"Elizabethkingia reaches into Racine County"

From The Journal Times.com:

MARK FELDMANN mark.feldmann@journaltimes.com 17 hrs ago 0

 

"RACINE COUNTY — A deadly outbreak of bacterial bloodstream infections in Wisconsin — the first of its kind in the nation — has reached into Racine County, officials said.

"The state Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Public Health is investigating 44 cases of bloodstream infections caused by bacteria called Elizabethkingia that occurred between Nov. 1, 2015 and March 2 in southeastern and southern Wisconsin.

"Of the 44 cases, 18 patients have died, although state health officials do not know if the bacterial infection played any role in the deaths.

 "At least one case has been reported in Racine County, officials confirmed. They would not reveal how many cases or if there have been any deaths here.

"Cases were also reported in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sauk, Washington and Waukesha counties, according to the DHS.

"Officials at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital and Aurora Health Care directed all questions about the outbreak to state officials.

"'The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reached out to let us know that they are looking into cases of Elizabethkingia infections, which typically impacts people with compromised immune systems,' said Tami Kou, director of public affairs at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee. 'We are working with the state on this matter to help provide our assistance.'

"The regional healthcare system operates Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington and several clinics in Racine County.

"The majority of infected patients are 65 or older, and all have serious underlying health conditions like cancer or kidney failure, said State Health Officer Karen McKeown.

"'As soon as we were notified of the potential outbreak, Wisconsin’s disease detectives began working immediately to identify the source,' McKeown said.

 "Those detectives are working with epidemiologists and laboratory partners from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to find answers, McKeown said.

"The experts so far have discovered that this is the first outbreak of this strain of bacteria in the nation, said Stephanie Smiley, director of the DHS’s bureau of communicable diseases.

"'“We don’t know much right now, but we do know it’s unique and it’s rare,' Smiley said. 'We also know that older individuals with serious conditions who have received treatment from a health care provider are suddenly becoming very ill.'

"Patients with the infection suffered from fever, shortness of breath, and chills. The infection is detected through a blood test. Patients identified with the infection are being treated with antibiotics, Smiley said.

"There is no indication that the infection is contagious or has been spread from person to person, she said."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/elizabethkingia-reaches-into-racine-county/article_b5ae77f7-dd97-5779-9ad6-4754f22bafdf.html


"The majority of infected patients are 65 or older, and all have serious underlying health conditions like cancer or kidney failure, said State Health Officer Karen McKeown."

Uh-oh.

Open Blog - Weekend

Everybody in Racine should set their thermostat as high as they go and open all their doors and windows to melt the snow.

"Suspect, Who Tried To Entice Child Into His Car, Sought"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Police and fire, Schools · March 4, 2016 · No comments

"Racine Police are searching for a suspect in a possible child enticement that happened at 9:18 a.m. Friday in on Douglas Avenue near Prospect Avenue.

"A 13-year-old girl told police that a man driving a red car approached her, made several comments to her and tried to convince her to get into his car. Ignoring the man, the girl walked to Turning Point Academy, 1101 Douglas Ave., and reported to the school police officer. Police searched for the man, but were unable to find him him.

"The man is described as a Hispanic man who has long black hair pulled into a ponytail and some black facial hair.

"Racine Police accident investigators are interested in any more information that anyone may have about this incident. Any witnesses, or citizens with information, are urged to call the Racine Police Department Accident Investigations Unit at (262) 635-7816.

"You may also contact Crime Stoppers with your anonymous tips at (262) 636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message."

"Racine Police Lieutenant starts 'Band of Blue' to help children of fallen officers"

From RacineUncovered:

03/03/2016 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

 

"Lieutenant Mike Smith with the Racine Police Department, has started a non-profit organization named Band of Blue. The basic mission is to provide support to the children of Law Enforcement Officers that have died in the line of duty. His vision for this organization is that Band of Blue will provide an experience to the children of our fallen law enforcement officers

"Lt. Mike Smith has been in Law Enforcement for 16 years and have spent all of those years with the Racine Police Department located in southeast Wisconsin. Lt. Smith stated 'Like all of you have, I have heard of all the tragic stories of those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice and I can’t even imagine the pain of those that have lost someone in their agency.'
 
