With snow gently falling in Waukesha County, over 50 cars found themselves in wrecks last night in the area, making already dangerous driving conditions even more frustrating for motorists traveling along I-94.

Reports from dispatchers say 21 cars were found in ditches and another 27 were damages between 8 and 10:15 p.m. last night.

The crashes were happening in both directions on I-94 near Highway F. Nine of the crashes resulted in injuries, but there were no deaths reported along the slick stretch of I-94.

According to some comments on jsonline.com, many of the crashes could be the result of reckless driving and failure to notice the clearing, but still dangerous, conditions on the road.

Popularity: 9% [?]

MillerCoors is celebrating the holiday season with a series of programs and partnerships to help prevent drunk driving and encourage consumers to plan ahead for a safe celebration. The company will launch its signature Miller Lite Free Rides™ program in five cities on New Year’s Eve and urges consumers nationwide to never drive drunk.

“We believe there is no greater responsibility than ensuring our great beers are consumed responsibly, and encourage consumers to plan ahead for a safe celebration and never drive drunk,” said Kim Marotta, vice president of corporate social responsibility for MillerCoors. “Whether they choose alternative transportation, designate a driver or stay overnight at a hotel or friend’s home, there is always a better option than driving drunk.”

Miller Lite Free Rides, which offers free public transportation during key holidays, will be offered on New Year’s Eve in Chicago, Milwaukee/Waukesha and Madison, Wisconsin, and for the first time ever in Baltimore.  In 2010 alone the Miller Lite Free Rides program has been offered in 13 cities to 354,169 riders, at different events such as the Kentucky Derby and St. Patrick’s Day, among others across the country. In its 23-year history, Free Rides has provided more than 2.4 million safe rides, helping to keep the holidays enjoyable.

In addition, MillerCoors is implementing a number of programs nationwide to provide alternative transportation:

• 1-800-TAXICAB, a national taxi dispatch service, reminds people there is always an alternative to driving drunk. Locating a cab is easy – no matter where you’re located; dial the toll free number and you will automatically be connected with a local-area taxi company.
• In partnership with the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Colorado Department of Transportation, MillerCoors is providing free rides on New Year’s Eve throughout the Denver metro area.
• Cab vouchers are being offered in more than 30 markets to help encourage consumers to choose alternative transportation rather than drive under the influence, including in Denver, Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins.
• Take the pledge at www.GreatBeerGreatResponsibility.com to prevent drunk driving and join MillerCoors “One Million Strong” effort. Legal-aged consumers can also share their plan to celebrate the holidays responsibly and be entered to win one of four gift cards valued at $500 to put towards that plan.

MillerCoors believes that with great beer, comes great responsibility. 

Popularity: 23% [?]

Using 21st century technology to help researchers understand more about an 18th century mummy, an adult female mummy born in 1770 in Vac, Hungary will undergo a non-invasive computerized tomography (CT) scan at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee on Friday, December 10.

The scan of the mummy from Vac, Veronica Orlovits, was organized by the Milwaukee Public Museum in collaboration with American Exhibitions, Inc., the German Mummy Project based at the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums (REM) in Mannheim, Germany and the Hungarian Natural History Museum in Budapest, Hungary, to help determine the mummy’s state of preservation and any disease or injury she may have had.

Orlovits is one of a three-member mummy family on loan from the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, as part of Mummies of the World, the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, making its Midwest debut December 17 at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

This groundbreaking exhibition, brought to the United States by American Exhibitions, Inc. (AEI), in association with the REM, reveals how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient peoples and civilizations from around the world.

“CT scans and other science tools represent the gold standard in studying mummies, helping us to learn much more about how people lived and died,” says Dr. Heather Gill-Frerking, the scientific research coordinator for the German Mummy Project (GMP), based at the REM. “These techniques are also non-destructive and provide a complete three-dimensional archive record, which also allows us to preserve the mummies for future generations.”

“We are honored to have been selected by the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums, and hope that our advanced technology will be useful in their studies,” says Bill Hart, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee.

