly lighter sentence than his brother, Armin Wand III, who was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in April.
Friday, 8.23
Michael Falbo, president of the UW Board of Regents, appoints 18 people to a committee to head up the search for a new system president. Current president Kevin Reilly will retire in January.
Monday, 8.26
The Wisconsin State Journal reports that two state legislators are planning to introduce legislation that would require police departments to involve outside agencies in reviewing cases where officers use lethal force. Madison Police officers have killed three people in the line of duty in the past year.
Dane County Circuit Judge Julie Genovese sentences Jesse Bergeron, 35, to nine months in jail and three years' probation for a 2012 accident near Sun Prairie that killed Kim Sylvia, 47, and injured Joe Blaschka, 50.
Capitol Police wrestle protester Damon Terrell to the ground during the Solidarity Sing Along in the Capitol Rotunda and then tentatively charge him with felony battery. His brother, C.J. Terrell, later tells reporters: "The police are supposed to be the de-escalators of the situation, not the escalators."
The Madison school board adopts a $433.6 million budget for the 2013-14 school year, increasing property taxes by 51 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property. Board member Mary Burke -- a possible 2014 candidate for governor -- votes no to both the budget and tax levy. See Bennet Goldstein's report.
The Associated Press reports that Rep. Andre Jacque (R-DePere) has reintroduced a bill that would make English the official state language. ¡Que idea tan estúpida!
The Madison Water Utility announces that it is seeking to raise water rates 22%, from $2.81 to $3.40 per thousand gallons. The request is being made in order to pay for aging water mains and improve water quality. The utility needs permission from the state Public Service Commission to hike the rates. If the increase is approved, it would mean rates have risen 75% since 2006.
Tuesday, 8.27
A 45-year-old woman allegedly shoots up with heroin and then passes out at the wheel of her car on Fish Hatchery Road, rolling through traffic and nearly driving into Wingra Creek. Police spokesman Joel DeSpain tells the State Journal: "Almost every week, officers and paramedics respond to heroin overdoses in the Madison area. The epidemic shows no signs of subsiding."
Compiled, in part, from local media.