"'On September 1st 2015 I walked my two kids to the bus stop on their first day of school. This also was my sons first day of kindergarten. So off the kids go to school and I tell them that I can’t wait to hear about their day when I see them the next morning. That afternoon I go into work and I hear about yet another line of duty death not too far from where I live.'
 
"He stated that 'I returned home from work that evening and as is the case most nights everyone was in bed. I came across a poem that my son the kindergartner brought home. The teacher had the kids place their hand print on a piece of paper that also had a poem on it. The poem spoke of courage and bravery. I stared at that piece of paper for quite a while as I couldn’t help but think again about the Officer from earlier. What was happening in that house? What were those kids going through? It was at that moment that I decided that I wanted to start Band of Blue. I wanted to bring everyone together to help these children that have lost so much.'
 
"There are a lot of great organizations that exist to provide support to the affected families. but there is nothing like Band of Blue. Band of Blue is a resource that we can use to impact the lives of the children left behind.
 
"If an agency suffers a loss and should the Officers from that agency wish to provide an experience for that Officers children, a request would be made to Band of Blue for the funds to make that experience happen. This request could come immediately following the tragic event or maybe 1 year, or even 15 years later.
 
"Lt. Smith believed in this so much they used their savings and more to pay for the website, marketing and legal work to get the organization off the ground. If you visit the website BAND OF BLUE, this is where experiences that are provided will be shared.
 
"You will also find a section that asks for donation. The donation function is separated in three parts: civilian, business and law enforcement. Donation will automatically add you to an e-newsletter list and help support children across the U.S."

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO VISIT THEM ON FACEBOOK..”LIKE” THEM TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH HAPPENINGS BAND OF BLUE FACEBOOK

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/03/racine-police-lieutenant-starts-band-of-blue-to-help-children-of-fallen-officers/

"Anonymous - Message to all gang related citizens"

Four for Fridays!

I hope everyone has been enjoying the week minus the naughty S word that has come down on us this week. I hear we are going to get a thunder storm next week and I would rather the rain. This week has come and gone so fast again. Here are your questions.

1) Have you ever had someone just invite themselves over to your house without asking you?

2) Have you had any pets and now you miss them so much?

3) Do you like the luminous blue headlights on the new cars?

4) When you are driving in the early morning or at night and you have a truck with a lot of lights on it behind you and looks like a spaceship how do you feel?

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend!

Open Blog - Friday

Yes, why don't you stay for a few days?

"Commentary: Lincoln Hills investigation highlights troubled Department of Corrections"

From The Journal Times.com:

RON THOMAS and DEACON BOB BAGLE 18 hrs ago 4

 

"Recently, the State of Wisconsin’s Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls have been investigated by the FBI concerning allegations of sexual assault and child abuse. As Racine residents, we thank the county officials who had the foresight to create a youth corrections facility that allows incarcerated troubled youth to remain in this community- not exposed to the criminal activity that has been allowed in the state institutions.

"We also acknowledge that the Racine county program saves tax dollars, protects the inmates and has better outcomes for our youth as measured by recidivism rates. Thanks to all who took the initiative to create, support and grow that program.

"Some local pols have said that criticism of the state youth corrections programs are somehow political and disingenuous and that the incidents reported at those facilities are 'isolated incidents.' That is simply not the case. Wisconsin’s youth corrections facilities are part of a deeply troubled Department of Corrections that fails to serve the citizens of our state. For example:

"Wisconsin leads the country in the incarceration of black men. The U.S. average is 6.7 percent. Wisconsin’s rate is 12.8 percent. The second-highest state is Oklahoma with a rate of 9.7 percent.

"Wisconsin imprisons Native American men at 7.6 percent, while the national average is 3.1 percent. Our state’s incarceration rates show that our criminal justice system is structurally racist.