The Orlovits family is part of a group of 18th century mummies discovered in Vac, Hungary, in 1994. Reconstruction of parts of a Dominican church just north of Budapest uncovered two long-forgotten burial crypts dating back to 1674 and sealed in 1838.

Michael Orlovits (born 1765), Veronica Orlovits and their son Johannes (born 1800) were among those preserved by the cool, dry air of the crypt and the oil from the pine shavings that lined some of the coffins. Extensive research, including DNA analysis, has already revealed that Veronica Orlovits suffered from severe tuberculosis. The scan conducted at Columbia St. Mary’s on Veronica will help confirm this analysis, as well as provide insight on any other diseases or injuries she may have suffered. Without invasive techniques, the scan also will reveal the exact condition of preservation of the mummy over the past 245 years.

Mummies of the World has been years in the making and brings to the U.S. a never-before-seen collection of mummies and related artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt. The mummies and related artifacts are on loan from 20 world-renowned museums and collections in seven countries. Its remarkable specimens include one of the oldest mummy infants ever discovered; a mummified family (Orlovits family) from Vac, Hungary; a German nobleman discovered in a family crypt by descendants; and intentionally preserved Egyptian animal and human mummies.

This important exhibition, making a three-year, seven-city tour around the country, dispels some of the notions and misconceptions about mummies and uses science tools to reach across time, demonstrating how scientific methods can illuminate the historic record and enhance our knowledge about cultures around the world. It also shows that mummification – both through natural processes and intentional practices – has taken place all over the globe, from the hot desert sands of South America to remote European moors and bogs.

Mummies of the World is a ticketed event and requires a timed entry. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Tickets are available to be purchased online at www.mpm.edu or by calling 414-223.4676.

More information about the exhibition is online: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Reporting the most optimistic hiring expectations in more than two years, U.S. employers anticipate small staffing gains for Quarter 1 2011, according to the seasonally adjusted results of the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc. The adjusted Outlook for Quarter 1 2011 is +9%, up from +5% during the same period last year and +5% during Quarter 4 2010.

This quarter’s survey reveals:

• Five Straight Quarters of Employment Growth: Employers report a positive overall hiring Outlook since the start of 2010, according to seasonally adjusted data.
• Widespread Stability: The percentage of employers planning to keep staff levels unchanged persists at unsurpassed levels, and those in seven of the 13 industry sectors surveyed expect to remain relatively stable compared to Quarter 4 2010.
• Current Outlook Still Below Past Decade’s Average: Despite positive signals, the Quarter 1 2011 Outlook is nearly five percentage points below the average Outlook from 2001 to 2010.

“Across nearly all geographies in the world, the confidence to do additional hiring is improving,” said Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres. “However, like the U.S., the lack of robust demand for products and services is creating a persistent level of uncertainty.”

Of the more than 18,000 employers surveyed, 14% anticipate an increase in staff levels in their Quarter 1 2011 hiring plans, while 10% expect a decrease in payrolls, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of +4%. When seasonally adjusted, the Net Employment Outlook becomes +9%. Seventy- three percent of employers expect no change in their hiring plans. The final 3% of employers indicate they are undecided about their hiring intentions.

“The fact that hiring expectations are trending upward is an encouraging sign,” said Jonas Prising, Manpower president of the Americas. “This quarter’s survey responses paint a picture of a job market that is easing up, although not as quickly as anyone would like. We are still stuck in first gear, but the ongoing sector-wide improvement we have seen over the last year suggests that the labor market is ready to shift to a higher gear in 2011.”

Employers in 11 of the 13 industry sectors surveyed have a positive Outlook for Quarter 1 2011: Leisure & Hospitality (+12%), Professional & Business Services (+11%), Information (+10%), Wholesale & Retail Trade (+10%), Mining (+6%), Durable Goods Manufacturing (+6%), Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (+6%), Education & Health Services (+6%), Other Services (+4%), Financial Activities (+4%) and Transportation & Utilities (+2%). The January – March 2011 Outlook is negative in the Construction (-9%) industry, while Government (0%) hiring is expected to be flat. Employers in two industry sectors, Mining and Wholesale & Retail Trade, expect their hiring pace to decrease compared to the previous quarter, while those in three industry sectors, Information, Education & Health Services and Leisure & Hospitality, anticipate staff levels picking up. Hiring plans are relatively stable in the remaining industry sectors.

