Best of The Gazette, May 12: Pizza, prisoners and healing horses
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The Gazette publishes a lot of news in a week. Combine that with all the distractions a weekend brings, and that means there's a good chance you might have missed some important stories. Here's a look at of some of The Gazette's best content from the last week or so:
NEWS
Janesville businesses wary of state plans for Highway 14 during Interstate construction
Jim Campbell sees Milton's bypass as a cautionary tale. The Janesville businessman is worried that if he and others don't keep on top of the state Department of Transportation's plans to temporarily close interchanges during the Interstate 90/39 expansion, north side businesses could be cut off from half of Interstate travelers. Here's a look at what the future could hold for these companies.
SMILES at 30: Thousands enjoy therapeutic riding program
Thousands of clients have benefited from SMILES in Walworth County since it began 30 years ago. The program, which serves local children and adults with special needs, relies on horses for a unique take on therapy. “There are so many ways horses with their healing powers can help people,” says Executive director Gay Stran. “We see success stories every day.”
SPORTS
Jets championship aspirations grounded with sweep
Just like that, a magical season came to a screeching halt for the Janesville Jets. Tyler Cline flipped in a backhander at 1:08 of overtime Saturday night to lift the Minnesota Wilderness to a 2-1 win over the Jets and a shocking sweep of the best-of-three Robertson Cup semifinal series at the Ice Arena. “Obviously it's not the result we wanted, but I'd take these 23 guys any day of the week over any other team in our league,” Janesville coach Joe Dibble said.
Ted Peck: Mississippi River bereft of anglers
For many anglers, consistently catching fish on the Mississippi River is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, forever flowing downstream. The river can bring excellent angling one day and abysmal results the next with no discernible reason why. Not that local fishers would know, Outdoors columnist Ted Peck says. The river's waters have been eerily silent this year.
OPINION
Our Views: Rock County sheriff's patrols building stability in Beloit
Beloit's troubles are a microcosm of urban wars being fought in big cities such as Milwaukee and Baltimore. Unified efforts are needed to stop this spiral of violence. That's why the Rock County Sheriff's Office deserves kudos for its “surge,” which appears to be directly driving down violent crime.
Greg Peck: Janesville once hosted WWII prisoners
Sgt. Lloyd “Moose” Algrem recently shared his memories of the Korean War with reporter Marcia Nelesen. But the veteran also remembers World War II, a time when German prisoners of war were housed in Janesville. Here's Algrem's story, retold by Opinion Editor Greg Peck.
ENTERTAINMENT
Restaurant Review: Sal's special pies reintroduce patrons to pizza
Salvatore's Tomato Pies in Madison has enjoyed great popularity and acclaim for its authentic pizzas featuring fresh, local ingredients. If you're a pizza lover and would like to experience pies that are out of the ordinary, a trip to Sal's would be well worth your while, restaurant reviewer Bill Livick writes.
Press Start: Why I double-dipped with 'Grand Theft Auto V'
"Grand Theft Auto V" is such a great game that columnist Jake Magee bought it twice. He's having even more fun with it than he had the first time around. Here's why.
LIVING
Young mother with six children: 'Every day is exciting'
At 26, Colleen Novit knows many of her peers are still thinking about having families. But with six children, including two adopted ones with special needs, she is a committed mom with no regrets. “What isn't there to enjoy about being a mother?” she asks. “Every day is exciting.”
ProjectLab: How to install a new cord on an old fluorescent lamp
The old, fluorescent lamp came with the home. It used to provide light. Then, the power cord fell apart, flipping a breaker and plunging DIYer Andrew Reuter into the dark. Can the lamp be saved? Might as well try, he writes.
WATCH/LISTEN
Xtra Points Show: Counsell takes over Crew; high school races heat up
It was time for the Milwaukee Brewers to make a change, and they did so recently when they fired Ron Roenicke and replaced him with Craig Counsell. Counsell began his managerial career with an exciting victory, but is it enough to keep Gazette sports editor Eric Schmoldt and writer John Barry interested heading into the summer?
Glen Loyd Videos: Friendly Purple Martins returning to Wisconsin
Purple Martins are returning to Wisconsin after wintering in South America. But if you want to enjoy a colony of these friendly creatures, better build or buy some Purple Martin birdhouses. Or, you could watch this video from Glen Loyd.