"Although Wisconsin and Minnesota are comparable in population and ethnic diversity, Wisconsin consistently has twice the number of state-housed prisoners and spends twice as much on corrections as our neighboring state. Strangely — our crime rates are not proportionally lower. Wisconsinites simply pay more and get less.

"Because 20 or so years ago, the Legislature passed 'tough on crime' legislation — particularly so-called 'Truth in Sentencing' laws, people who were convicted of crimes years ago remained in prison as they aged beyond being statistical risks for release into society. Not only are they no longer threats to the public, they remain the state’s fiscal responsibility. Medical care for some patients can cost more than $100,000. Have the compassion to let these old men and women go home.

"As the state holds hearings to fill the position vacated by Secretary Walls, take note, legislators — you need to do a better job."

 
Ron Thomas and Deacon Bob Bagley are co-chairs of the Racine Interfaith Coalition’s Restore Our Communities Committee.

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/commentary-lincoln-hills-investigation-highlights-troubled-department-of-corrections/article_ab91c207-6a94-535c-936c-08f0a90ac881.html


Hear, hear!

Top 10 Media Thursdays

Open Blog - Thursday

"Something new" and good, please. My neg-o-meter has been stuck on full negative for days.

"1500' TV Tower"

Pretty video, but I don't like heights.

"Guards investigated for antagonizing mentally ill state prisoner"

From JSOnline:

By Gina Barton of the Journal Sentinel
March 2, 2016 12:04 p.m

"Three guards were investigated for antagonizing an inmate with a mental illness at the state-run Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility last summer, the Department of Corrections has confirmed.

"The investigation began Feb. 6 when officials received a copy of a recording the officers made of themselves harassing the inmate via the intercom system. It was concluded on Monday and 'appropriate actions were taken,' according to a memo from Superintendent Ronald K. Malone obtained by the Journal Sentinel.

"A reporter's email to Malone last week was forwarded to Jeffrey Grothman, then a corrections department spokesman, who did not provide additional details about the nature of those actions or whether they included discipline.

"On the recording, which was provided to the Journal Sentinel by a confidential source, the inmate becomes more and more agitated as the jailers threaten to withhold his medication.

"'I don't care what the doctor says,' one of guards says. 'I will personally take the meds and throw them on the ground before you will get (expletive).'

"Another later chimes in: 'Hey guess what...I'm taking away your (expletive) meds and I'm gonna suck them all down myself.'

"The inmate responds by shouting, cursing and threatening the guards, who cackle and insult his mother."

Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/guards-investigated-for-antagonizing-mentally-ill-state-prisoner-b99676889z1-370812541.html


Listen to the recording from the JSOnline site: http://media.jrn.com/audio/gina+project_edited.mp3  Incredible.  Guards torturing a mentally ill inmate.  Seroquel is one of my meds.

The more videos and audio tapes of official misconduct that pop up nationally, the more people will distrust law enforcement officers.  I now assume that this type of treatment is "business as usual" throughout the nation. Fuck the criminals, but fuck law enforcement officers even more.  They lie and cover up for each other, just like the criminals.  I realized a long time ago that cops and criminals have much in common.  Two sides of the same coin.  After sitting in a room full of cops during a trial over 20 years ago, I believe that they are capable of anything.  Even murder.  It's all a game to them.  I was literally sick to my stomach after listening to "Racine's finest" boast about their game of cowboys and Indians.

The cops in the sequestered room were doing exactly what the guards do in this story.  They kept mocking me, trying to get a rise out of me, but I sat silent and stared straight ahead.  The case was dismissed because the cops made an illegal search of an apartment.  So proud of themselves, yet so stupid that they can't properly execute the search of a premises.. 

"Opinion: Golden Parachutes Lay A Goose Egg in Mount Pleasant"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Elections, Letter to the editor · March 2, 2016 · No comments

"On April 13, 2015 in his last meeting as Mount Pleasant Village President, Mark Gleason put forward a measure on the agenda to guarantee a six month severance package for all village department heads fired for any reason other than 'just cause.'