Compared to one year ago, employers in all four U.S. geographic regions surveyed anticipate an increased pace of hiring. Employers in the Midwest and South have the most optimistic view, with a Net Employment Outlook of +10%. The Outlook is +9% for employers in the Northeast and +7% for those in the West. When adjusting for seasonal variations, employers in the Northeast, Midwest and West anticipate a moderate increase in hiring compared to one year ago at this time, while employers in the South expect a slight increase. Quarter over quarter, employers in the West report the strongest growth in job prospects with a six point increase.

*The Net Employment Outlook, often shortened to simply Outlook or NEO, is derived by taking the percentage of employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and subtracting from this the percentage of employers expecting a decrease in hiring activity.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Holiday cheer will come early for some of the 50,000 U.S. and Coalition Armed Forces serving in the Middle East. This November and December, Harley-Davidson Motor Company is teaming up with Bikes Over Baghdad for seven unforgettable and adrenaline-packed action sports performances at military bases throughout Iraq and Kuwait, all with one mission in mind: to thank our troops.

“Harley-Davidson shares a deep sense of freedom and patriotism with the U.S. Armed Forces, and we are grateful for their many sacrifices, dedication and hard work,” said Mike McCann, director of core customer marketing at Harley-Davidson. “We have a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Military, and teaming up with Bikes Over Baghdad is a great way to show our appreciation. We are honored and excited to be part of this tour.”

Bikes Over Baghdad (BOB) is a BMX exhibition made up of an elite handful of the world’s best action sports athletes, announcers and ramp builders. The upcoming tour is the third of its kind, following two popular visits in 2009. McCann will be joining the team November 28 through December 9 as they travel to Iraq and Kuwait to perform for an estimated 20,000 U.S. troops, most of whom have little or no access to entertainment of any kind.

For the athletes who make up the tour – Chad Kagy, Brian Kachinsky, Mike Escamilla, Anthony Napolitan, Drew Bezanson, Zack Yankush, Mykel Larrin, Ron Kimler and Nate Wessel – BOB3 means putting their lives at risk to provide a few hours of escape, excitement, and camaraderie with those who have given everything to protect America’s freedom.

“Our mission in Iraq is simple. We want to show the troops that we care, that America hasn’t forgotten about them,” said Brian Kachinsky, an X Games bronze medalist who participated in the first two BOB tours and calls the experience “exhilarating, intense and life-changing.” He’ll never forget performing in 120-degree heat and shaking hands with soldiers who thanked him for being there. “It’s crazy when the troops thank us for performing,” said Kachinsky. “We’re the ones who should be thanking them. They’re the real heroes, not us.”

Kachinsky’s highlights of past BOB tours include flying in a Blackhawk helicopter, sleeping in Saddam Hussein’s palace, detonating C4 explosives, and experiencing what daily life is like for the troops in Iraq. But it was time simply spent hanging out with the troops, talking about their families, homes, and war zone experiences that really made an impact on BOB team members. They were told time and again by service men and women that, for just a few hours, they were able to forget they were in Iraq.

“The troops love the adrenaline and excitement of the Bikes Over Baghdad shows,” said McCann. “It’s an incredible feeling for us to get to participate in something that celebrates and shares the spirit of youthful adventure for which Harley-Davidson has long been known.”

McCann will give out free Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and other merchandise and gifts at each performance. One service member will also win a brand new 2011 Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson and the Military

Harley-Davidson’s commitment to the U.S. military dates back almost 100 years. After use in the Mexican Expedition, the U.S. military commissioned nearly one-third of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles produced in 1917 to support efforts during World War I, and nearly half of the Motor Company’s production in 1918. At war’s end, it’s estimated that the Army used as many as 20,000 motorcycles. During World War II, the Motor Company provided nearly 90,000 WLA models for military use. In 1943, Harley-Davidson received the first of its four coveted Army-Navy “E” Awards for excellence in wartime production.