"This 'golden parachute' deal for department heads was a complete surprise ­ it had never been discussed or recommended by any committee prior to that day. Gleason’s timing and motivation were and remain abundantly clear.

"The Village of Mount Pleasant employs nine department heads which includes Village Administrator, Kurt Wahlen ­ who 'coincidentally' was also Mark Gleason’s police partner years prior.

"Mark Gleason hired his former partner as Village Administrator under circumstances which scandalized trustees not two years before. The novice Village Administrator received an $80,000 per year salary (which was increased 31% to $105,000 ­ sixteen months later), four weeks vacation and a whopping 24 sick days per year.

"Should the Village Board of Trustees decide to cast off Wahlen, his severance package would be $52,500 plus benefits paid for by the people of Mount Pleasant. A sweet parting gift from his old partner on his last day as Village President.

"Although the Fire and Police Chief were exempted from the deal, six other existing department heads at Village Hall would also qualify for the payout representing some significant and unprecedented cash.

"In fact, no other municipality I could find anywhere offers a severance package like this to their department heads. It is unheard of. More than a few city and village representatives I spoke with laughed ­ hard ­ when I explained the deal to them."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/opinion-golden-parachutes-lay-a-goose-egg-in-mount-pleasant/

"March 5th - 24th Annual 'Thoughts for Food'"

From RacineUncovered:

02/29/2016 | Filed under: Community Calendar,Local News | Posted by: racineuncovered

 

"This Saturday on March 5th, the 24th Annual “Thoughts for Food” will be held. Thoughts for Food is a multi-venue benefit concert for the Racine County Food Bank that includes 14 venues featuring 15 stages and over 50 acts in Downtown Racine and Racine’s River North Neighborhood. Proceeds from the event benefit the Racine County Food Bank. In addition to the ticket, we encourage all concert goers to bring along two non-perishable food items for donation to the Food Bank. For the latest schedule, visit www.thoughtsforfood.org Shuttles between the venues will be available all night at no charge.

"To purchase tickets please visit 24th ANNUAL THOUGHTS FOR FOOD TICKET PURCHASE
 

 

 Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/02/march-5th-24th-annual-thoughts-for-food/

"Downtown Racine sometimes looks like a ghost town."

From Racine Community Media:

http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/140204639358/downtown-racine-sometimes-looks-like-a-ghost-town

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my snow-frosted cupcakes!  How are you?  Wasn't that one hell of a 1 - 2 punch by the weather?  First balmy breezes, then a snowstorm.  Does anyone have any idea what is going on with the climate?  I think I got spoiled by a few days of sun and warmth, and now more seasonal weather has hit.  No matter how you cut it, though, this is going to go down as a warm winter.  Silly me, I know Mother Nature is insane and I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Ms. OKIE mentioned that plants are budding out all over.  Now, let's hope a killing frost doesn't come around.  That's what happened here a few years ago.  It all but destroyed the apple crop.

By the way, for your information I am now a MadameZoltarist.  That will be my appellation in all political dealings.  I believe in me, no one else.  That way I can avoid being left or right.  I'm MZ.  I'm above petty political name-calling.  Hear me roar.

Junior was out all day yesterday shoveling sidewalks.  He said he "did alright," but didn't disclose the amount.  Hmm.  I'm gonna watch that boy for awhile and make sure everything is on the up and up with him.

Señor Zanza cleared our sidewalk and driveway.  Then he ate breakfast.  Like a horse.  Nothing like a little snow removal to stimulate a man's appetite.  I assume Junior was stuffing himself with candy bars all day. So much for the food pyramid.

Junior has also been lobbying us to get his drivers license and a car.  Yes to his drivers license, no to a car, for now.  I want to see proof of his ability to purchase and maintain an auto.  And pay insurance.  And pay for repairs.  And pay for gas.  Regularly, each month.  I don't think we're quite to that stage yet.  A car would be a great distraction to Junior anyway.  I'd like to see his grades a little higher before we discuss owning vehicles.

Do you think this is true?

I wouldn't be the least surprised if it's true.  Anything is better than Christmas music.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read my blog today.  God bless you.  I love more and more readers.

Would you throw the beer bottle at the bartender?  Ask madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com

It looks like a very slow warm up into next week.  Be careful!  It's winter in Wisconsin, not summer in South Dakota.  Be wary of slippery spots when walking and driving. Slow down.  Nothing is worth an accident.  I love you, Irregulars!

Open Blog - Wednesday

Soup, crackers, potatoes, eggs, bacon, bread, coffee, pop. At least, that's what's planned.

"City Cable Commission Disappears! - YouTube"

From Racine Community Media:

"THE RACINE MAGIC SHOW, MAKING OFFICIAL COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES DISAPPEAR THROUGH LIES AND MANIPULATION."


 
"Racine Mayor John Dickert is completing his takeover of Racine’s Community Access channel by extinguishing an entire cable commission of eight members. After altering and influencing a city RFP bid for the Mayor’s friends, after violating city ordinances for the past 3 years, the city now aims to just change the laws.

"On Tuesday night the Committee Of The Whole will take up the communication of changing all the city laws protecting residents and their rights regarding the community access tv station.

"After violating the city’s own laws over the past couple years, The City Of Racine will now attempt to just change the laws and cover up the illegal activity that took place surrounding the City Of Racine’s public access tv channel and alleged bid rigging and collusion. 

"City Administrator Tom Friedel was caught lying to the Common Council and the community when asked about the City Cable Commission in April of 2015 he said, 'We’ve received all but one resignation' To date the city has received only two resignation letters leaving six active members. Why would the city not appoint replacements? Why would the city eliminate the residents and community at large?"

Read more:  http://racinecommunitymedia.tumblr.com/post/140233433773/city-cable-commission-disappears-youtube


Dirty, lying, cock-smokers!  Will the rule of law and order ever return to Racine?  Not when you have corrupt maggots working in City Hall.

Fucked Again by TWC

My bill keeps creeping up every month.  I tried to find out why.  After 1 and 1/2 hours on the phone, I was still given no rational reason.  They just charge what they want to who they want.

Above is this month's bill and my payment.  I hope they enjoy it.

Oh, I had to go through three customer service reps before I got one that spoke English and wasn't in a call center where other people are yelling.  The last guy I spoke to was in the Philippines.  Think he gives a shit what happens here?  Ha.



I realize that my immature reaction to my TWC woes won't even be seen by TWC initially, but I believe that persistence pays off.  I messed with the bill's barcode, so the computer wilt spit it out and it'll have to be processed manually.  I say 3 or 4 months of that and the payment center will contact TWC and say, "We have a problem."  Little old me.

I'm thinking of having a "FUCK YOU!" rubber stamp made.  That could come in very handy.   

"Ascension Now Owns Wheaton Franciscan Facilities"

From Racine County Eye:

By Denise Lockwood in Breaking · March 1, 2016 · No comments 

"Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, a holding company that owns a number of healthcare related facilities in the Midwest, has finalized the transfer of ownership of its southeast Wisconsin operations to Ascension, the holding company that owns Columbia St. Mary’s.

"Ascension signed a letter of intent in October with the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters to take over all of its operations and corporate services in southeast Wisconsin, which includes eight hospitals, 350 medical group physicians, outpatient centers, transitional and long-term care facilities, home health and hospice, and nearly 11,000 associates as well as its corporate services.

"Anthony Tersigni, president and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension, said the two organizations have a long history of serving people living in poverty and the most vulnerable.

"'We share a commitment to promoting community and the common good, and advocating for a compassionate and just society through actions and words,' said . 'This step is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Catholic healthcare in the U.S.' Officials with Wheaton said they chose Ascension because the organization has a similar mission and values.

"Now that the transfer is completed, Ascension now has 27 hospitals and 150 clinics that employ 24,000 associates. Those entities generated an annual operating revenue of $3.5 billion, according to a joint press release by Ascension and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.

"'We are pleased to become part of Ascension Wisconsin. This relationship will support our efforts in delivering high-quality, compassionate and personalized care in the communities we serve,' said John Oliverio, president and CEO of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare."