Today Harley-Davidson continues to support U.S. military personnel through programs like the Harley’s Heroes® Tour. In 2007, the Harley-Davidson Foundation made its first $1 million grant to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to support the Mobile Service Office program, which has become known as the Harley’s Heroes Tour. This year, the Foundation made a second $1 million grant, continuing its support of the program, which provides counseling and assistance to help veterans and their families secure the benefits they earned through their service.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Forty-four CITGO gas stations across southeastern Wisconsin are joining together this holiday season to light up the lives of children in need. In partnership with local radio station FM 106.1, participating CITGO stations will be collecting toys from Nov. 22 to Dec. 12 in support of Toys for Tots. Individuals from across the community are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating CITGO locations to help make the holidays brighter for thousands of local children.

“The ongoing support of children and families in Wisconsin each holiday season is just one of the many ways in which local CITGO marketers and retailers fuel good in the communities they serve,” said Gustavo Velasquez with CITGO Petroleum Corporation. “Now more than ever it is important that local businesses lead the way in support of those in need. We are especially proud of our Milwaukee area CITGO retailers and the good work they do to make a difference in the lives of others. We invite everyone to do what they can to support local families this winter.”

Continuing its seven year partnership, southeastern Wisconsin CITGO marketers and retailers, local radio station FM 106.1 and the United States Marine Corps Reserve will collect new toys and games to raise cheer for needy children across the community. With the generous support of customers, friends and neighbors across the region, Wisconsin CITGO retailers provide thousands of toys to area families each year.

“This is the perfect opportunity to assist families in need and help them find joy this holiday season,” said Dan Besch, brand, wholesale operations and marketing manager with Garrow Oil Company. “As a local business based in Wisconsin for more than 38 years, we are always looking for ways to support our neighbors. We hope that all of our customers will dig deep into their pocketbooks and hearts to spread the excitement of a new toy or game for a local child, who might otherwise go without. It is vital that we rally to help support our community, one child at a time.”

The idea of giving back to those in need through is a core value of CITGO and is aligned with the social development principles of its shareholder, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Wisconsin CITGO marketers and retailers, operating more than 300 gas stations in Wisconsin, are proud to lead the effort for the Toys for Tots collection and encourage everyone to give whatever they can in support of children in need.

For a full list of participating locally owned CITGO stations and to find the drop off point closest to you visit www.fm106.com/pages/stationevents.html. For more information on additional ways that CITGO makes a difference in Wisconsin, and to enter the CITGO Fueling Good program for a chance to be rewarded for your own good deeds with a year’s supply of fuel, visit www.FuelingGood.com.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gary Wistrom, a disabled veteran and longtime employee of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), has filed a claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division charging that he was forced into retirement because he provided a state investigative agency with truthful testimony concerning remarks made by Department Secretary Ken Black that disparaged the department for employing too many “old white men.”

Wistrom participated in a meeting where WDVA Secretary Ken Black made his remarks. Following that meeting, department employee Randall Nitschke filed a discrimination complaint alleging that he was demoted because he was a man who was too old and the wrong race, according to Wistrom’s attorney, Peter Fox, of Fox & Fox, S.C.

To corroborate his complaint, Nitschke sought affidavits from fellow employees who were present and heard Black’s derogatory remarks about old white male employees of the department.  Wistrom informed his supervisors that he had been asked for an affidavit and would provide truthful information regarding the statements made by Black.

Wistrom had been successfully employed as the Assistant Administrator of Homes in Union Grove, Wis. at the time he provided his affidavit.  However, shortly after submitting his testimony regarding the Black comments, he was summarily ordered by his superiors to report to an undefined position in Madison, Wis.   The new job would require a commute of more than 200 miles, travel that would pose a danger to Wistrom due to severe disabilities arising from his military service.

The WDVA refused to consider accommodating his disabilities by allowing him to remain in his Union Grove position. The department also refused his multiple requests for information regarding the expected job duties of the new position.