Read more: http://racinecountyeye.com/ascension-now-owns-wheaton-franciscan-facilities/


I hope the takeover Improves conditions and attitudes.  And billing.  Lord, PLEASE help them with their billing.

Drew's New Toy!

A couple of weeks ago I had ordered a new camera for Drew it is a Canon Rebel T5. The reason he has a new camera to go birding is the little door on the old camera is not closing he is duct taping it. So the nice person I am I ordered the camera without him knowing about it. Then one day before it came he was complaining about the old camera so I said to him please do not get mad at me when I tell you this and I told him I ordered the new camera and then he was like a little kid and could not wait for it to come. So here are a couple pictures of the new camera and the package deal I got and the deal I paid for it is the original price was $800.00 but I paid $400.00.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Spring is coming, spring is coming, spring is coming. . .

"The Big Share"

The Big Share is TOMORROW! On Tuesday, March 1st, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired will be partnering with Community Shares of Wisconsin in this special 24-hour online giving day.   You can be a part of this awesome community-wide event! Consider making a donation to the Council between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at http://tinyurl.com/h9bpcxb. If the Council has the most donors during that hour, we will receive an additional cash prize! Your donations during this time will help the Council win the "Power Hour" prize, and winning helps spread the word on social media. And that means more people will learn about the Council  and how we can help people with vision loss.  Following your donation you will receive a receipt and much gratitude from the people of Wisconsin who count on the services provided by the Council.   Check our Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the day to stay up to date with our progress! We'll feature fun photos and quotes to keep you entertained and updated.   Thank you for your continued support and for considering a donation to the Council through The Big Share 2016!                              Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Forward this email This email was sent to jgmazelis@wi.rr.com by info@wcblind.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | About our service provider. WI Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired | 754 Williamson St. | Madison | WI | 53703

"Man arrested for 2nd OWI allegedly almost 4 times the legal limit"

From RacineUncovered:

02/29/2016 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Posted by: racineuncovered

Michael Barton-RCJ

"Michael Barton, 35 of Wautoma, has been charged with OWI (2nd), Disorderly Conduct, two counts of Resisting or Obstructing an Officer. He was given a $500 cash bond along with a $2,000 cash bond.
 
"According to the criminal complaint on February 29th, Deputies with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department were patrolling the area of 4 Mile and Douglas Ave, when they observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. The Deputy using his radar documented the vehicle doing 52 mph in a 35 mph zone.
 
"Deputies were able to stop the vehicle and make contact with the defendant, when the defendant stepped out the his vehicle, the Deputy could smell a strong odor of intoxicants. When asked how much the defendant had to drink he replied he had 'one beer', he was asked to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Test, the complaint states.
 
"According to the complaint while doing the test, the deputy observed several signs of impairment. The defendant performed a Preliminary Breath Test, the result was a .308. The defendant was then arrested and transported to Wheaton Franciscan for a legal blood draw, when the defendant became disruptive and a signed warrant was served on the defendant and he began to resist more. The blood draw was completed by hospital personnel and turned over to authorities.
 
"While being transported to the Racine County Jail, the defendant allegedly began yelling profanities and threats to the Deputy and began banging his head onto the plastic headrest, he was turned over to Racine County Jail staff without incident, the complaint reads."

Read more: http://racineuncovered.org/2016/02/man-arrested-for-2nd-owi-allegedly-almost-4-times-the-legal-limit/


I hope he got the "special" ride in transport.

I blew a .24 during my first, only, and last, OWI.  In AA, you can hear people who claim to have blown over .4.  I believe that much is death for most people, but maybe an alcoholic could work up to it.     

Open Blog - Monday

Enjoy!

"2 fall through thin ice on Eagle Lake"

From The Journal Times.com:

2 hours ago  •  By Kristen Zambo

(1) Comments

"DOVER — For the third time in a month, people have broken through thin ice on Eagle Lake."