“Colonel Wistrom made the commute and reported for duty in Madison on October 25, 2010.  Predictably, the travel made him ill.  To avoid further damage to his health and potential danger to others on the highway, Colonel Wistrom was forced to retire,” said attorney Fox.

Wistrom served around the world in the Air Force for nearly 30 years, including a joint service assignment in Europe with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and lengthy service in senior level personnel management positions.  He became a permanent employee of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in 2002

“Although Gov. Doyle has proclaimed that veterans bring unique qualifications to both private and state government employment, the WDVA appears to view military service as undesirable baggage for employment in their department.  The department is also directed to give special consideration to veterans such as Colonel Wistrom who have been disabled by their service to our country and not to, once again, put them in harm’s way as part of their civilian employment,” says Fox.

*A copy of Wistrom’s ERD Complaint can be made available upon request.

Popularity: 10% [?]

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announces the latest inductees into the AEM Hall of Fame, which honors the pioneering individuals who have invented, managed, built and led the off-road equipment industry.

The 2010 inductees are:

• Jim Gorman of The Gorman-Rupp Company
• Dr. Hans Liebherr of Liebherr Company

The AEM Hall of Fame seeks to create a wider public understanding and appreciation of the industry’s role in global economic and social prosperity, not only in the past but for the future. The achievements and significant contributions of inductees also serve as an inspiration for future industry leaders.

Candidates are judged by an independent panel of industry experts and supporters on how well they exemplify five guiding principles: innovation, industry contributions, leadership, corporate citizenship/social responsibility and sustainability.

“We are pleased to recognize these individuals whose vision and leadership have contributed greatly to the growth and strength of our industry and of our quality of life,” stated AEM President Dennis Slater.

Since its inception in 1993, more than 35 industry leaders have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. For more information go online to www.aemHallofFame.com.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Financial security and access to resources is the number one predictor of whether domestic violence victims will stay or leave an abusive relationship, according to recent research. A new partnership between The Allstate Foundation and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence will make that choice a little easier. The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program will award $70,000 to the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence to support economic empowerment strategies for survivors.

The financial impact for a domestic violence survivor can last for years while the survivor works to repair or build credit, build assets and secure housing, childcare and transportation. In its fifth year, the Moving Ahead Economic Empowerment Grant program provides funding in the areas of financial education, job readiness and training, match savings programs or individual development accounts (IDA) and micro-loans, helping survivors on their path to financial security.

“Survivors need access to information and strategies that this grant program provides now more than ever to help them on their path to financial freedom,” said Jennifer Kuhn, program manager for The Allstate Foundation’s Domestic Violence Program. “The current economic climate demands that financial empowerment services be provided on the local level. The Allstate Foundation is proud to support these efforts and help make financial security a reality for many survivors.”

The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence will use the funding to promote services for survivor economic stability and safety. A program at Sojourner Center will provide intensive educational and job readiness programming, financial literacy training, matched savings/IDA and micro-loans to empower more than 500 survivors.

The grant program has provided more than $575,000 to ten state domestic violence coalitions this year. As a part of The Allstate Foundation’s commitment to ending domestic violence, the Moving Ahead Grant programs have provided more than $15 million in programming and direct support since their inception.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Erich Strausbaugh, a Kenosha cop involved in the questionable shooting death of Michael Bell in 2004, has killed himself.

The 34 year old was feeling residual stress of the ordeal and had marital problems weighing on his head. As a reminder, Strausbaugh killed the 21 year old Bell in his driveway six years ago after conducting a  traffic stop. Bell was forced to the ground and tased by Strausburgh and a second cop, while another officer shot him in the head at close range.

The family of Michael Bell won a $1.75  million settlement in March at the department’s expense.

Strausburgh was praised by his department as an exemplary officer despite the blemish and doubt surrounding the traumatic event. He is the second officer in six months to die by his own hand in the Kenosha Police Department. It has been estimated that every 17 to 21 hours, a cop commits suicide, with 30 to 40 percent of living officers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Popularity: 16% [?]