Read more:  http://journaltimes.com/news/local/fall-through-thin-ice-on-eagle-lake/article_9631a94b-1957-51a2-833b-4512ff63553d.html

We should start a pool on the latest date that a person and/or vehicle breaks through the ice on a Racine County lake this winter/spring.  The person who comes closest to the actual date without going over it wins.

"On Site with Lueb Popoff"

Very pretty!

"Sausage Kitchen has served area for nearly 60 years"

From The Journal Times.com:

20 hours ago  •  By Michael Burke

"RACINE — Like their regular customers, the Miller family boys just keep coming back to the Sausage Kitchen.

"The Sausage Kitchen, 1706 Rapids Drive, has been feeding north-side workers, neighbors, retirees and students since 1958. Situated a few blocks east of Horlick High School, the unpretentious combination sandwich shop, deli and grocery store has been a neighborhood fixture for almost six decades.

"The current operators are Dave and Pat Miller. Dave is the son of the original owners, the late Ted and Lil Miller.

"Originally the Sausage Kitchen had no seating area and was about half its present size. The family opened the eastern end in 1975, just as Ted was in the hospital, dying of cancer.

"'He never saw the restaurant,' Dave said. However, the family did film the new section — which they originally called the House of Sandwiches — and showed it to Ted at the hospital.

"The House of Sandwiches name for the 30-seat diner persisted until roughly 10 years ago, the Millers said, until they reunited both areas under the Sausage Kitchen name.

"Lee’s Deli, 2615 Washington Ave., was a Sausage Kitchen offshoot. Its founder, Lee Neu, worked at Sausage Kitchen from the time he was 'a kid' to about age 30, Dave said, then went off to start his own deli.

"Neu’s departure was Dave’s cue. Unbidden by his father, Dave quit college during his second year and rejoined the family business, sliding into Neu’s spot as assistant manager.

"Had he not, Dave said, 'I think I was going to be a teacher.'

"Not sounding very serious, he added, 'Every June 10 I’m irritated that I didn’t do that, because I would probably have the summer off.'

"The conclusion of Dave’s story about joining his father’s business involves his and Pat’s own son, Chris. 'I never asked Chris to come in,' Dave said.

"But just as Dave had, during Chris’ second year of college, he answered the Sausage Kitchen’s siren call, quit college and joined the family business.

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/business/local/sausage-kitchen-has-served-area-for-nearly-years/article_9224d308-ee5f-57ff-864d-4eff1bd8f5b4.html

http://www.sausagekitchenracine.com/

When I was a kid, my parents stopped by the deli regularly.  It had all sorts of weird shit like blood sausage and headcheese and very dark rye bread that my parents, as eastern Europeans, loved.  They'd also go to the original Houmann's Fish Market on State St. and buy shit like a small keg of herring.  I could never eat the stuff they did.

At the old apartment building, there was an elderly Polish man named Wes who took a liking to me.  Occasionally, he'd give me weird, exotic (to me) food he had picked up in Chicago while visiting his sister.  Talk about ethnic cuisine!  Because of my heritage, Wes assumed I would like the food.  I always thanked him profusely and then gave the food to my mother, who loved it.

Wes was also a rather little man who would occasionally get drunk and look for trouble in the lobby.  I saw him go up to a large black resident one time and start shouting, "Baboon! Baboon!" in the man's face.  The man could've swatted Wes like a fly, but he was cool enough to realize Wes was drunk and just ignored him.  Wes is a whole 'nother story.

"Racine County Supervisor Monte Osterman Still Owes The City of Racine $1,951.11"

From News the JT Can't Use:

Read more:  https://newsthejtcantuse.wordpress.com/2016/02/23/racine-county-supervisor-monte-osterman-still-owes-the-city-of-racine-1951-11/

"Making Charcoal"

This is a job I may be able to do part time. Orbs Premium Charcoal Briquettes. Handmade to perfection. I can take out all my aggression on busting those sticks/small logs into smaller pieces..  With a rock.   Burn, Baby, Burn!

You see that guy walk around the forest barefoot - Jesus, I always wore my boots in the landscape.  I"m surprised he didn't say, "Ooga! Booga!" and pound his chest.  I would.